Flying from Detroit to Chicago: what you need to know
Detroit's main airport is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW). Check out your departure options from this base when searching for flights from Detroit to Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the key hubs in Chicago.
A direct flight from Detroit to Chicago takes on average 1 hour 17 minutes. The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, making it 1 hour behind Detroit.
The most popular route for flights from Detroit to Chicago is from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Take your pick of 646 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to get going first thing, the earliest flight from DTW to ORD is the 06:00 United Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the final departure is at 20:50 with Delta Air Lines.
To ensure you get on your flight from Detroit to Chicago, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Planning to travel during a peak time like public or school holidays? Expect longer lines at security and check-in. For peace of mind, arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
For a domestic flight within United States, you don't need a visa or even a passport. However, you'll have to show some kind of identification, like an ID card or driver's licence. Once you've found cheap flights from Detroit to Chicago, make sure your ID is up to date.
Flying from Detroit
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Start your journey at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which offers multiple direct flights from Detroit to Chicago. From DTW, you can fly seamlessly to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Popular carriers that offer direct flights from Detroit to Chicago out of DTW include:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper flight from Detroit to Chicago. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
DTW is about 32 kilometres from central Detroit. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 27 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour and 8 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Detroit to Chicago, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to the centre of Chicago is around 35 minutes by car. It's approximately 40 kilometres away.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 54 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Detroit to Chicago. Book one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The centre of Chicago is approximately 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). After your flight from Detroit to Chicago has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 21 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 46 minutes.
After your flight from Detroit to Chicago, rest your head at a hotel close to MDW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
How to find the cheapest flights from Detroit to Chicago
$106 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Detroit to Chicago. Return flights start at $192. These fares may change based on availability.
Book 9 months before you want to fly. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to find cheap tickets from Detroit to Chicago.
May is the cheapest month for tickets from Detroit to Chicago. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for every month.
Sign into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll get notified straight away if there's a better deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you from searching for cheap tickets from Detroit to Chicago every day.
Tailor your trip using filters. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Detroit to Chicago.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the most popular month for flights from Detroit to Chicago. To escape the crowds, go to Chicago in February.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with the temperature ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Book your flights from Detroit to Chicago in this month if you like this kind of weather.
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Detroit to Chicago around that time if you like cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Detroit to Chicago, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are must-do's during your Chicago adventure.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Detroit to Chicago to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Chicago, from the most popular car rental to the best time to book.
