Newark (EWR) to Chicago (ORD) is about 720 miles and typically takes 2 h by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
EWR to ORD at a glance
| Route | Newark (EWR) to Chicago (ORD) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 720 miles / 1,150 km |
| Typical flight time | 2 h (estimate) |
| Time difference | 1 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines and United Airlines |
About the Newark to Chicago route
Newark to Chicago covers about 720 miles, a mid-length domestic trip that most airlines can serve nonstop or with one easy connection.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 2 h gate to gate, with a realistic range of 1 h 40 min to 2 h 25 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 720 miles (1,150 km), not a published schedule.
Chicago is 1 hour behind Newark on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, EWR to ORD is longer than about 18% of them.
For comparison, Newark to Houston (EWR to IAH) is about 1,400 miles, so Chicago is a bit closer away from EWR.
The airports
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark is a major United hub on the New Jersey side of the New York metro area, with strong service to Europe, Israel, India and the rest of the United States. Full EWR guide.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare is a dual hub for United and American and one of the busiest airports in the world by flight volume, with nonstops to most major U.S. cities and a long list of international destinations. Full ORD guide.
Do not stop at EWR and ORD. Also compare around Newark, JFK (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA); and around Chicago, Midway (MDW), because a different airport can change both the fare and your ground travel.
Airlines on this route
United Airlines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
American Airlines also has a major presence at one of the two airports.
Airlines add and drop frequencies throughout the year. Our agents can check what is actually scheduled on your dates.
Common connection points
Connecting itineraries on this route often look like American Airlines via Philadelphia (PHL), which adds about 40 miles (5% beyond the direct distance) or United Airlines via Washington, D.C. (IAD), which adds about 80 miles (11% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
Seasonal factors to weigh: at ORD, winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the main triggers for delays; connecting through O'Hare in January deserves extra buffer. At EWR, thunderstorms in summer and winter storms are the usual sources of delays on busy days.
Ground transport
Getting to and from EWR
An AirTrain connects the terminals to the Newark Liberty station on NJ Transit and Amtrak lines, with direct trains toward Penn Station in Manhattan.
Getting to and from ORD
The CTA Blue Line runs 24 hours into downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes.
Booking tips
Business-heavy routes like EWR to ORD often have the most frequencies on weekday mornings and evenings. If you need flexibility, a standard fare that allows changes is often worth the difference. See Basic Economy vs Main Cabin.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Newark to Chicago?
A typical EWR to ORD flight takes about 2 h, with a likely range of 1 h 40 min to 2 h 25 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Chicago from Newark by air?
The great-circle distance between EWR and ORD is about 720 miles (1,150 km).
Which airlines fly from Newark to Chicago?
American Airlines and United Airlines have a major presence at EWR or ORD, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Newark and Chicago?
Chicago is 1 hour behind Newark on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Newark?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include JFK (JFK) and LaGuardia (LGA). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book EWR to ORD?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving Newark (EWR)
- Houston to NewarkIAH to EWR
- Newark to DelhiEWR to DEL
- Newark to DenverEWR to DEN
- Newark to LondonEWR to LHR
- Newark to Los AngelesEWR to LAX
- Newark to San FranciscoEWR to SFO
More flights involving Chicago (ORD)
- Anchorage to ChicagoANC to ORD
- Austin to ChicagoAUS to ORD
- Chicago to AtlantaORD to ATL
- Chicago to BostonORD to BOS
- Chicago to ClevelandORD to CLE
- Chicago to DallasORD to DFW
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.