Chicago (ORD) 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.
ORD to DEN at a glance
| Route | Chicago (ORD) to Denver (DEN) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 890 miles / 1,430 km |
| Typical flight time | 2 h 20 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 1 hours behind |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines |
About the Chicago to Denver route
Chicago to Denver covers about 890 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 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 (1,430 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, ORD to DEN is longer than about 27% of them.
For comparison, Chicago to Boston (ORD to BOS) is about 860 miles, so Denver 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.
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, Midway (MDW); and around Denver, Colorado Springs. Price all of them before you commit, especially if you have flexible dates.
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 and Southwest Airlines 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
If you choose a one-stop itinerary, likely routings include Southwest Airlines via Nashville (BNA), which adds about 530 miles (60% beyond the direct distance) or American Airlines via Dallas (DFW), which adds about 560 miles (63% 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 DEN, ski season brings holiday peaks, and spring snowstorms can cause sudden cancellations. 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 DEN
The A Line train reaches Union Station in about 37 minutes.
Booking tips
Denver is a leisure destination, so demand follows school holidays and peak travel seasons. Booking earlier for those dates usually helps, and the booking-timing guide explains the typical patterns.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Chicago to Denver?
A typical ORD 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 ORD and DEN is about 890 miles (1,430 km).
Which airlines fly from Chicago to Denver?
American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines have a major presence at ORD 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 Midway (MDW). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book ORD 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 (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 Denver (DEN)
- Atlanta to DenverATL to DEN
- Austin to DenverAUS to DEN
- Baltimore to DenverBWI to DEN
- Chicago to DenverMDW 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.