A commercial airplane flying above the clouds between Chicago and New York city skylines, highlighting air travel distance.

How far is Chicago to New York by plane?

Real Estate Broker in Chicago, IL
August 29, 2025•5 min read

How Far Is Chicago to New York by Plane? Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Picture this: You’re standing in Chicago, IL—home of deep-dish pizza, bold blues music, and skyscrapers that kiss the clouds. Now, imagine you’re in New York City just a couple of hours later, amidst the buzz of Times Square and the serenity of Central Park. Sounds like magic, right? Well, flying makes it feel like magic — but how far really is Chicago to New York by plane? And how long will your journey take? Let’s unpack it like Steve Jobs unveiling a product. No fluff. Only what truly matters.

The Real Distance: Chicago to New York by Air

Here’s the straight-talk: The flight distance from Chicago to New York is roughly 712 miles (about 1,148 kilometers) as the crow—or rather, the airplane—flies. To put it simply, it’s like layering about 25 Chicago Bulls basketball courts lengthwise. Not that you’re suddenly going to dribble your way across the sky, but it gives you a sense.

Why Does Distance Matter?

Because, well, distance influences:

  • Flight time

  • Fuel costs (which can tweak ticket prices)

  • Cabin comfort (short flights mean less leg cramps!)

  • And, ultimately, your travel planning.

How Long Is the Flight from Chicago to New York?

According to data sourced from Blade.com, the average non-stop flight time ranges between 1 hour 26 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes, with the mean hovering close to 1 hour and 36 minutes.

Now, don’t let these numbers fool you—factors like taxiing, air traffic, and weather typically add approximately 20 more minutes, bumping your total travel time up to about 1 hour and 55 minutes. So it’s kind of like getting out of bed in the morning—your GPS might say 10 minutes, but reality adds a few.

The Airline Lowdown: Who Gets You There Fastest?

Your choice of airline plays a considerable role in travel duration.

  • United Airlines: Smooth flight times averaging 2 hours 45 minutes, flying out of Chicago O’Hare or Newark Liberty in NYC.

  • American Airlines: Reliable trips lasting about 2 hours, arriving at JFK or LaGuardia airports.

  • Spirit Airlines: Budget-friendly with an average flight time near 2 hours 15 minutes.

Keep in mind, flight durations can vary due to routing, time of day, and weather.

Which Airports Should You Know?

Understanding your points of departure and arrival helps streamline your trip.

Chicago Airports

  • O’Hare International Airport (ORD) - The city’s mega-hub bustling with domestic and international flights.

  • Midway International Airport (MDW) - Closer to downtown Chicago and less hectic, a great alternative.

New York Airports

  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) - The main international gateway.

  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA) - Closest to Manhattan, mainly for domestic flights.

  • Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) - Located in New Jersey, a hub for United Airlines travelers.

Why Fly vs. Drive or Take the Train?

Thinking about alternatives? The Greyhound might take 12-14 hours, while driving your own car can last anywhere between 11 to 13 hours, depending on traffic. The Amtrak train shaves that to around 20+ hours. Flying, then, is the clear winner for speed if time is your currency.

Insider Travel Tips: Flying Chicago to New York Like a Pro

Optimize Time & Money

  • Book Early: Flight prices tend to rise within 90 days of departure.

  • Best Day to Fly: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays typically offer cheaper airfare.

  • Cheapest Month to Fly: January provides some of the best deals.

  • Watch Weather: Chicago winters and New York thunderstorms can delay flights.

Efficient Airport Transfers

  • In Chicago, the CTA Orange Line swiftly connects Midway Airport with downtown in 20-25 minutes.

  • In NYC, public transit reigns supreme—grab a MetroCard for subway and bus access.

  • Feeling luxurious? Blade.com offers helicopter transfers from Manhattan to JFK in under 5 minutes. Traffic? What traffic?!

What You'll Experience on Your Flight

Here’s a fun fact: Flying from Chicago, IL to New York means you’ll cross four states in short order—Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania—before touching down in New York. You might just catch a glimpse of Lake Michigan on departure and the Hudson River as you arrive.

