Route guide

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Minneapolis | EazAir

Travellers

Chicago to Minneapolis flight insights

Average flight time

~1h 22m (estimated)

ORD → MSP

Cheapest month

Based on cached fare history

Cheapest cached price

$166

Checking live fares…

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

Planning a trip from Chicago to Minneapolis? The average flight time on this route is ~1h 22m (estimated). The lowest fare we have cached for this route is $166 (last checked Aug 29, 2026).

Chicago to Minneapolis covers a straight-line distance of about 334 miles. Based on that distance, a nonstop flight would take approximately ~1h 22m (estimated). Actual flight time varies by airline, aircraft and routing.

Route Quick Facts

Quick facts for flights from Chicago to Minneapolis on Eazair
OriginChicago (ORD)
DestinationMinneapolis (MSP)
Average Flight Time
Cheapest Month to Fly
Current Lowest Fare$166
Fares Last CheckedAug 29, 2026

Flight deals from Chicago to Minneapolis

Traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis requires a short regional flight across the Midwest. Nonstop trips connecting O'Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport typically take about one hour and thirty minutes. The 350-mile flight path crosses over Illinois, Wisconsin, and southeastern Minnesota before descending into the Twin Cities. Several carriers provide direct service connecting Chicago to Minneapolis daily. Delta Air Lines maintains a massive presence on this route, utilizing MSP as a major hub while drawing passengers from O'Hare. United Airlines also operates frequent nonstops out of O'Hare, while Southwest Airlines manages regular schedules departing from Midway directly into Minneapolis-Saint Paul. Sun Country Airlines offers budget-friendly direct options flying out of Chicago O'Hare into Minnesota as well. Passenger volume on the Chicago to Minneapolis corridor peaks during the summer months of June, July, and August. Business travel keeps demand steady between these two Midwestern commercial centers during the fall, but flights filling up for major holidays often drive winter prices higher. Late winter and early spring usually represent the slowest periods for this specific flight path, making February and March ideal times to find lower fares connecting Illinois to Minnesota.

View of Minneapolis, a popular flight destination from Chicago

About Minneapolis

Popular areas to know in Minneapolis include Uptown, North Loop, and Northeast.

Cold, snowy winters and warm summers — one of the widest seasonal temperature swings among major US cities.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a direct flight from Chicago to Minneapolis?
A nonstop flight from Chicago to Minneapolis usually takes about one hour and 30 minutes to cover the 350-mile distance between the two cities.
Which airports serve flights from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Flights depart from either Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and land at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
Which airlines fly direct from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Southwest Airlines operate direct routes from Chicago to Minneapolis.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Minneapolis?
February typically offers the lowest fares for travelers flying from Chicago to Minneapolis, as post-holiday winter travel demand decreases significantly across the Midwest.
Are there early morning flights from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Yes, the earliest departures from Chicago to Minneapolis generally leave O'Hare around 6:00 AM, allowing business travelers to reach the Twin Cities before 8:00 AM.
How much luggage can I bring on a flight from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Baggage allowances on the Chicago to Minneapolis route depend on your carrier and fare class, but most basic economy tickets allow one personal item under the seat, while standard economy includes a larger carry-on bag.
How far in advance should I book my flight from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Purchasing your ticket three to six weeks before your departure date usually secures the best pricing for the regional route from Chicago to Minneapolis.
Do flights from Chicago to Minneapolis experience frequent winter delays?
Both Illinois and Minnesota face severe winter weather, so flights from Chicago to Minneapolis can experience de-icing delays or schedule disruptions during major snowstorms between December and March.
Can I fly into a secondary airport when traveling from Chicago to Minneapolis?
While Chicago utilizes both O'Hare and Midway, commercial passenger flights arriving from Chicago to Minneapolis exclusively land at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).
What time of day is cheapest to fly from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Late evening flights departing after 8:00 PM usually offer the lowest ticket prices for travelers heading from Chicago to Minneapolis.
Are there direct Southwest flights from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Yes, Southwest Airlines flies directly from Chicago Midway International Airport to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport multiple times per day.
How far is it from Chicago to Minneapolis?
The straight-line distance from Chicago to Minneapolis is about 334 miles.
What ID do I need to fly from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Since Chicago to Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?
Cold, snowy winters and warm summers — one of the widest seasonal temperature swings among major US cities.

Airline baggage policies

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.

General airline baggage policy reference
AirlineCabin bagChecked bag
Delta Air Lines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
American Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main Cabin and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
United Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Economy and above; Basic Economy usually excludes it
Southwest Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item2 checked bags included on every fare — a long-standing, well-known Southwest policy
JetBlue Airways1 personal item on the cheapest (Blue Basic) fare; a carry-on is added on higher faresNot included on Blue Basic; typically included from Blue Plus and above
Alaska Airlines1 carry-on + 1 personal item on most fares1 checked bag typically included on Main and above; Saver fares usually exclude it
Spirit Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier
Frontier Airlines1 personal item included; a full-sized carry-on is a paid add-onNot included on the base fare — a paid add-on at every fare tier

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.