EazAir
Route guide

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Detroit | EazAir

Travellers

Chicago to Detroit flight insights

Average flight time

~1h 9m (estimated)

ORD → DTW

Cheapest month

—

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$156

Checking live fares…

Prices shown may not be current. Last checked: Aug 29, 2026.

Planning a trip from Chicago to Detroit? The average flight time on this route is ~1h 9m (estimated). The lowest fare we recorded on this route recently was $156 (last checked Aug 29, 2026); today's live fare for your dates can differ.

Chicago to Detroit covers a straight-line distance of about 234 miles. Based on that distance, a nonstop flight would take approximately ~1h 9m (estimated). Actual flight time varies by airline, aircraft and routing.

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from Chicago to Detroit on Eazair
OriginChicago (ORD)
DestinationDetroit (DTW)
Average Flight Time~1h 9m (estimated)
Cheapest Month to Fly—
Current Lowest Fare$156
Fares Last CheckedAug 29, 2026

Flight deals from Chicago to Detroit

Flying from Chicago to Detroit covers a short distance of roughly 235 miles across the Midwest. Direct flights connecting Illinois and Michigan's largest markets typically take just over an hour from takeoff to touchdown. This quick airborne commute allows travelers departing Chicago to arrive in Detroit before finishing a standard in-flight beverage. Passengers traveling between Chicago and Detroit have multiple daily non-stop options originating from both O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. Delta Air Lines operates frequent daily service out of O'Hare directly into Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, while Southwest Airlines manages regular non-stop routes leaving Midway for DTW. United Airlines also runs several daily flights from Chicago O'Hare to Detroit Wayne County, providing high daily frequency for schedule flexibility. Ticket demand for the Chicago to Detroit route peaks during the summer months of June, July, and August, aligning with regional outdoor events in Michigan. Late November and December also see elevated passenger volumes due to holiday travel between the Chicago metropolitan area and Metro Detroit. Bargain hunters looking for lower fares on the Chicago to Detroit corridor should target late January through early March, when Midwest winter weather reduces overall tourist traffic.

View of Detroit, a popular flight destination from Chicago

About Detroit

Popular areas to know in Detroit include Corktown, Midtown, and Downtown / Greektown.

Cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a direct flight from Chicago to Detroit take?
A non-stop flight from Chicago to Detroit takes approximately one hour and fifteen minutes, covering a flight distance of about 235 miles.
Which airports handle flights from Chicago to Detroit?
Flights depart from either Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and land at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).
Which airlines offer direct flights from Chicago to Detroit?
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer direct flights out of Chicago O'Hare, while Southwest Airlines provides non-stop service from Chicago Midway to Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to book flights from Chicago to Detroit?
Travelers generally find the lowest airfare on the Chicago to Detroit route by booking at least three to four weeks in advance, particularly for flights departing in late January and February.
What are the standard checked baggage rules for a flight from Chicago to Detroit?
Most carriers flying from Chicago to Detroit charge a standard fee of $30 to $35 for the first checked bag on basic economy tickets, though Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per passenger.
How does the flight time from Chicago to Detroit compare to driving?
While driving from Chicago to Detroit via Interstate 94 takes roughly four and a half hours without traffic, the actual airborne flight time is only about 45 to 55 minutes, saving substantial transit time.
What time does the earliest morning flight leave Chicago for Detroit?
The earliest departures typically leave Chicago O'Hare around 6:00 AM Central Time, landing at Detroit Metropolitan Airport just after 8:15 AM Eastern Time.
When does the latest evening flight depart Chicago for Detroit?
Late-night options from Chicago to Detroit generally wrap up with departures leaving O'Hare or Midway around 9:30 PM Central Time, arriving in Michigan shortly before midnight Eastern Time.
Are there layovers on cheap flights from Chicago to Detroit?
Because the distance is so short, the vast majority of commercial routes from Chicago to Detroit are direct, though a few budget carriers might route through alternative hubs, increasing travel time significantly.
How can I get into the city center after arriving on a flight from Chicago to Detroit?
After your flight from Chicago lands at Detroit Metro Airport, you can take the FAST Michigan Avenue bus route, catch a taxi, or use rideshare apps to travel the 20 miles into downtown Detroit.
How far is it from Chicago to Detroit?
The straight-line distance from Chicago to Detroit is about 234 miles.
What ID do I need to fly from Chicago to Detroit?
Since Chicago to Detroit is a domestic US flight, you'll need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or another TSA-accepted form of ID, such as a valid US passport. A standard, non-compliant driver's license alone is no longer accepted at TSA checkpoints.
What's the weather usually like in Detroit?
Cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers.

Airline bag fees

Baggage allowances differ significantly between fare classes (Basic/Light vs. Standard/Flex) and can change over time. Always verify the exact allowance for your specific fare with the airline before you fly.

Travel tips

Arrive early for domestic flights

TSA generally recommends arriving at least 2 hours before a domestic departure, more at larger hub airports during peak travel periods.

Pack a mixed carry-on

Keep a change of clothes, chargers, and any essentials in your carry-on rather than only your checked bag, in case of a delay or a bag that doesn't arrive with you.

Ease jet lag on longer routes

On longer cross-country flights, adjusting your sleep schedule a day or two before departure and staying hydrated in flight can reduce jet lag on arrival.

Screenshot your confirmation

Save a screenshot or PDF of your booking confirmation and boarding pass before you travel, in case you lose signal or battery at the airport.

Check in online when it opens

Most airlines open online check-in 24 hours before departure — checking in early can help with seat selection and, on some airlines, boarding group assignment.

Related Flights from Chicago

Popular alternative routes travellers compare on EAZAIR.

See every destination from Chicago
Skyline view of Houston — flights from Chicago to Houston
Chicago → Houston

Chicago → Houston

From $154

Last checked Oct 5, 2026 · may not be current

Compare fares →
Skyline view of Atlanta — flights from Chicago to Atlanta
Chicago → Atlanta

Chicago → Atlanta

From $128

Last checked Oct 6, 2026 · may not be current

Compare fares →
Skyline view of New York — flights from Chicago to New York
Chicago → New York

Chicago → New York

From $198

Last checked Oct 10, 2026

Compare fares →
Skyline view of Sacramento — flights from Chicago to Sacramento
Chicago → Sacramento

Chicago → Sacramento

See live fares

Compare fares →

Flying back? Flights from Detroit to Chicago

Related Flights to Detroit

Other routes travellers compare when flying into Detroit.

Skyline view of Detroit — flights from Orlando to Detroit
Orlando → Detroit

Orlando → Detroit

From $201

Last checked Sep 28, 2026 · may not be current

Compare fares →
Skyline view of Detroit — flights from Atlanta to Detroit
Atlanta → Detroit

Atlanta → Detroit

From $128

Last checked Oct 6, 2026 · may not be current

Compare fares →
Skyline view of Detroit — flights from New York to Detroit
New York → Detroit

New York → Detroit

From $375

Last checked Oct 5, 2026 · may not be current

Compare fares →
Skyline view of Detroit — flights from Dallas to Detroit
Dallas → Detroit

Dallas → Detroit

From $148

Last checked Aug 29, 2026 · may not be current

Compare fares →