If you consider the flight's velocity (~500-550 mph) and the total route, your eyes and imagination travel faster than most road trips ever could.

FAQs: Quick Facts Made Easy

Q1: How far is Chicago from New York by plane?

  • Approximately 712 miles.

Q2: What is the average flight time?

  • Around 1 hour and 36 minutes non-stop, up to 1 hour 55 minutes including taxi.

Q3: Which airports serve these cities?

  • Chicago: O’Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW).

  • New York: JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Liberty (EWR).

Q4: When is the cheapest time to book flights?

  • January, and booking on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

Wrapping It Up Like Steve Jobs

When Apple launches a product, it’s not just about specs — it’s about the experience. Similarly, Chicago to New York travel by air isn’t just about miles or minutes — it’s about making your journey as smooth and efficient as possible. Whether you’re jetting off for business or pleasure, knowing the distance, airports, airlines, and travel tips ensures your trip is not just a flight — it’s an experience.

So, next time you’re packing your bags in Chicago, remember: the City of Big Shoulders and the Big Apple are just a quick flight away. And with the right planning, you’ll be there faster than you can decide what slice of pizza to eat first (deep dish or New York-style, anyone?).

Ready to take off on your adventure?

Have questions about real estate opportunities or travel logistics in Chicago, IL? Reach out to Sohail Salahuddin!

📞 Contact: Sohail Salahuddin
📍 Title: Real Estate Broker
📲 Phone: 312-818-2978
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: https://sohailrealestate.com

Liked this post? Drop your comments below, share with your travel buddies, and bookmark this guide for when you plan your next trip from Chicago to New York. Safe travels!

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When navigating real estate, you need a trusted advisor who understands every aspect of the industry. From smart investing to strategic selling and seamless financing. That’s exactly what Sohail delivers. Starting his real estate journey at just 20 years old, Sohail purchased his first home while earning a degree in Network Engineering. He quickly expanded into multi-unit properties, gaining firsthand experience in what makes a solid investment. His deep understanding of real estate financing led him to build and operate a successful mortgage company, equipping him with the insights to help clients secure the best possible terms. Beyond financing, Sohail’s expertise extends to property development, from building new homes to flipping properties and managing large condo conversions. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, he brings a well-rounded perspective to every transaction—helping you make informed decisions, maximize returns, and avoid costly pitfalls. As the founder of his own brokerage, Sohail is committed to simplifying the real estate process for his clients. He takes the time to understand your unique goals and crafts a personalized strategy to help you achieve them. With a strong focus on education, transparency, and negotiation, he ensures that every client moves forward with confidence—whether buying their first home, selling for top dollar, or scaling an investment portfolio. With Sohail, you don’t just get an agent—you get a dedicated advocate who puts your success first.

Sohail Salahuddin

When navigating real estate, you need a trusted advisor who understands every aspect of the industry. From smart investing to strategic selling and seamless financing. That’s exactly what Sohail delivers. Starting his real estate journey at just 20 years old, Sohail purchased his first home while earning a degree in Network Engineering. He quickly expanded into multi-unit properties, gaining firsthand experience in what makes a solid investment. His deep understanding of real estate financing led him to build and operate a successful mortgage company, equipping him with the insights to help clients secure the best possible terms. Beyond financing, Sohail’s expertise extends to property development, from building new homes to flipping properties and managing large condo conversions. Whether you’re a buyer, seller, or investor, he brings a well-rounded perspective to every transaction—helping you make informed decisions, maximize returns, and avoid costly pitfalls. As the founder of his own brokerage, Sohail is committed to simplifying the real estate process for his clients. He takes the time to understand your unique goals and crafts a personalized strategy to help you achieve them. With a strong focus on education, transparency, and negotiation, he ensures that every client moves forward with confidence—whether buying their first home, selling for top dollar, or scaling an investment portfolio. With Sohail, you don’t just get an agent—you get a dedicated advocate who puts your success first.

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