Direct (nonstop) flights from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago

1 airline flys nonstop from Raleigh–Durham Airport (RDU) to Chicago Midway International (MDW). It's 631 miles (1,016 km), about 2h in the air. Operated by Southwest Airlines.

RDU
Raleigh–Durham Airport
🇺🇸 Raleigh/Durham, USA
MDW
Chicago Midway International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
Flight Time
2h
Distance
631 mi
1,016 km
CO₂/pax
117 kg
−27 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
Southwest Airlines
Time Diff
-1h
Operated by Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines

Route data last updated: May 30, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Southwest Airlines WN Southwest Airlines
Route
RDU → MDW
Flight Time
2h
Distance
631 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago with one stop · direct emits 117 kg CO₂ per passenger

RDU CMH (Columbus) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 28m (362 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (282 mi) Total: ~2h 43m 🍃 144 kg CO₂ (+23% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → CMH
1h 28m · 362 mi
View RDU to CMH flights →
Leg 2
CMH → MDW
1h 15m · 282 mi
View CMH to MDW flights →
RDU IND (Indianapolis) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 53m (488 mi) Leg 2: 1h (162 mi) Total: ~2h 53m 🍃 145 kg CO₂ (+24% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → IND
1h 53m · 488 mi
View RDU to IND flights →
Leg 2
IND → MDW
1h · 162 mi
View IND to MDW flights →
RDU CVG (Cincinnati) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 45m (390 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (249 mi) Total: ~2h 55m 🍃 143 kg CO₂ (+22% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → CVG
1h 45m · 390 mi
View RDU to CVG flights →
Leg 2
CVG → MDW
1h 10m · 249 mi
View CVG to MDW flights →
RDU SDF (Louisville) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 41m (415 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (271 mi) Total: ~2h 56m 🍃 152 kg CO₂ (+30% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → SDF
1h 41m · 415 mi
View RDU to SDF flights →
Leg 2
SDF → MDW
1h 15m · 271 mi
View SDF to MDW flights →
RDU PIT (Pittsburgh) MDW
Leg 1: 1h 27m (328 mi) Leg 2: 1h 30m (400 mi) Total: ~2h 57m 🍃 160 kg CO₂ (+37% vs. direct)
Leg 1
RDU → PIT
1h 27m · 328 mi
View RDU to PIT flights →
Leg 2
PIT → MDW
1h 30m · 400 mi
View PIT to MDW flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

A nonstop flight from Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Chicago (MDW) takes approximately 2 hours. The distance is 631 miles (1,016 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

Just Southwest Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

Yes. 1 airline: Southwest Airlines.

How far is Raleigh/Durham from Chicago?

The flight distance from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago is 631 miles (1,016 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as the length of Italy.

What type of aircraft flies from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

At 2h, this route typically uses narrow-body aircraft — Boeing 737 or Airbus A320. Varies by airline.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

Roughly 117 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 585 km.

Is the return flight from Chicago to Raleigh/Durham also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Raleigh/Durham to Chicago?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. 3-6 weeks ahead is a good window for this route. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Raleigh–Durham Airport for this flight?

1.5-2 hours for domestic. Add more time during holidays or busy travel weekends.