Flying from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU): What you need to know
Get your trip planning underway by checking out where you'll catch your flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). Explore the options for setting off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), the city's main airports.
Jump on a direct Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport flight and you'll be in the air for an average of 2 hours 5 minutes.
The timezone in Durham is UTC-5, which is one hour ahead of Chicago. Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located in Durham.
With 64 direct weekly flights between the two airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the most popular route. American Airlines operates the earliest flight at 6:40am. If you're eager to make the most of your day before jetting off, the last departure from ORD to RDU is with American Airlines at 8:45pm.
To ensure you catch your flight from Chicago to RDU, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Hopping on a plane during a peak month like July? Popular seasons (like spring break and New Year) can add another hour at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
Airports in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Top carriers that operate direct flights from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport out of ORD include:
The most frequently booked airline between ORD and RDU is American Airlines.
The carrier with the best on-time arrival rate on this route is United.
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes about 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 27 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Booked an early flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport? Avoid the mad dash to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by staying at one of these stays close to Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
Of the departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 70% land on schedule at their destination.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Catching a flight out of Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? Direct Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) plane tickets can be booked from here.
Southwest Airlines operates direct flights from Chicago to RDU out of MDW. Book your favourite aisle (or window) seat and get to your destination in one go.
Southwest Airlines is the most frequently booked airline flying from MDW to RDU.
Southwest Airlines is the most punctual carrier flying from Chicago Midway International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, with 79.28% of its services arriving on schedule.
You can arrive at MDW from the centre of Chicago in approximately 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The journey by public transport takes roughly 30 minutes to travel the 16 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your Chicago to RDU flight? Kick back in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your adventure officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
76% of flights out of Chicago Midway International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
From the centre of Chicago, RFD is around 145 kilometres away. It takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to get to the airport by car and 2 hours or so if you're on public transport.
Make catching an early Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport flight the easiest part of your journey. Book a room at one of these accommodation options close to Chicago Rockford International Airport and head to your check-in counter feeling relaxed and unhurried:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that measures how often flights land without delays. At RFD, that rate is 71%.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
About Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport, few things top the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near RDU:
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle around one week before your Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport flight.
Getting from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to central Durham
Raleigh-Durham International Airport is around 18 kilometres from the centre of Durham. It takes around 20 minutes or so to drive to the city.
Travelling on public transport will take you roughly 45 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Right now, $69 is the best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. The cheapest price for a return flight is $138. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to walk away with cheap flights from Chicago to RDU if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird deals.
If you can be flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across every month when searching for your Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport ticket.
You don't need to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's a better deal on plane tickets from Chicago to RDU.
Filters make it easier to track down a bargain for your flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport. Choose the departure times, airlines and number of stops that line up with your plans. Then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to find the lowest price right away.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
December is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), while June is the busiest. Pick the best time to visit Durham based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Durham is July, with temperatures ranging between 19ºC (66ºF) and 33ºC (91ºF). Book your Chicago to RDU plane ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap tickets from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -3ºC (27ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF).
More about Durham
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Durham right here. Explore these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Chicago to Raleigh-Durham International Airport:
All great adventures should include some sightseeing. DPAC - Durham Performing Arts Centre, Sarah P. Duke Gardens and Museum of Life and Science are essential stops on your Durham itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
Durham has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of the United States just waiting to be explored. About 193 kilometres west of Durham, a trip to Charlotte will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Discovery Place and NASCAR Hall of Fame.
If you're interested in discovering another well-known destination in the United States, consider Virginia Beach, about 274 kilometres northeast of Durham. Virginia Beach Boardwalk, Resort Beach and Neptune's Park are key reasons to visit.
