- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Flights from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL depart on average 36 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $143 (€118) but you can travel from only $76 (€62) by train.
There are 3 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 05:00, the last at 21:54. The fastest flight covers the 712 miles (1146 km) distance in 2h 32m. August is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 712 miles (1146 km) |
Average flight duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price $143 (€118) |
Flights per day 36 |
Direct flights 3 |
Fastest flight 2h 32m |
First flight 5:00 AM |
Last flight 9:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Cheapest price
$159
Average price
$352
Fastest journey
2 h 33 m
Average duration
2 h 39 m
Flights per day
6
Distance
1146 km
The best way to find a cheap flight ticket from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL will cost around $352 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $159.
Of the 6 flights that leave Albany, NY for Chicago, IL onSat, Jul 18, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct flights cover the 1146 km distance in an average of 2 h 39 m but if you time it right, some flights will get you there in just 2 h 33 m .
On Sat, Jul 18 the longest flights will take 2 h 46 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $100. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $100, and a flight costs an average of $143.
Distance: 712 miles (1146 km)
| Flight | Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$403 Average price | $219 Average price | $190 Average price Cheapest | $248 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 28m Average total duration 15h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 7m Average total duration 23h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
3.4 - 6.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL costing on average $219 (€180).
A bus is $213 (€175) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL costing on average $403 (€331).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 58m.
Bus takes on average 23h 37m.
The table below shows live departures for Albany, NY to Chicago, IL flights for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:04 PM Albany, NY | 2h46 | 2:50 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:16 PM Albany, NY | 2h54 | 3:10 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:35 PM Albany, NY | 2h36 | 7:11 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:05 PM Albany, NY | 2h46 | 7:51 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:54 PM Albany, NY | 2h41 | 11:35 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:55 PM Albany, NY | 2h35 | 11:30 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:50 PM Albany, NY | 2h41 | 12:31 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
![]() | 10:00 AM Albany, NY | 2h33 | 12:33 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL by flight. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest flight, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need