- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.




Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
4h 25m
Average duration
4h 58m
Buses per day
4
Distance
323 km
Flights from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL depart on average 40 times per day, taking around 1h 18m. Cheap flight tickets for this journey start at $143 (€118) but you can travel from only $36 (€29) by bus.
There are 9 flights per day. The earliest flight runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest flight covers the 200 miles (323 km) distance in 1h 12m. December is the cheapest month to fly.
Distance 200 miles (323 km) |
Average flight duration 1h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $143 (€118) |
Flights per day 40 |
Direct flights 9 |
Fastest flight 1h 12m |
First flight 12:10 AM |
Last flight 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 days |
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $36, and a flight costs an average of $143.
Distance: 200 miles (323 km)
| Flight | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$247 Average price | $55 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $192 (€158) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL costing on average $247 (€204).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 0m.
The table below shows live departures for Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL flights for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated flight journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:35 PM Iowa City, IA | 1h24 | 5:59 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last flight of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Iowa City, IA 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.

Most Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL flights use the Cedar Rapids to O'Hare International Airport airport pair. Use this guide to compare Iowa City, IA and Chicago, IL airports on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like airport facilities and services.
O'Hare International Airport is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
O'Hare International Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Restaurants are located in all terminals, offering a variety of cuisines including American and intertiol. Top options include Tortas Frontera and Publican Tavern.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the airport. ATMs are located throughout all terminals.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at O'Hare International Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at O'Hare International Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at O'Hare International Airport: Elevators, ramps, toilets.
Nearby hotels include Hotels such as Hilton Chicago O'Hare are located on airport grounds, with others like the Hyatt Regency nearby..
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need