Travelling from Seattle to Chicago: what you need to know
Get your trip started at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the main airport in Seattle. Look for flights from Seattle to Chicago that take off from this terminal.
When it comes to arriving in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major gateway. Another is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
The average length of a direct flight from Seattle to Chicago is 4 hours 2 minutes. Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Chicago 2 hours ahead of Seattle.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 135 flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Seattle to Chicago is with American Airlines at 23:59. Choose the first SEA to ORD departure with United Airlines at 00:28 if you're more of an early bird.
To ensure you get on your flight from Seattle to Chicago, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Once you've booked cheap flights from Seattle to Chicago, get your documents ready. A visa or passport isn't necessary since you're flying within United States. As long as you have some other valid form of identification, such as a driver's licence or an ID card, you're all set.
Flying from Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Seattle to Chicago, you can catch one from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Get from SEA to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in one continuous trip.
At SEA, you'll find a good selection of airlines that operate direct flights from Seattle to Chicago, including:
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing flights from Seattle to Chicago departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
SEA is around 23 kilometres from central Seattle. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 18 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 54 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your trip? Stay near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Seattle to Chicago or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport (LKE)
Break up your flight from Seattle to Chicago with a stop so you can stretch your legs or cross another place off your list. Top stopovers between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Chicago are:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Harry Reid Airport (formerly McCarran Airport) Airport (LAS)
Nashville International Airport (BNA)
On public transport, you can travel from central Seattle to LKE in about 23 minutes. The terminal is roughly 3 kilometres away, and getting there by car will take approximately 11 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Seattle to Chicago? Kick back in a hotel near Lake Union Sea Plane Base Airport before your break officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. With your own car rental or if you take a cab, the drive is around 35 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 54 minutes.
Book a hotel near ORD if you're taking a late flight from Seattle to Chicago. Select one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Once your flight from Seattle to Chicago has touched down, you can get to the city centre in around 21 minutes by car. Central Chicago is approximately 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Public transport will get you there in around 46 minutes.
You'll find some cosy stays where you can make a pit stop near MDW. Settle in after your flight from Seattle to Chicago at any of these perfectly located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Seattle to Chicago
76 € is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Seattle to Chicago. Return flights start at 149 €. These prices may change based on demand.
Get cheap tickets from Seattle to Chicago by booking 9 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The cheapest month for tickets from Seattle to Chicago is May. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool to find the dates with the lowest fares.
Sign into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll be notified right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It doesn't take long, and it'll save you time checking for cheap tickets from Seattle to Chicago every day.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' flights from Seattle to Chicago.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to plan your travel dates for your flight from Seattle to Chicago. August is the most popular month to visit Chicago. If you like a quieter vibe, go in February.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with the temperature ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your flights from Seattle to Chicago in this month if you enjoy this type of weather.
Search for cheap tickets from Seattle to Chicago in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
After booking your flight from Seattle to Chicago, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are must-visits when exploring Chicago.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Seattle to Chicago to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus you'll find all the info you need to drive in Chicago, from the most popular car rental to the best time to book.