Direct (nonstop) flights from Washington to Chicago

2 airlines fly nonstop from Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) to Chicago O Hare International (ORD). It's 611 miles (984 km), about 2h 19m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, United Airlines.

DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
🇺🇸 Washington, USA
ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
2h 19m
Distance
611 mi
984 km
CO₂/pax
113 kg
−26 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
American Airlines +1
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
DCA → ORD
Flight Time
2h 19m
Distance
611 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
DCA → ORD
Flight Time
2h 19m
Distance
611 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Washington to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 113 kg CO₂ per passenger

DCA PIT (Pittsburgh) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 14m (205 mi) Leg 2: 1h 53m (411 mi) Total: ~3h 7m 🍃 139 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → PIT
1h 14m · 205 mi
View DCA to PIT flights →
Leg 2
PIT → ORD
1h 53m · 411 mi
View PIT to ORD flights →
DCA GRR (Grand Rapids) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 55m (524 mi) Leg 2: 1h 13m (136 mi) Total: ~3h 8m 🍃 147 kg CO₂ (+30% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → GRR
1h 55m · 524 mi
View DCA to GRR flights →
Leg 2
GRR → ORD
1h 13m · 136 mi
View GRR to ORD flights →
DCA CLE (Cleveland) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 31m (309 mi) Leg 2: 1h 38m (316 mi) Total: ~3h 9m 🍃 140 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → CLE
1h 31m · 309 mi
View DCA to CLE flights →
Leg 2
CLE → ORD
1h 38m · 316 mi
View CLE to ORD flights →
DCA SBN (South Bend) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 58m (527 mi) Leg 2: 1h 11m (84 mi) Total: ~3h 9m 🍃 139 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → SBN
1h 58m · 527 mi
View DCA to SBN flights →
Leg 2
SBN → ORD
1h 11m · 84 mi
View SBN to ORD flights →
DCA LAN (Lansing) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 50m (478 mi) Leg 2: 1h 20m (178 mi) Total: ~3h 10m 🍃 147 kg CO₂ (+30% vs. direct)
Leg 1
DCA → LAN
1h 50m · 478 mi
View DCA to LAN flights →
Leg 2
LAN → ORD
1h 20m · 178 mi
View LAN to ORD flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Washington to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Washington (DCA) to Chicago (ORD) takes approximately 2 hours and 19 minutes. The distance is 611 miles (984 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Washington to Chicago?

2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Washington to Chicago?

Yes. 2 airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Washington from Chicago?

The flight distance from Washington to Chicago is 611 miles (984 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 19m, this route typically uses narrow-body or mid-range jets — Boeing 737 MAX or Airbus A320neo. Varies by airline.

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

Roughly 113 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 565 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.