Travelling from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA): What you need to know
Your trip gets off the ground at one of Chicago's main airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Check out your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) taking off from either of these bases.
The average time for a direct Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport flight is 1 hour 55 minutes.
The timezone in Washington DC is UTC-5, which is one hour ahead of Chicago. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is located in Washington DC.
With 138 direct flights a week between the two airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is the most popular route. American Airlines operates the earliest flight at 6am. If you're eager to get more out of your day before leaving, the last departure from ORD to DCA is with United Airlines at 9:10pm.
Leave plenty of time to get on your flight from Chicago to DCA. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
July is a busy month for travelling. If you're heading away then or during a major holiday like Thanksgiving, be there even earlier. Aim for at least two hours ahead for domestic flights and up to four hours for international journeys.
Airports in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Go straight to your destination from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Nonstop flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) operate from here.
United Airlines is a well-known airline that offers direct flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport jetting out of ORD.
United is the airline with the highest passenger demand for flights from ORD to DCA.
The most punctual carrier on this route is United. Its services arrive as planned 72.16% of the time.
Located around 27 kilometres from the centre of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 45 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or aren't a fan of being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, data shows 70% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Planning to catch a flight from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? Direct Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) plane tickets can be booked from here.
From MDW, direct flights from Chicago to DCA are available with Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Airlines has the largest share of bookings on the MDW to DCA route.
The most punctual carrier is Southwest Airlines. Its Chicago Midway International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport flights arrive without delay 69.87% of the time.
MDW is about 16 kilometres from central Chicago. It takes 25 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes approximately 30 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your Chicago to DCA flight? Check in to a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76%.
The street address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
RFD is around 145 kilometres from central Chicago. Driving from the city centre to the terminal takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. If you're considering public transport, you can expect a journey of around 2 hours.
Set yourself up for a smooth departure — stay close to Chicago Rockford International Airport and know you'll be at your gate with time to spare. Get settled at one of these hotels the day before if you're catching an early Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport flight:
The on-time performance rating of RFD is 71%. In other words, that's how frequently flights departing this airport arrive at their final stop as planned.
You'll find Chicago Rockford International Airport at 2 Airport Cir.
About Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
Have a late flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport? Don't let it hijack your sleep schedule. Stay at one of these hotels near DCA and fast-forward to bedtime:
Booking your vehicle around four weeks ahead of your Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport flight can help you get a cheaper deal.
You'll find DCA at 1 Aviation Circle.
Getting from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to central Washington DC
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is roughly 6 kilometres from central Washington DC. How long it takes to get there by car hire or taxi will depend on the time of day. Do some research before you go.
Travelling by public transport takes about 25 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
$129 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Return flights start from $274. These fares may change depending on demand.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Chicago to DCA if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some excellent early bird deals.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in each month when searching for your Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport ticket.
Never miss a deal on plane tickets from Chicago to DCA by creating a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a lower fare pops up.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)
It's time to decide when to book your flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). July is the busiest month to visit Washington DC. If you're all about a more relaxed kind of trip, head there in December.
Lock in a Chicago to DCA plane ticket departing in July if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Washington DC to range from 19ºC to 33ºC.
January has temperatures of between -6ºC and 10ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Washington DC
Start your Washington DC trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, explore our selection of hotels including:
Lincoln Memorial and The White House are just two of the major attractions to add to your Washington DC itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Explore more of the United States
Washington DC has loads to offer, but there are so many other parts of the United States just waiting to be discovered. About 209 kilometres northeast of Washington DC, a visit to Philadelphia will keep your itinerary busy. Start with attractions like Independence Hall, Liberty Bell and Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Around 241 kilometres southeast of Washington DC, Virginia Beach is another essential stop in the United States. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Resort Beach and Neptune's Park.