Seattle (SEA) to Chicago (ORD) is about 1,720 miles and typically takes 4 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.
SEA to ORD at a glance
| Route | Seattle (SEA) to Chicago (ORD) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 1,720 miles / 2,760 km |
| Typical flight time | 4 h (estimate) |
| Time difference | 2 hours ahead |
| Route type | Domestic (U.S.) |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines |
About the Seattle to Chicago route
Travelers between Seattle 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 1,720 miles.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 4 h gate to gate, with a realistic range of 3 h 40 min to 4 h 25 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 1,720 miles (2,760 km), not a published schedule.
Chicago is 2 hours ahead of Seattle on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, SEA to ORD is longer than about 60% of them.
For comparison, Seattle to Austin (SEA to AUS) is about 1,770 miles, so Chicago is a bit closer away from SEA.
The airports
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Sea-Tac is Alaska Airlines' home hub and a growing Delta gateway to Asia, which makes it a useful connecting point for Alaska, Hawaii and Pacific routes. Full SEA 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.
Do not stop at SEA and ORD. Also compare around Seattle, Portland (PDX); and around Chicago, Midway (MDW), because a different airport can change both the fare and your ground travel.
Airlines on this route
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both SEA and ORD. American Airlines (at ORD), Delta Air Lines (at SEA), United Airlines (at ORD), and Alaska Airlines (at SEA) 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
If you choose a one-stop itinerary, likely routings include United Airlines via Denver (DEN), which adds about 190 miles (11% beyond the direct distance) or American Airlines via Dallas (DFW), which adds about 740 miles (43% 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 SEA, july through September has the clearest weather and the heaviest demand, including cruise-season traffic to Alaska.
Ground transport
Getting to and from SEA
Link light rail runs from the terminal to downtown Seattle in roughly 40 minutes without road traffic.
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 Seattle to Chicago?
A typical SEA to ORD flight takes about 4 h, with a likely range of 3 h 40 min to 4 h 25 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is Chicago from Seattle by air?
The great-circle distance between SEA and ORD is about 1,720 miles (2,760 km).
Which airlines fly from Seattle to Chicago?
American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have a major presence at SEA or ORD, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Seattle and Chicago?
Chicago is 2 hours ahead of Seattle on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Are there other airports near Seattle?
Yes. Nearby alternatives include Portland (PDX). Comparing them can change both fare and travel time.
When is the best time to book SEA 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 Seattle (SEA)
- Atlanta to SeattleATL to SEA
- Austin to SeattleAUS to SEA
- Boston to SeattleBOS to SEA
- Detroit to SeattleDTW to SEA
- Dubai to SeattleDXB to SEA
- Houston to SeattleIAH to SEA
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.