Flying from Chicago to Phoenix: what you need to know
Embark on your next 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 Phoenix leaving from either of these bases.
When it comes to arriving in Phoenix, Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) is a key hub. Another is Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA).
The average duration of a direct Chicago to Phoenix flight is 3 hours 40 minutes.
Phoenix's timezone is UTC-7, which makes Phoenix two hours behind Chicago.
The busiest route for flights from Chicago to Phoenix is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX). Choose from 103 weekly services between these two airports. If you'd like to maximise your time on arrival, the earliest flight from ORD to PHX is the 05:00 American Airlines service. If you prefer to travel later, the last scheduled departure is at 22:10 with American Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Chicago to Phoenix flight.
During popular months such as August, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Phoenix
The lowest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Phoenix is £21. For a return flight on this route, the best price is £43. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
To snag cheap Chicago to Phoenix flights, book your trip two months ahead of your departure date.
May is the best month for landing a fantastic deal on a plane ticket from Chicago to Phoenix. If you want to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Chicago to Phoenix.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Chicago to Phoenix flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Chicago to Phoenix, you can leave from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Fly from ORD to Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX) without making any stops.
Choose from a variety of airlines that offer direct Chicago to Phoenix plane tickets out of ORD. Claim your seat with one of these carriers:
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes around 55 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 26 kms (16 miles) in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Planning to catch an early flight from Chicago to Phoenix? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays near O'Hare International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% of flights complete their journey on time.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
You can take a nonstop flight from Chicago to Phoenix leaving from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Start your journey at MDW and come in for landing at Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX).
Southwest Airlines offers direct Chicago to Phoenix plane tickets from MDW. Book your preferred window seat and get to your destination in a single journey.
MDW is about 14 kms (9 miles) from central Chicago. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Chicago to Phoenix? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your adventure officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
78% of flights taking off from Chicago Midway International Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Phoenix
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF)
Phoenix Scottsdale Municipal Airport (SCF) is approximately 24 kms (15 miles) from the centre of Phoenix. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 35 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Chicago to Phoenix, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near SCF:
Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX)
As soon as your flight from Chicago to Phoenix has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in around 10 minutes by car. Central Phoenix is roughly 6 kms (4 miles) from Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport (PHX).
The trip will take approximately 35 minutes on public transport.
Europcar, Dollar and Thrifty make collecting a Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride one week ahead of your arrival at PHX will help you stay within budget.
You'll find Phoenix Sky Harbour International Airport at 3400 Sky Harbour Boulevard.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA)
Set off for the city centre after your flight from Chicago to Phoenix has arrived. Central Phoenix is about 40 kms (25 miles) from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) and takes roughly 40 minutes to reach by car.
Whether you're searching for a zippy compact for a solo adventure or a spacious SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the right Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport rental car for your needs. Check out wheels available here from suppliers such as Dollar, Alamo and Budget.
About two weeks ahead of your flight from Chicago to Phoenix is the ideal time to book your ride from AZA. You're more likely to land a better deal or even snap up an early bird discount.
The address for Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport is 6033 S. Sossaman Rd..
Best time to go to Phoenix
Before securing your flights from Chicago to Chicago, think about which time of year is best for you. High season in Chicago offers a lively atmosphere and plenty of things to do, while the off-season brings cheaper deals on hotels and smaller crowds.
When booking your Chicago to Phoenix tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Phoenix, with temperatures ranging from 26ºC (79ºF) to 44ºC (111ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Phoenix in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 20ºC (68ºF) on average.
More about Phoenix
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Phoenix right here. Check out these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Chicago to Phoenix:
Desert Botanical Garden and Heard Museum are just a couple of the top attractions to put on your Phoenix travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at Papago Park.
Explore more of United States
You've done Phoenix, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Journey about 300 miles west to San Diego to tick off its leading attractions. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 260 miles north-west of Phoenix, Las Vegas is another essential stop in United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Las Vegas Strip, Fountains of Bellagio and Fremont Street Experience.