New York (JFK) to Chicago (ORD) is about 740 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.
JFK to ORD at a glance
| Route | New York (JFK) to Chicago (ORD) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 740 miles / 1,190 km |
| Typical flight time | 2 h (estimate) |
| Time difference | 1 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways |
About the New York to Chicago route
Travelers between New York and Chicago typically choose between a nonstop flight and a one-stop routing through a hub, depending on price and schedule. The distance is about 740 miles.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 2 h gate to gate, with a realistic range of 1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 740 miles (1,190 km), not a published schedule.
Chicago is 1 hour behind New York on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, JFK to ORD is longer than about 20% of them.
For comparison, New York to Atlanta (JFK to ATL) is about 760 miles, so Chicago is about the same distance out from JFK.
The airports
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
JFK sits in southeast Queens and is the New York area's biggest door to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. Full JFK 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.
Nearby alternatives: around New York, LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty (EWR); and around Chicago, Midway (MDW). Price all of them before you commit, especially if you have flexible dates.
Airlines on this route
American Airlines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways also have a major presence at one of the two airports.
Schedules change by season, and a nonstop that exists in summer may not operate in winter. Confirm the current options before you plan around a specific flight.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as American Airlines via Philadelphia (PHL), which adds about 30 miles (4% beyond the direct distance) or United Airlines via Washington, D.C. (IAD), which adds about 80 miles (10% 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 JFK, summer and the weeks around Thanksgiving and Christmas bring the heaviest crowds; winter nor'easters are the main disruption risk.
Ground transport
Getting to and from JFK
The AirTrain links the terminals to the subway and the Long Island Rail Road at Jamaica and Howard Beach; allow extra time for road traffic on the Van Wyck Expressway.
Getting to and from ORD
The CTA Blue Line runs 24 hours into downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes.
Booking tips
Fares on routes with strong business demand rarely drop sharply at the last minute. Book once your dates are firm and review the 24-hour rule in case plans change.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from New York to Chicago?
A typical JFK to ORD flight takes about 2 h, with a likely range of 1 h 45 min to 2 h 30 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Chicago from New York by air?
The great-circle distance between JFK and ORD is about 740 miles (1,190 km).
Which airlines fly from New York to Chicago?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and JetBlue Airways have a major presence at JFK or ORD, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between New York and Chicago?
Chicago is 1 hour behind New York on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near New York?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include LaGuardia (LGA) and Newark Liberty (EWR). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book JFK 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 New York (JFK)
- Austin to New YorkAUS to JFK
- Cancun to New YorkCUN to JFK
- Delhi to New YorkDEL to JFK
- Fort Lauderdale to New YorkFLL to JFK
- Mumbai to New YorkBOM to JFK
- New York to AtlantaJFK to ATL
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.