Chicago (MDW) to Denver (DEN) is about 890 miles and typically takes 2 h 20 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
MDW to DEN at a glance
| Route | Chicago (MDW) to Denver (DEN) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 890 miles / 1,440 km |
| Typical flight time | 2 h 20 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 1 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | United Airlines and Southwest Airlines |
About the Chicago to Denver route
With roughly 890 miles between MDW and DEN, this route sits in the middle range where both nonstop and one-stop options can be competitive.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 2 h 20 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 2 h to 2 h 45 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 890 miles (1,440 km), not a published schedule.
Denver is 1 hour behind Chicago on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, MDW to DEN is longer than about 28% of them.
For comparison, Chicago to Orlando (MDW to MCO) is about 990 miles, so Denver is a bit closer away from MDW.
The airports
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Midway is smaller and closer to downtown than O'Hare, and Southwest is its largest carrier. Full MDW guide.
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Denver is a United hub and one of Southwest's busiest airports, which gives travelers a wide choice of nonstops across the West and Midwest. Full DEN guide.
Nearby alternatives: around Chicago, O'Hare (ORD); and around Denver, Colorado Springs. Price all of them before you commit, especially if you have flexible dates.
Airlines on this route
Southwest Airlines has a hub at both ends, so it is the most likely to offer frequent nonstop service and easy rebooking on this route.
United 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
A one-stop trip would most naturally connect through a hub such as Southwest Airlines via Nashville (BNA), which adds about 510 miles (57% beyond the direct distance) or United Airlines via Houston (IAH), which adds about 890 miles (99% 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 DEN, ski season brings holiday peaks, and spring snowstorms can cause sudden cancellations. At MDW, fewer long-haul options mean winter weather can create tighter rebooking choices than at O'Hare.
Ground transport
Getting to and from MDW
The CTA Orange Line connects Midway to the Loop in about 25 minutes.
Getting to and from DEN
The A Line train reaches Union Station in about 37 minutes.
Booking tips
Because Denver draws vacation travelers, weekends and holidays tend to be the most expensive. Flexible dates can save money, and our cheap-flights checklist shows how to compare them.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Chicago to Denver?
A typical MDW to DEN flight takes about 2 h 20 min, with a likely range of 2 h to 2 h 45 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Denver from Chicago by air?
The great-circle distance between MDW and DEN is about 890 miles (1,440 km).
Which airlines fly from Chicago to Denver?
United Airlines and Southwest Airlines have a major presence at MDW or DEN, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Chicago and Denver?
Denver is 1 hour behind Chicago on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Chicago?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include O'Hare (ORD). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book MDW to DEN?
For leisure routes like this, book early for school holidays and peak seasons. 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 Chicago (MDW)
More flights involving Denver (DEN)
- Atlanta to DenverATL to DEN
- Austin to DenverAUS to DEN
- Baltimore to DenverBWI to DEN
- Chicago to DenverORD to DEN
- Cleveland to DenverCLE to DEN
- Denver to BostonDEN to BOS
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.