Travelling from Chicago to Houston: what you need to know
Countless great adventures start at one of Chicago's main airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Check out your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Houston taking off from either of these bases.
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) and Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) are the chief entry points to Houston.
Hop on a direct Chicago to Houston flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 2 hours 55 minutes.
Chicago and Houston are in the same timezone, UTC-6.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 117 weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Chicago to Houston is with United Airlines at 22:00. Go for the first ORD to IAH departure with United Airlines at 05:00 to fit in more activities on your first day in Houston.
To ensure you make your Chicago to Houston flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Houston
To find cheap Chicago to Houston flights, book ahead. Airlines usually offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Houston is easier if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest fares across the month and walk away with a great deal.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Chicago to Houston by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Find a cheap Chicago to Houston flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Houston leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Begin your trip at ORD and come in for landing at Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH).
Leading airlines that offer direct Chicago to Houston plane tickets from ORD include:
ORD is around 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 45 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Houston or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to Chicago O'Hare International Airport's on-time performance, 70% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Thinking of taking off from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)? You can catch a direct flight from Chicago to Houston out of this hub. Land at Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) or Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) and skip the layovers.
From MDW, you can book a direct Chicago to Houston plane ticket with Southwest Airlines.
You can get to MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport will take roughly 30 minutes to travel the 14 kilometres or so.
Kick off your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Houston, stay in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 76%.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Houston
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH)
Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport (IAH) to central Houston takes about 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
It typically takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Houston, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these accommodation options near IAH:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up a Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and experience the lesser-explored corners of Houston and beyond.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from Houston George Bush Intercntl. Airport about three weeks ahead of your Chicago to Houston flight.
The address for IAH is 16930 JFK Boulevard.
Houston Hobby Airport (HOU)
Central Houston is around 16 kilometres from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). After your flight from Chicago to Houston has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 20 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in about 50 minutes.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to HOU. Unwind after your Chicago to Houston flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or waiting in a long taxi line. Pick up a Houston Hobby Airport rental car and go in any direction that inspires you. Compare availability and rates from Easirent, Dollar and Thrifty.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at HOU can land you a better rate.
Houston Hobby Airport is located at 7800 Airport Boulevard.
Best time to go to Houston
July is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Houston. To skip the crowds, head to Houston in September.
Book a Chicago to Houston ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Houston to range from 24ºC (75ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Houston in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 5ºC (41ºF) and 19ºC (66ºF) on average.
More about Houston
Start your Houston trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Houston, explore our range of accommodation options including:
Audrey Jones Beck Building at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston and Houston Museum of Natural Science are just the start of the big attractions to add to your Houston must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at The Menil Collection.
Explore more of the United States
Houston has plenty to offer, but there are so many other parts of the United States waiting to be discovered. Around 306 kilometres west of Houston, a visit to San Antonio will keep your itinerary packed. Start with leading sights like San Antonio River Walk, Selena Quintanilla Mural and Historic Market Square.
If you want to check out another great destination in the United States, consider Dallas, about 370 kilometres north of Houston. Dallas Symphony Orchestra at Meyerson Symphony Centre, Winspear Opera House and Dallas Museum of Art are among the biggest draws.
