Flying from Chicago to Phoenix: what you need to know
Your next great adventure starts 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 Phoenix leaving from either of these.
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) and Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) are the chief entry points to Phoenix.
Hop on a direct Chicago to Phoenix flight and you'll be traveling for an average of 3 hours 40 minutes.
Phoenix is one hour behind Chicago and observes the UTC-7 timezone.
With 105 weekly flights between the two airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Chicago to Phoenix with American Airlines at 05:00. If you prefer to make the most of your day before flying, the latest flight from ORD to PHX is with American Airlines at 22:10.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to catch your Chicago to Phoenix flight.
You can expect bigger queues during popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Phoenix
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap Chicago to Phoenix flight. Prices tend to rise as demand increases, so the nearer your departure date, the more you'll likely spend.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Phoenix is easy if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices across every month and pick up a fantastic deal.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Chicago to Phoenix by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Chicago to Phoenix flights.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Chicago to Phoenix, you can depart from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Fly from ORD to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) in one seamless journey.
You'll have your pick of airlines that offer direct Chicago to Phoenix plane tickets out of ORD. Get on board with any of these:
Located around 16 miles from central Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport will take roughly 45 minutes.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Chicago O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Phoenix, these accommodation options will have you sleeping moments from your departure lounge:
Of the departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 70% arrive on time at their destination.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Phoenix out of Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Nonstop connections from MDW will get you to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX).
Book a direct Chicago to Phoenix plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the leading airlines operating this route out of MDW.
Using public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 9 miles away. Driving will take you about 25 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Chicago to Phoenix? Check in to a hotel near Chicago Midway Airport before your vacation officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
When it comes to keeping flights on track, Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76%.
The address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Phoenix
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX)
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) is approximately 4 miles from central Phoenix. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 10 minutes.
When traveling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 25 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near PHX if you have a late flight from Chicago to Phoenix. Pick one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Europcar, Dollar or Thrifty and experience the lesser-explored corners of Phoenix and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport about one week in advance of your Chicago to Phoenix flight.
PHX is located at 3400 Sky Harbor Boulevard.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) is roughly 25 miles from the center of Phoenix. Once you've disembarked your flight from Chicago to Phoenix, it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're traveling on public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to AZA. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Chicago to Phoenix:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Alamo or Budget and make a speedy getaway.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from AZA two weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a bigger selection of vehicles.
The address for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is 6033 S. Sossaman Rd..
Best time to go to Phoenix
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Chicago to Phoenix. April is the most popular month to visit Phoenix. If you like a quieter vibe, go in March.
The warmest month in Phoenix is July, with temperatures ranging between 81ºF and 113ºF. Lock in your Chicago to Phoenix ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you like traveling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Chicago to Phoenix in January when temperatures average between 39ºF and 70ºF.
More about Phoenix
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Phoenix right here. Browse these options after locking in your flight from Chicago to Phoenix:
Camelback Mountain and Yayoi Kusama Fireflies Infinity Mirror Room are just two of the top attractions to put on your Phoenix itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Heard Museum.
Explore more of the United States
San Diego is just one of the many cities in the United States waiting to be discovered once you've taken in the sights of Phoenix. Around 300 miles to the west, its top attractions include San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park and USS Midway Museum.
Las Vegas is another essential stop in the United States and is around 260 miles northwest of Phoenix. No trip is complete without seeing Las Vegas Strip, Fountains of Bellagio and Penn & Teller.
