New York (LGA) to Chicago (ORD) is about 730 miles and typically takes 2 h by air. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
LGA to ORD at a glance
| Route | New York (LGA) to Chicago (ORD) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 730 miles / 1,180 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, and United Airlines |
About the New York to Chicago route
New York to Chicago covers about 730 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 45 min to 2 h 30 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 730 miles (1,180 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, LGA to ORD is longer than about 20% of them.
For comparison, New York to Atlanta (LGA to ATL) is about 760 miles, so Chicago is about the same distance out from LGA.
The airports
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
LaGuardia is the closest of the three New York airports to Manhattan and handles mostly domestic and Canadian flights. Full LGA 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, JFK (JFK) 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
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both LGA and ORD. American Airlines (at ORD), Delta Air Lines (at LGA), and United Airlines (at ORD) each operate a large network at one end, so many itineraries on this route connect rather than fly nonstop.
Airlines add and drop frequencies throughout the year. Our agents can check what is actually scheduled on your dates.
Common connection points
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as 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
Timing matters here. At ORD, winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the main triggers for delays; connecting through O'Hare in January deserves extra buffer. At LGA, morning and early-evening business banks fill up fast, so midday departures can be calmer and sometimes cheaper.
Ground transport
Getting to and from LGA
There is no direct rail link; most travelers use the Q70 LaGuardia Link bus from Jackson Heights, taxis or rideshare.
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 LGA 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 New York to Chicago?
A typical LGA 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 LGA and ORD is about 730 miles (1,180 km).
Which airlines fly from New York to Chicago?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines have a major presence at LGA 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 JFK (JFK) and Newark Liberty (EWR). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book LGA 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 (LGA)
- New York to AtlantaLGA to ATL
- New York to BostonLGA to BOS
- New York to CharlotteLGA to CLT
- New York to DetroitLGA to DTW
- New York to MiamiLGA to MIA
- New York to Washington, D.C.LGA to DCA
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.