Direct (nonstop) flights from Washington to Chicago

1 airline flys nonstop from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Chicago Midway International (MDW). It's 600 miles (965 km), about 2h in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
🇺🇸 Washington, USA
MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
2h
Distance
600 mi
965 km
CO₂/pax
111 kg
−26 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 31, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
DCA → MDW
Flight Time
2h
Distance
600 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Washington to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 111 kg CO₂ per passenger

DCA PIT (Pittsburgh) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 14m (205 mi) Leg 2: 1h 30m (400 mi) Total: ~2h 44m 🍃 137 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → PIT
1h 14m · 205 mi
View DCA to PIT flights →
Leg 2
PIT → MDW
1h 30m · 400 mi
View PIT to MDW flights →
DCA CLE (Cleveland) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 31m (309 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (306 mi) Total: ~2h 46m 🍃 139 kg CO₂ (+25% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → CLE
1h 31m · 309 mi
View DCA to CLE flights →
Leg 2
CLE → MDW
1h 15m · 306 mi
View CLE to MDW flights →
DCA CMH (Columbus) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 34m (322 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (282 mi) Total: ~2h 49m 🍃 137 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → CMH
1h 34m · 322 mi
View DCA to CMH flights →
Leg 2
CMH → MDW
1h 15m · 282 mi
View CMH to MDW flights →
DCA CVG (Cincinnati) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 45m (410 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (249 mi) Total: ~2h 55m 🍃 147 kg CO₂ (+32% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → CVG
1h 45m · 410 mi
View DCA to CVG flights →
Leg 2
CVG → MDW
1h 10m · 249 mi
View CVG to MDW flights →
DCA DTW (Detroit) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 42m (405 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (227 mi) Total: ~2h 57m 🍃 142 kg CO₂ (+28% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → DTW
1h 42m · 405 mi
View DCA to DTW flights →
Leg 2
DTW → MDW
1h 15m · 227 mi
View DTW to MDW flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Washington to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Washington (DCA) to Chicago (MDW) takes approximately 2 hours. The distance is 600 miles (965 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Washington to Chicago?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Washington to Chicago?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Washington from Chicago?

The flight distance from Washington to Chicago is 600 miles (965 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as the length of Italy.

What type of aircraft flies from Washington to Chicago?

At 2h, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Washington to Chicago?

Roughly 111 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 555 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago to Washington also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Washington to Chicago?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Ronald Reagan Washington National for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.