Flying from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Washington DC: what you need to know
The average duration of a direct flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC is 2 hours 15 minutes.
The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-4. The city is one hour ahead of Chicago, where O'Hare International Airport is located.
The most popular route is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA). Take your pick of 132 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to DCA is the 06:00 American Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 21:10 with United Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your ORD to Washington DC flight.
Traveling during a popular month such as August? School holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
Begin your trip at ORD and go straight to Washington DC without any layovers. When booking a direct O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC ticket, here's where your plane could land:
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Top airlines that operate direct flights from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC include:
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes around 55 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 26 kilometers in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Booked an early flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near ORD:
When it comes to the on-time performance of O'Hare International Airport, data shows 74.85% of flights complete their journey on time.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
How to find the cheapest flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Washington DC
The lowest price we've found for a one-way O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC flight is AED 136. The cheapest price for a return flight is AED 322. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To pick up cheap flights from ORD to Washington DC, reserve your trip one month before your departure date.
May is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC tickets. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from ORD to Washington DC by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Airports in Washington DC
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA)
Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) to the center of Washington DC takes about 15 minutes by car. The center is roughly 8 kilometers away.
Traveling on public transport takes about 45 minutes.
If you have a late flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near DCA:
Begin your adventure by picking up a Ronald Reagan National Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Thrifty, Sixt or Dollar and explore beyond Washington DC's main sights.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your ride from Ronald Reagan National Airport around four weeks ahead of your flight from ORD to Washington DC.
The address for DCA is 1 Aviation Circle.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
The center of Washington DC is about 56 kilometers from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). After your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 50 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the center in 1 hour 10 minutes or so.
After stepping off your ORD to Washington DC flight, rest your head at a hotel close to IAD. These are some comfortable options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Washington Dulles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and be off and running.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride one week ahead of your arrival at IAD can get you a lower rate.
You'll find Washington Dulles International Airport at 1 Saarinen Circle.
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI)
Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is around 48 kilometers from the center of Washington DC. It'll take you about 50 minutes to reach the city center by car once you've stepped off your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC.
The journey will take you around 1 hour 30 minutes when traveling by public transport.
If you don't want to make your way into the center, find a hotel close to BWI. Make yourself comfy at one of these stays after your ORD to Washington DC flight:
Whether you'd like a zippy compact for a solo adventure or a roomy SUV to fit the family, you'll find the ideal Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport rental car for you. Explore the range of wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Thrifty and Budget.
If you're searching for a specific kind of vehicle, lock in your ride from BWI around two weeks before your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC. This gives you a higher chance of getting the car you want, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Washington DC
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC. The city comes alive in high season, but prices are often higher and top attractions can get busy. Go to Washington DC in low season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Before booking an O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC plane ticket, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Washington DC, with temperatures ranging from 19ºC (66ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from ORD to Washington DC in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -6ºC (21ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF) on average.
More about Washington DC
Once you've booked your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Washington DC, choose a hotel that combines comfort with a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Washington DC:
Every great vacation has to include some sightseeing. The White House, White House Historical Association and National Mall are must-visits when exploring Washington DC.
Explore more of United States
Washington DC has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of United States just waiting to be discovered. Around 322 kilometers north-east of Washington DC, a trip to New York will keep your itinerary busy. Check out popular attractions like Statue of Liberty, Central Park and Empire State Building.
Philadelphia is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 193 kilometers north-east of Washington DC. No journey is complete without seeing Liberty Bell, Independence Hall and Philadelphia Museum of Art.