Travelling from Chicago to Houston: what you need to know
Set off on your next big adventure from one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Explore your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Houston departing from either of these bases.
The major arrival points in Houston are George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
Around 2 hours 50 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Chicago to Houston flight.
Chicago and Houston are in the UTC-5 timezone. That means you won't have to change your watch when you arrive.
The most popular route for flights from Chicago to Houston is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). You can choose from 103 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to IAH is the 05:10 Spirit Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last scheduled departure is at 21:59 with Spirit Airlines.
Give yourself enough time to get on your Chicago to Houston flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Peak months like August or vacation periods such as spring break and Christmas will mean longer waits at security and check-in. Be on the safe side and head to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of international departures is a wise idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Houston
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Houston is C$48. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$94. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares can change.
Get cheap Chicago to Houston flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding a bargain.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on plane tickets from Chicago to Houston. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the lowest price across each month.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll update you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Chicago to Houston.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' Chicago to Houston flights.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Houston jetting off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Start your trip at ORD and come in for landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct Chicago to Houston plane tickets out of ORD. Book your seat with one of these:
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes about 55 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Planning to catch an early flight from Chicago to Houston? Avoid rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays close to O'Hare International Airport:
Of all flights leaving O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Direct flights from Chicago to Houston can be booked from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), so consider leaving from this hub. MDW offers nonstop services to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
Book a direct Chicago to Houston plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the main airlines operating this route out of MDW.
With public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 45 minutes. The terminal is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Get a head start on your vacation with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Houston, unwind in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway International Airport:
Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 77.88%. This figure shows how frequently flights that depart from this airport reach their destination on schedule.
The street address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Houston
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
The distance from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to central Houston is approximately 21 kilometres. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It usually takes 50 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to Houston. Check in to one of these accommodation options near IAH instead:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a George Bush Intercontinental Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Sixt and experience the lesser-explored corners of Houston and beyond.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your ride from George Bush Intercontinental Airport around three weeks ahead of your departure.
The address for IAH is 16930 JFK Boulevard.
William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
As soon as your flight from Chicago to Houston has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 20 minutes by car. Central Houston is approximately 16 kilometres from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU).
Travelling by public transport will take about 1 hour 40 minutes.
After your flight from Chicago to Houston, unwind at a hotel close to HOU. These are some great options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a William P. Hobby Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Easirent, Dollar or Thrifty and be off and running.
Call dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from HOU four weeks in advance often means more savings and a bigger choice of vehicles.
You'll find William P. Hobby Airport at 7800 Airport Boulevard.
Best time to go to Houston
It's time to choose your dates for your flight from Chicago to Houston. July is the most popular month to visit Houston. If you want a more relaxed vibe, go in February.
Before locking in your Chicago to Houston tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. August is the warmest month in Houston, with temperatures ranging from 24ºC (75ºF) to 40ºC (104ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Houston in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 5ºC (41ºF) and 19ºC (66ºF) on average.
More about Houston
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Houston right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Chicago to Houston:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be hard to figure out where to start. The Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Beck Building and Hermann Park are major attractions which should be on any good Houston itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Houston has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of United States just waiting to be explored. Around 306 kilometres west of Houston, a trip to San Antonio will keep you on the move. Start with popular sights like The San Antonio River Walk, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park and San Fernando Cathedral.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in United States, head for Dallas, about 370 kilometres north of Houston. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Perot Museum of Nature and Science and Dallas Museum of Art are highlights.
