Direct (nonstop) flights from Chicago to Washington

1 airline flys nonstop from Chicago Midway International (MDW) to Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA). It's 600 miles (965 km), about 1h 50m in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
DCA
Ronald Reagan Washington National
🇺🇸 Washington, USA
Flight Time
1h 50m
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
MDW → DCA
Flight Time
1h 50m
Distance
600 mi

Alternative Routes

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

MDW CMH (Columbus) DCA
Leg 1: 1h 13m (282 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (322 mi) Total: ~2h 38m 🍃 137 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → CMH
1h 13m · 282 mi
View MDW to CMH flights →
Leg 2
CMH → DCA
1h 25m · 322 mi
View CMH to DCA flights →
MDW MKE (Milwaukee) DCA
Leg 1: 45m (80 mi) Leg 2: 1h 55m (634 mi) Total: ~2h 40m 🍃 157 kg CO₂ (+41% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → MKE
45m · 80 mi
View MDW to MKE flights →
Leg 2
MKE → DCA
1h 55m · 634 mi
View MKE to DCA flights →
MDW PIT (Pittsburgh) DCA
Leg 1: 1h 25m (400 mi) Leg 2: 1h 17m (205 mi) Total: ~2h 42m 🍃 137 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → PIT
1h 25m · 400 mi
View MDW to PIT flights →
Leg 2
PIT → DCA
1h 17m · 205 mi
View PIT to DCA flights →
MDW CLE (Cleveland) DCA
Leg 1: 1h 15m (306 mi) Leg 2: 1h 28m (309 mi) Total: ~2h 43m 🍃 139 kg CO₂ (+25% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → CLE
1h 15m · 306 mi
View MDW to CLE flights →
Leg 2
CLE → DCA
1h 28m · 309 mi
View CLE to DCA flights →
MDW DTW (Detroit) DCA
Leg 1: 1h 10m (227 mi) Leg 2: 1h 34m (405 mi) Total: ~2h 44m 🍃 142 kg CO₂ (+28% vs. direct)
Leg 1
MDW → DTW
1h 10m · 227 mi
View MDW to DTW flights →
Leg 2
DTW → DCA
1h 34m · 405 mi
View DTW to DCA flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Chicago to Washington?

A nonstop flight from Chicago (MDW) to Washington (DCA) takes approximately 1 hours and 50 minutes. The distance is 600 miles (965 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to Washington?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to Washington?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Chicago from Washington?

The flight distance from Chicago to Washington 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 Chicago to Washington?

At 1h 50m, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

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

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

Is the return flight from Washington to Chicago 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 Chicago to Washington?

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 Chicago Midway International for this flight?

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