Are direct flights from Chicago to Detroit always the best option?

Direct flights are usually the most convenient, saving time by avoiding layovers. However, they are not always the cheapest option. Flights with one or more stops can sometimes offer lower fares, so it's worth comparing both types of itineraries.

Can flexible travel dates help on Chicago to Detroit flights?

Yes, being flexible with your travel dates can significantly impact flight prices. Flying on weekdays, during off-peak seasons, or avoiding major holidays often results in lower fares. Even shifting your travel by a day or two may lead to savings.

What extra costs should I check before booking Chicago to Detroit flights?

Before booking, always check for potential extra costs such as baggage fees, seat selection charges, and in-flight services. Some airlines may also charge for printing boarding passes at the airport. Factor these into your total travel budget.

Flights From Chicago

To Detroit

Cheap Flights from Chicago to Detroit

Browse current best options from Chicago. Become a member to unlock all deals and get alerts when new deals appear.

Deals from

Chicago

RatePunk searches hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to Detroit

Prices updated 7 days ago

483 airlines compared

80%+ AI score for best value

Fares are subject to change and may not be available for all dates. (Data last updated Oct 26, 2026.)

Today’s best flight deals from Chicago to Detroit

Explore current cheapest deals departing from Chicago to Detroit

2026-12-02 – 2026-12-08
CHI - Detroit
72% AI deal score
$228
$141
Round trip
2026-11-18 – 2026-12-16
CHI - Detroit
38% AI deal score
$142
$143
Round trip
2027-02-03 – 2027-02-24
CHI - Detroit
67% AI deal score
$211
$160
Round trip
2027-02-03 – 2027-02-27
CHI - Detroit
67% AI deal score
$211
$160
Round trip
2027-02-06 – 2027-02-27
CHI - Detroit
67% AI deal score
$210
$161
Round trip
2027-02-06 – 2027-02-24
CHI - Detroit
67% AI deal score
$212
$161
Round trip
2027-02-24 – 2027-02-27
CHI - Detroit
69% AI deal score
$239
$165
Round trip
2026-12-02 – 2026-12-14
CHI - Detroit
44% AI deal score
$200
$170
Round trip
2026-12-09 – 2026-12-14
CHI - Detroit
68% AI deal score
$234
$170
Round trip
2026-12-08 – 2026-12-14
CHI - Detroit
46% AI deal score
$226
$170
Round trip

Chicago to Detroit: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Detroit

Fares for flights from Chicago to Detroit typically range from $294–$622, with a median of $410. Right now, current fares are above the typical level for this route. Only 1% of recent fares were classified as a good price, indicating that finding cheap flights from Chicago to Detroit may require flexibility.

If you are looking for the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Detroit, May stands out with a median fare of just $138. Other cost-effective months include December, with a median fare of $247, and January, where the median fare is $286. New deals show up several times a week, so setting a price alert can be beneficial.

A typical journey from Chicago to Detroit takes about 1h 22m, including connections. Most itineraries connect at least once, with only 16.7% of recent fares being non-stop. For connecting flights, the median number of stopovers is 2, which significantly extends travel time compared to direct options.

The distance between Chicago and Detroit is 376 km, classifying this as a short-haul route. This short distance means that even with connections, the overall travel time is relatively brief, though direct flights remain the quickest option.

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Detroit

Regular price: $186 - $260

Prices for flights from Chicago to Detroit are currently below the regular range.

Regular prices for flights from Chicago to Detroit typically range from $186 to $260. The current lowest deal is $139 with Frontier Airlines, for travel from Dec 2-Dec 8.

now $139

Low $186

High $260

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Detroit

The cheapest month to fly from Chicago to Detroit is May, with a median price of $138. The most expensive month is March, with a median price of $1259. Prices are generally lower from January to December.

