Chicago (ORD) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) is about 610 miles and typically takes 1 h 45 min by air. Some carriers have hubs at both ends, which makes frequent nonstops more likely. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
ORD to DCA at a glance
| Route | Chicago (ORD) to Washington, D.C. (DCA) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 610 miles / 980 km |
| Typical flight time | 1 h 45 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 1 hours ahead |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines and United Airlines |
About the Chicago to Washington, D.C. route
Travelers between Chicago and Washington, D.C. typically choose between a nonstop flight and a one-stop routing through a hub, depending on price and schedule. The distance is about 610 miles.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 1 h 45 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 610 miles (980 km), not a published schedule.
Washington, D.C. is 1 hour ahead of 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, ORD to DCA is longer than about 14% of them.
For comparison, Chicago to Atlanta (ORD to ATL) is about 610 miles, so Washington, D.C. is about the same distance out from ORD.
The airports
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.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Reagan National is the closest airport to downtown Washington and sits just across the Potomac River. Full DCA guide.
Nearby alternatives: around Chicago, Midway (MDW); and around Washington, D.C., Dulles (IAD) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI). 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.
United Airlines also has 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
If you choose a one-stop itinerary, likely routings include American Airlines via Philadelphia (PHL), which adds about 180 miles (30% beyond the direct distance) or United Airlines via Newark (EWR), which adds about 300 miles (50% 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 DCA, congress's schedule and cherry blossom season in late March and April push prices up. At ORD, winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the main triggers for delays; connecting through O'Hare in January deserves extra buffer.
Ground transport
Getting to and from ORD
The CTA Blue Line runs 24 hours into downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes.
Getting to and from DCA
The Metro Blue and Yellow lines stop at the terminal and reach central Washington in minutes.
Booking tips
Business-heavy routes like ORD to DCA 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 Chicago to Washington, D.C.?
A typical ORD to DCA flight takes about 1 h 45 min, with a likely range of 1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Washington, D.C. from Chicago by air?
The great-circle distance between ORD and DCA is about 610 miles (980 km).
Which airlines fly from Chicago to Washington, D.C.?
American Airlines and United Airlines have a major presence at ORD or DCA, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Chicago and Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C. is 1 hour ahead of 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 Midway (MDW). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book ORD to DCA?
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 (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
More flights involving Washington, D.C. (DCA)
- Boston to Washington, D.C.BOS to DCA
- Dallas to Washington, D.C.DFW to DCA
- Miami to Washington, D.C.MIA to DCA
- New York to Washington, D.C.LGA to DCA
- Washington, D.C. to CharlotteDCA to CLT
- Washington, D.C. to Los AngelesDCA to LAX
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.