Flying from Chicago to Seattle: what you need to know
Start planning your holiday by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Chicago to Seattle. Explore your options for taking off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), two of the city's main airports.
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Paine Field Airport (PAE) are the chief entry points to Seattle.
Jump on a direct Chicago to Seattle flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 4 hours 35 minutes.
Seattle is two hours behind Chicago and follows the UTC-8 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Chicago to Seattle is from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA). You can choose from 113 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to SEA is the 06:00 Alaska Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the last departure is at 21:32 with United Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your Chicago to Seattle flight.
Be prepared for bigger queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Seattle
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Chicago to Seattle flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird deals.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Chicago to Seattle throughout the entire month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Chicago to Seattle couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when the price has dropped.
Find an affordable Chicago to Seattle flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can get a direct flight from Chicago to Seattle leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Start your trip at ORD and arrive at Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
You can choose from various carriers offering direct Chicago to Seattle plane tickets with departures from ORD, including:
Located around 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport is roughly 45 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Chicago to Seattle? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 70% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
You can take a nonstop flight from Chicago to Seattle departing from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Kick off your travels at MDW and step off the plane at Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Book your direct Chicago to Seattle plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the main carriers that operates this route out of MDW.
You can reach MDW from central Chicago in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey on public transport will take roughly 30 minutes to cover the 14 kilometres or so.
Get your holiday started early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Chicago to Seattle, stay in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport:
76% of all departures from Chicago Midway Airport arrive according to schedule.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Seattle
Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
The distance from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to central Seattle is approximately 19 kilometres. It takes about 25 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport will take you roughly 35 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Seattle. Reserve one of these accommodation options near SEA instead:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Seattle / Tacoma International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Thrifty, Europcar or Budget and explore beyond Seattle's main sights.
Secure the lowest price by booking your ride from Seattle / Tacoma International Airport around one week before your travel date.
Paine Field Airport (PAE)
Once your flight from Chicago to Seattle has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Seattle is roughly 32 kilometres from Paine Field Airport (PAE).
The journey will take roughly 40 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Chicago to Seattle, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to PAE. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Pick up a Paine Field Airport rental car and make your journey as spontaneous as you want. You can select from popular companies like Budget and Enterprise.
Typically, the sooner you book, the better the prices and vehicle selection. Secure your ride from PAE the moment you know your dates.
Seattle Boeing Fld Airport (BFI)
Set off for the city centre after your flight from Chicago to Seattle has landed. Central Seattle is about 11 kilometres from Seattle Boeing Fld Airport (BFI) and takes roughly 20 minutes to get there in a car.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey time is around 35 minutes.
Start your journey without worrying about how to get to your next stop with a Seattle Boeing Fld Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with reliable companies here like Alamo, Budget and Avis.
If you'd like a specific type of vehicle, booking early increases your chances of snagging what you want. Secure your ride from BFI a few weeks ahead of your flight from Chicago to Seattle.
Best time to go to Seattle
March is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Seattle, while July is the busiest. Work out the best time to go to Seattle based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Chicago to Seattle ticket departing in August if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Seattle to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Chicago to Seattle in February when temperatures average between -1ºC (30ºF) and 11ºC (52ºF).
More about Seattle
After booking your flight from Chicago to Seattle, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Seattle:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Space Needle, Pike Place Fish Market and The Museum of Flight are leading attractions which should feature on any well-planned Seattle itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've seen Seattle, now it's time to discover other corners of the United States. Travel about 241 kilometres south to Portland to tick off its leading sights. From Portland Japanese Garden to Peninsula Park Rose Garden and International Rose Test Garden, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
If you want to check out another corner of the United States, consider Spokane, about 370 kilometres east of Seattle. Riverside State Park, Spokane Falls (Upper Falls) and Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes are the start of reasons to visit.