Flying from Chicago to Denver: what you need to know
Start 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 Denver jetting off from either of these.
When it comes to where you'll disembark, Denver's chief entry point is Denver International Airport (DEN).
Around 2 hours 45 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Chicago to Denver flight.
Denver's timezone is UTC-6, which makes Denver one hour behind Chicago.
The busiest route for flights from Chicago to Denver is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Denver International Airport (DEN). There are 108 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from ORD to DEN is the 05:00 United Airlines option. If you prefer to travel later, the final departure is at 22:17 with United Airlines.
Give yourself enough time to make your Chicago to Denver flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a popular month such as August? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Denver
At the moment, $59 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Denver. The cheapest price for a return flight is $117. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Get cheap Chicago to Denver flights by booking one month ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for picking up a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Denver is April. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Chicago to Denver by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when fares go down.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chicago to Denver flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can get a direct flight from Chicago to Denver taking off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Begin your journey at ORD and touch down at Denver International Airport (DEN).
Well-known carriers that offer direct Chicago to Denver plane tickets departing from ORD include:
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes about 55 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Chicago to Denver or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
74.85% of flights that leave from O'Hare International Airport land at their destination on time.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Denver out of Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Nonstop services from MDW will take you to Denver International Airport (DEN).
Southwest Airlines offers direct Chicago to Denver plane tickets from MDW. Book your favourite window (or aisle) seat and reach your destination in one go.
You can get to MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes to cover the 14 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to Denver? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your break officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
78% of flights departing Chicago Midway International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Denver
Denver International Airport (DEN)
The distance from Denver International Airport (DEN) to central Denver is approximately 29 kilometres. It takes around 35 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It typically takes 1 hour 30 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
Consider staying at The Westin Denver International Airport after your flight from Chicago to Denver. It's a short drive from DEN and a comfortable option if you want to get some rest right away.
Go where the road takes you with a Denver International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and venture far and wide through Denver and beyond.
For the best deal, reserve your ride from Denver International Airport about one week ahead of your Chicago to Denver flight.
You'll find DEN at 8500 Pena Boulevard.
Best time to go to Denver
April is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Denver, while July is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to go to Denver based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Before locking in your Chicago to Denver tickets, consider the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. July is the warmest month in Denver, with temperatures ranging from 14ºC to 32ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -9ºC and 7ºC. Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Denver around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Denver
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Denver, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these options your base for exploring Denver:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Denver Art Museum, Union Station and Denver Botanic Gardens are essential stops on your Denver itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Colorado Springs is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored after you've seen Denver. Around 105 kilometres to the south, check out popular attractions including US Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) / North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) Headquarters, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station and National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Around 13 kilometres east of Denver, Aurora is another favourite stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at Magellan's Travel Solutions and Gear, The Fairways at Lowry and Retired Enlisted Association Inc.