Flying from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Washington DC: what you need to know
Expect to be travelling for 2 hours 14 minutes. That's the average journey time for a direct flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC.
O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago. Based in the UTC-4 timezone, Washington DC is 1 hour ahead of Chicago.
With 863 weekly flights between the two airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) is the most popular route. United operates the earliest flight at 06:00. If you prefer to get more out of your day before taking off, the latest departure from ORD to DCA is with United at 21:10.
Give yourself enough time to make your flight from ORD to Washington DC. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're going away during a popular month like August, head to the airport even earlier. You'll want to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Security lines will be longer during holiday periods like summer, Christmas and New Year.
Start your trip with a direct flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC. From ORD, you can fly straight into any of these Washington DC airports:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
You can choose from various airlines operating direct flights from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC, such as:
You don't need your passport or a visa to fly within United States. You will need a valid proof of identity though, such as a driver's licence or an ID card. Put them on your packing list once you've booked cheap tickets from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC.
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes around 54 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Want an easy start to your holiday? Stay near ORD. Whether you're boarding an early flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
How to find the cheapest flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Washington DC
49 € is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC. For a return flight on this route, the best price is 98 €. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
Book 9 months before your departure date. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you'll want to book ahead to secure cheap tickets from ORD to Washington DC.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the cheapest month for tickets from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
Getting a cheap ticket from ORD to Washington DC couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans with filters. Select your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC.
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to the centre of Washington DC is about 16 minutes by car. It's approximately 8 kilometres away.
It takes around 43 minutes if you're using public transport.
Book a hotel close to DCA if you have a late flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC. Pick one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
After your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC has arrived, you can get to the city centre in around 51 minutes by car. Central Washington DC is roughly 56 kilometres from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 3 hours and 26 minutes.
After your flight from ORD to Washington DC, kick back at a hotel near IAD. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Best time to go to Washington DC
July is the most popular month to hop on a flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC while May is the quietest. To work out the best time to visit Washington DC, consider whether you like a lively atmosphere or a quieter vibe.
Book your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC for July to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 19ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from ORD to Washington DC in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest around then, ranging between -6ºC and 10ºC on average.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. White House Historical Association, The White House and National Mall are highlights which should feature on any good Washington DC itinerary.
Complete your Washington DC trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and compare your options in one place. Plus we give you all the info you need on car rentals in Washington DC, from the most popular rental company to the best time to book.
