Travelling from Seattle to Chicago: what you need to know
Start your trip at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the main airport in Seattle. Explore flights from Seattle to Chicago that take off from this terminal.
The major arrival points in Chicago are O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
The average length of a direct Seattle to Chicago flight is 4 hours 5 minutes.
Chicago is two hours ahead of Seattle and observes the UTC-5 timezone.
With 106 weekly flights between the two airports, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Seattle to Chicago with American Airlines at 00:05. If you prefer to get more out of your day before leaving, the last departure from SEA to ORD is with American Airlines at 23:59.
To ensure you make your Seattle to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Travelling during a peak month like July? Public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Chicago
To secure cheap Seattle to Chicago flights, reserve your journey two months before your planned departure.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Seattle to Chicago. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
You don't need to search every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's a better deal on cheap flights from Seattle to Chicago.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Seattle to Chicago flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
You can book a direct flight from Seattle to Chicago jetting out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Board your plane at SEA and then touch down at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
There are numerous airlines that offer direct Seattle to Chicago plane tickets out of SEA. Your next adventure starts with one of these:
The journey from central Seattle to SEA takes around 55 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want a stress-free start to your journey? Stay near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Seattle to Chicago or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport scores top marks for on-time performance. 81.27% of flights that depart SEA reach their destination on time.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is approximately 26 kilometres. It'll take you around 35 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Consider booking a hotel near ORD if you have a late flight from Seattle to Chicago. Choose one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and explore Chicago and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are well-known companies you can book with here.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks in advance of your Seattle to Chicago flight.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is about 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Seattle to Chicago has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take approximately 45 minutes.
There are some great places to call home for the night near MDW. Tuck yourself in after your Seattle to Chicago flight at any of these perfectly located options:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Snap up a deal by reserving your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Hop off your flight from Seattle to Chicago and go directly to your hotel or jump right into sightseeing. The centre of Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and typically takes 1 hour 25 minutes to drive there.
The journey will take you around 4 hours 15 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Take control of the next part of your trip by picking up a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National make getting on the road effortless.
Rental providers sometimes offer promotions for early bookings, so secure your vehicle from RFD in advance of your flight from Seattle to Chicago. A little prep work can make a big difference in cost.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the most popular month for flights from Seattle to Chicago. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Chicago in January.
Book a Seattle to Chicago ticket departing in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Seattle to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Seattle to Chicago, browse our selection of accommodation options including:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just the start of the leading attractions to add to your Chicago must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Chicago has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of United States just waiting to be explored. About 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a visit to Columbus will keep you busy. Start with attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
If you want to check out another great destination in United States, head for Indianapolis, about 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are the start of reasons to visit.
