Direct (nonstop) flights from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago

3 airlines fly nonstop from Raleigh–Durham Airport (RDU) to Chicago O Hare International (ORD). It's 646 miles (1,039 km), about 2h 30m in the air. Operated by American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines.

RDU
Raleigh–Durham Airport
🇺🇸 Raleigh/Durham, USA
ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
2h 30m
Distance
646 mi
1,039 km
CO₂/pax
119 kg
−28 kg vs. layover
Airlines
3
American Airlines +2
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by American Airlines American Airlines Frontier Airlines Frontier Airlines United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 26, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

American Airlines AA American Airlines
Route
RDU → ORD
Flight Time
2h 30m
Distance
646 mi
Frontier Airlines F9 Frontier Airlines
Route
RDU → ORD
Flight Time
2h 30m
Distance
646 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
RDU → ORD
Flight Time
2h 30m
Distance
646 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 119 kg CO₂ per passenger

RDU CMH (Columbus) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 28m (362 mi) Leg 2: 1h 37m (296 mi) Total: ~3h 5m 🍃 147 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → CMH
1h 28m · 362 mi
View RDU to CMH flights →
Leg 2
CMH → ORD
1h 37m · 296 mi
View CMH to ORD flights →
RDU IND (Indianapolis) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 53m (488 mi) Leg 2: 1h 22m (177 mi) Total: ~3h 15m 🍃 148 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → IND
1h 53m · 488 mi
View RDU to IND flights →
Leg 2
IND → ORD
1h 22m · 177 mi
View IND to ORD flights →
RDU PIT (Pittsburgh) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 27m (328 mi) Leg 2: 1h 53m (411 mi) Total: ~3h 20m 🍃 162 kg CO₂ (+36% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → PIT
1h 27m · 328 mi
View RDU to PIT flights →
Leg 2
PIT → ORD
1h 53m · 411 mi
View PIT to ORD flights →
RDU CVG (Cincinnati) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 45m (390 mi) Leg 2: 1h 35m (264 mi) Total: ~3h 20m 🍃 146 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → CVG
1h 45m · 390 mi
View RDU to CVG flights →
Leg 2
CVG → ORD
1h 35m · 264 mi
View CVG to ORD flights →
RDU CAK (Akron) ORD
Leg 1: 1h 34m (376 mi) Leg 2: 1h 47m (344 mi) Total: ~3h 21m 🍃 159 kg CO₂ (+34% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → CAK
1h 34m · 376 mi
View RDU to CAK flights →
Leg 2
CAK → ORD
1h 47m · 344 mi
View CAK to ORD flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Chicago (ORD) takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The distance is 646 miles (1,039 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

3 airlines: American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

Yes. 3 airlines: American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, United Airlines.

How far is Raleigh/Durham from Chicago?

The flight distance from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago is 646 miles (1,039 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 Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

At 2h 30m, 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 Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

Roughly 119 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 595 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago to Raleigh/Durham 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 Raleigh/Durham 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 Raleigh–Durham Airport for this flight?

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