Flying from Chicago to Seattle: what you need to know
Many great adventures start at one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Check out your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Seattle taking off from either of these bases.
When it comes to where you'll touch down, Seattle's primary entry point is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Take a direct Chicago to Seattle flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 4 hours 35 minutes.
The timezone in Seattle is UTC-7, which is two hours behind Chicago.
With 105 flights a week between the two airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is the most popular route. Hop on the first flight from Chicago to Seattle with Alaska Airlines at 06:00. If you'd like to get more out of your day before taking off, the last departure from ORD to SEA is with United Airlines at 21:32.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your Chicago to Seattle flight.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Seattle
Currently, RM352 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Seattle. The cheapest price for a return flight is RM635. Keep in mind fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
To score cheap Chicago to Seattle flights, reserve your trip two months before your departure date.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on plane tickets from Chicago to Seattle. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across every month.
Cut down on the time spent looking for cheap flights from Chicago to Seattle by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Save money on your Chicago to Seattle flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Set off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a nonstop flight from Chicago to Seattle. From ORD, you can fly directly to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Well-known airlines that offer direct Chicago to Seattle plane tickets departing from ORD include:
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes about 55 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Have an early flight from Chicago to Seattle? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to O'Hare International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Seattle departing Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Nonstop connections from MDW will take you to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Southwest Airlines offers direct Chicago to Seattle plane tickets from MDW. Book your preferred aisle (or window) seat and arrive at your destination in a single journey.
With public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 45 minutes. The terminal is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to Seattle? Check in to a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your break officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
78% of flights departing Chicago Midway International Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is approximately 19 kilometres from central Seattle. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 20 minutes.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there on public transport.
Consider booking a hotel close to SEA if you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Seattle. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Europcar or Budget to explore Seattle and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your ride from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport around one week in advance of your Chicago to Seattle flight.
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Central Seattle is about 3 kilometres from Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE). As soon as your flight from Chicago to Seattle has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 10 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take about 25 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near LKE. Tuck yourself in after your Chicago to Seattle flight at one of these well-located options:
Best time to go to Seattle
July is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Seattle. To skip the crowds, go to Seattle in May.
Before locking in your Chicago to Seattle tickets, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Seattle, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC (54ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
February has average temperatures of between -1ºC (30ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF). Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Seattle around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Seattle
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Seattle, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Seattle:
All great holidays should include a little sightseeing. Greyhound: Bus Station, LMN Architects and Boeing Radiation Effects Lab are attractions you won't want to skip in Seattle.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Seattle, now it's time to explore more of United States. Travel about 241 kilometres south to Portland to tick off its popular sights. From Pioneer Courthouse Square to Portland Japanese Garden and Pittock Mansion, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Spokane is another sought-after destination in United States and is around 370 kilometres east of Seattle. No trip is complete without experiencing Manito Park, Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and Spokane Falls.