Flying from Chicago to New York: what you need to know
Begin your travels at one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Explore your options for booking a flight from Chicago to New York jetting off from either of these.
When it comes to landing in New York, Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is a key hub. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is another.
The average length of a direct flight from Chicago to New York is 2 hours 14 minutes. New York's timezone is UTC-4, which makes New York 1 hour ahead of Chicago.
The busiest route for flights from Chicago to New York is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to LaGuardia Airport (LGA). You can select from 281 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off first thing, the earliest flight from ORD to LGA is the 06:00 United Airlines service. If you prefer to travel later, the last departure is at 21:40 with United Airlines.
Leave plenty of time to catch your flight from Chicago to New York. As a general rule, turn up at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Longer lines at security and check-in are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow a little extra breathing room. A good rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
You don't need your passport or a visa to travel within United States. You will need a valid identity document however, such as a driver's licence or an ID card. Put them on your packing list after booking your cheap flights from Chicago to New York.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can travel directly to New York departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Here are some airports you can reach without stops when searching for your flight from Chicago to New York:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
These are some of the popular carriers offering direct flights from Chicago to New York taking off from ORD:
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your flight from Chicago to New York. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from O'Hare International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular options:
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes around 54 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Booked an early flight from Chicago to New York? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to O'Hare International Airport:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Visit friends or family or just take some time to unwind with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your flight from Chicago to New York, browse these options when setting off from O'Hare International Airport:
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE)
General Mitchell International Airport (MKE)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in about 46 minutes. The terminal is roughly 19 kilometres away, and making the trip by car takes approximately 21 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not spend an additional night away? Consider staying at one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to New York:
Arriving in New York
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to central New York is about 28 minutes by car. It's approximately 24 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour and 11 minutes if you're using public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to New York. Stay at one of these accommodation options near EWR instead:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
As soon as your flight from Chicago to New York has hit the tarmac, you can make your way to the city centre in about 48 minutes by car. Central New York is approximately 48 kilometres from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
The journey will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some cosy stays to drop your things at near JFK. Kick back after your flight from Chicago to New York at any of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to New York
$51 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to New York. Return flights start at $111. These prices can change depending on availability.
To snag cheap tickets from Chicago to New York, book your trip 9 months ahead of your planned departure.
The cheapest month for flight tickets from Chicago to New York is May. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the best deal.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Chicago to New York. There's no need to check every day to find out if prices have fallen. We'll notify you the moment there's a change in price.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Chicago to New York.
Best time to go to New York
August is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to New York. To avoid the crowds, head to New York in February.
Schedule your flight from Chicago to New York for July if you want to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in New York to range from 18ºC to 30ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between -6ºC and 8ºC. Look for cheap tickets from Chicago to New York sometime then if you like cooler conditions.
More about New York
After booking your flight from Chicago to New York, think about where you want to stay in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring New York:
Statue of Liberty and Central Park are just the start of the top-rated attractions to add to your New York must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Empire State Building.
Complete your New York trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Chicago to New York to track down deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in New York, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.