DTW to ORD: Discover Affordable Flights and Travel Secrets
Cheapest flight found
$129
Last updated Mar 13, 2026
Prices by Month
Price History
Tracking the May 7, 2026 departure — the cheapest date we found.
Price Behavior: DTW → ORD
Based on 6 months of fare data collected by Trip Manta.
Lowest Fare
$129
Highest Fare
$222
Median Fare
$178
Price Spread
$93
Prices vary significantly — hourly tracking is especially valuable here.
Cheapest month to fly: May 2026 (from $129)
Most expensive month: April 2026 (from $222)
Biggest price drop caught: $60 between consecutive checks
Most frequent cheapest airline: American
What This Means for You
Flights from Detroit to Chicago range from $129 to $222, a $93 spread across the months we track. If your dates are flexible, May 2026 tends to have the lowest fares. Because prices on this route change significantly, setting up hourly price alerts gives you the best chance of catching a short-lived drop before it corrects. We have caught drops as large as $60 between hourly checks on this route.
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From
Detroit (DTW)
To
Chicago (ORD)
Airport Information
Detroit (DTW)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) serves as a primary gateway for the region and is a major hub for Delta Air Lines. Known for its modern infrastructure, particularly the McNamara Terminal with its iconic light tunnel and efficient indoor tram, DTW consistently ranks high in passenger satisfaction surveys. The airport offers a wide array of dining options reflecting Michigan’s culinary culture, alongside numerous lounges and retail shops to keep travelers occupied before their short hop to Chicago.
Chicago (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the world's busiest aviation centers, serving as a massive hub for both United and American Airlines. Located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, it features four operational terminals and a complex layout that accommodates hundreds of international and domestic flights daily. Passengers arriving from Detroit will find a vast network of ground transportation, including the 24-hour Blue Line train, making it a highly accessible destination for global travelers and business professionals alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the actual flight time from DTW to ORD?
While the gate-to-gate time is usually scheduled for 75 to 90 minutes, the actual time spent in the air is often as short as 45 to 55 minutes depending on wind conditions.
Which airlines fly nonstop from Detroit to Chicago?
Major carriers including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and American Airlines offer frequent nonstop service between these two major hubs.
Is it better to fly into O'Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW) from Detroit?
This depends on your final destination; ORD is better for the north side and suburbs, while MDW is often closer to the South Side, though DTW has significantly more daily frequencies to ORD.
What is the best way to get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago?
The CTA Blue Line "L" train is the most cost-effective and reliable method, providing a direct connection from the airport to the Chicago Loop in approximately 45 minutes.
Do I need to arrive at DTW two hours early for this short flight?
Yes, because DTW is a large hub, security wait times can vary; arriving early ensures you have plenty of time to navigate the terminal and reach your gate comfortably.
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Our Methodology
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