Flights From Chicago to Raleigh-Durham: Airlines, Fares, and Time

A nonstop flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham takes about two hours. Chicago has two major airports with direct service. O’Hare International (ORD) and Midway International (MDW). American Airlines and United Airlines fly nonstop from ORD, while Southwest Airlines flies nonstop from MDW. Ticket prices from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham vary by departure date. Fares are usually affordable, and because both Chicago airports have nonstop options, it pays to compare them before you book.

Chicago to Raleigh-Durham Flight Details

The flight snapshot below highlights key information regarding flights from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham. The route is served by numerous flights that make air travel easy and hassle-free for both business and leisure travelers.

How much is a flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham?

Airfares on this route change through the year with consumer demand and holiday schedules. One-way flights from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham in November, booked through CheapFlightsFares a couple of weeks in advance, start from $140. Seasonal demand often sees airfares fluctuate. 

Low season in Raleigh-Durham runs from December to January. Fares to the region are at their lowest during this time. Between December and January, flights start at $101. However, expect holiday fares around Christmas and New Year's to hover around $121 to $223.  Spring months from March to May and autumn months from September to November form the peak season in Raleigh-Durham. Expect the fares to be between $205 and $257. Summer months in Raleigh-Durham last from June to August. The fares from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham around these times are approximately $194 to $257.

How Long Is the Flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham?

The average flight time from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham is around one hour 50 minutes to two hours 20 minutes. The exact time depends on the airline and departure airport.

Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU) can take around two hours to two hours and 20 minutes. American and United offer nonstop services on this route.  

If you board at Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), the flight takes about one hour and 50 minutes. Southwest Airlines operates nonstop flights on this route.

Which airlines fly from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham?

All the major U.S. carriers can get you to RDU with a connection. Only a few operate nonstop on this route.

American Airlines

American Airlines operates about 42 weekly and six daily nonstop flights between ORD and RDU, with regional partner Envoy flying some. As a legacy airline, American allows one personal item and one carry-on bag on most fares.

United Airlines

United operates about 42 weekly and six daily nonstop flights between ORD and RDU, with some flights operated by regional partner SkyWest. Chicago is one of United’s biggest hubs, which gives passengers more schedule options and easier rebooking.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest flies nonstop from Midway to RDU about two times a day on weekdays and three times on Sundays. At roughly one hour and 50 minutes, it’s the shortest scheduled flight on the route.

Chicago Airports for Raleigh-Durham Flights

When booking a flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham, O’Hare (ORD) is the main airport for nonstop service. It is about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, and the drive or train ride typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. ORD is a huge airport with multiple terminals and has multiple departure times to choose from.

Midway Airport (MDW) is smaller and closer to downtown. It is about 10 miles southwest and usually a 20- to 30-minute trip. MDW is the base for Southwest’s nonstop service to RDU and is often easier and faster to get through.

Because both airports offer nonstop options, compare fares and total travel cost, including getting to the airport and bag fees, before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham (RDU)?

Yes. American and United fly nonstop from O’Hare, and Southwest flies nonstop from Midway.

How many nonstop flights to Raleigh-Durham operate out of Chicago?

The Chicago to Raleigh-Durham route has around 103 to 121 weekly nonstop flights operating out of ORD and MDW airports in Chicago. 

How long is the flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham?

A nonstop flight takes around two hours from Chicago to RDU, while a connecting flight takes roughly three and a half hours or more, depending on the layover.

Are there any alternate airports in Chicago?

Yes. Midway (MDW) is the main alternative to O’Hare, and it has nonstop Southwest service to RDU.

How much does a Christmas flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham cost?

Fares around Christmas and New Year's