Direct (nonstop) flights from Houston to Chicago

4 airlines fly nonstop from George Bush Intcntl Houston (IAH) to Chicago O Hare International (ORD). It's 925 miles (1,488 km), about 2h 46m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines and others.

IAH
George Bush Intcntl Houston
🇺🇸 Houston, USA
ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
2h 46m
Distance
925 mi
1,488 km
CO₂/pax
171 kg
−25 kg vs. layover
Airlines
4
American Airlines +3
Time Diff
Same timezone
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines Frontier Airlines Frontier Airlines Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 28, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
IAH → ORD
Flight Time
2h 46m
Distance
925 mi
Frontier Airlines F9 Frontier Airlines
Route
IAH → ORD
Flight Time
2h 46m
Distance
925 mi
Spirit Airlines NK Spirit Airlines
Route
IAH → ORD
Flight Time
2h 46m
Distance
925 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
IAH → ORD
Flight Time
2h 46m
Distance
925 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Houston to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 171 kg CO₂ per passenger

IAH STL (Saint Louis) ORD
Leg 1: 2h 9m (667 mi) Leg 2: 1h 29m (258 mi) Total: ~3h 38m 🍃 196 kg CO₂ (+15% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → STL
2h 9m · 667 mi
View IAH to STL flights →
Leg 2
STL → ORD
1h 29m · 258 mi
View STL to ORD flights →
IAH SGF (Springfield) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 50m (512 mi) Leg 2: 1h 48m (439 mi) Total: ~3h 38m 🍃 201 kg CO₂ (+18% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → SGF
1h 50m · 512 mi
View IAH to SGF flights →
Leg 2
SGF → ORD
1h 48m · 439 mi
View SGF to ORD flights →
IAH LIT (Little Rock) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 35m (374 mi) Leg 2: 2h 4m (552 mi) Total: ~3h 39m 🍃 196 kg CO₂ (+15% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → LIT
1h 35m · 374 mi
View IAH to LIT flights →
Leg 2
LIT → ORD
2h 4m · 552 mi
View LIT to ORD flights →
IAH TUL (Tulsa) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 39m (429 mi) Leg 2: 2h 4m (585 mi) Total: ~3h 43m 🍃 212 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → TUL
1h 39m · 429 mi
View IAH to TUL flights →
Leg 2
TUL → ORD
2h 4m · 585 mi
View TUL to ORD flights →
IAH MEM (Memphis) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 40m (468 mi) Leg 2: 2h 3m (491 mi) Total: ~3h 43m 🍃 203 kg CO₂ (+19% vs. direct)
Leg 1
IAH → MEM
1h 40m · 468 mi
View IAH to MEM flights →
Leg 2
MEM → ORD
2h 3m · 491 mi
View MEM to ORD flights →

Looking for the return flight?

ORD → IAH: Flights from Chicago to Houston

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Houston to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Houston (IAH) to Chicago (ORD) takes approximately 2 hours and 46 minutes. The distance is 925 miles (1,488 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Houston to Chicago?

4 airlines: American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Houston to Chicago?

Yes. 4 airlines: American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Houston from Chicago?

The flight distance from Houston to Chicago is 925 miles (1,488 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Madrid.

What type of aircraft flies from Houston to Chicago?

At 2h 46m, 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 Houston to Chicago?

Roughly 171 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 855 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago to Houston 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 Houston 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 George Bush Intcntl Houston for this flight?

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