May

Cheapest

Flights from $138

March

Most Expensive

Flights from $1,259

Jan

Feb

Mar

May

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Direct flights from Chicago to Detroit

United Airlines

Last-minute flights going from Chicago to Detroit

Fri, Oct 30

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Detroit

Chicago (ORD) - Detroit (DTW)

Frontier Airlines

$327

$329

One-way

Fri, Nov 13

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Detroit

Chicago (ORD) - Detroit (DTW)

Frontier Airlines

$173

$243

One-way

Tue, Nov 17

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Detroit

Chicago (ORD) - Detroit (DTW)

Frontier Airlines

$185

$206

One-way

Tue, Nov 17

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Detroit

Chicago (ORD) - Detroit (DTW)

Frontier Airlines

$142

$214

One-way

Tue, Nov 17

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Detroit

Chicago (ORD) - Detroit (DTW)

Frontier Airlines

$142

$220

One-way

Tue, Nov 17

⌛ Last-Minute

ORD - Detroit

Chicago (ORD) - Detroit (DTW)

Frontier Airlines

$142

$234

One-way

Biggest price drops on these dates for flights from Chicago to Detroit

6 nights

Dec 2 - Dec 8

$228 → $139

39%

6 nights

Dec 9 - Dec 15

$227 → $141

38%

3 nights

Feb 24 - Feb 27

$239 → $165

31%

13 nights

Dec 2 - Dec 15

$198 → $139

30%

Popular Airports to fly from Chicago to Detroit

Chicago - Detroit route insights

💸 Price insights

Recent fares above typical level

Recent fares for flights from Chicago to Detroit are above the typical level at $410.

📅 Best time to fly

Fly in May for the best prices

Historically, May offers the lowest median price at $138, followed by December at $247.

⏱️ Flight duration

Short-haul flights, 1h 22m nonstop

Nonstop flights typically take 1h 22m, while connecting flights average 41h 19m.

✈️ Airlines & availability

Connecting flights are dominant

Only 16.7% of recent flights are direct, with connecting routes being more common.

🏆 Airline highlight

United Airlines offers direct flights

United Airlines is one of the carriers providing direct flight options on this route.

🎯 Booking tip

Look for deals in December

A recent deal was found for $139 with Frontier Airlines in December.

Chicago main airports to depart from

O Hare International (ORD)

Cheapest

O'Hare International Airport offers flights to Detroit and is a good option for budget-conscious travelers.

📍 ~25 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or train).

💸 Flights from ~$131

Chicago Midway International (MDW)

Chicago Midway International Airport is a convenient choice for flights to Detroit.

📍 ~14 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car or train).

💸 Flights from ~$134

Chicago Rockford International (RFD)

Chicago Rockford International Airport provides an alternative for flights to Detroit.

📍 ~126 km from Chicago city center (reachable by car).

💸 Flights from ~$183

Detroit main airports to arrive at

Detroit Metropolitan (DTW)

Cheapest

Detroit Metropolitan is a convenient arrival airport for flights from Chicago to Detroit.

📍 ~29 km from Detroit (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$133

Airports nearby Detroit used as alternative

Bishop International (FNT)

Flint (FNT) is a practical domestic alternative for its ease of access, avoiding Detroit congestion.

📍 ~100 km from Detroit (reachable by car)

💸 Flights from ~$289

Business & First Class Flight Deals to Detroit

45% AI deal score

$3,157

$2,133

Save $1,024

Frequently Asked Questions About Flights to Detroit

To find cheaper flights, it's often helpful to compare prices across various airlines and booking sites. Consider being flexible with your travel dates, as prices can vary significantly depending on the day of the week or time of year. Setting up price alerts may also help you catch a good deal.

Booking in advance often provides more options and potentially better prices, though last-minute deals can sometimes appear. There isn't a single 'best' time, as flight prices can fluctuate. Monitoring prices over a period may help you identify trends.

Comparing nearby airports can sometimes uncover more affordable flight options or different schedules. While it might add to your ground travel time, the potential savings could be worthwhile. Always factor in the cost and convenience of transportation to and from alternative airports.

Related routes

More routes from Chicago

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Flights to Detroit from other cities

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Chicago to Detroit: Overview

Insights for flights from Chicago to Detroit

How much is a round trip from Chicago to Detroit

Regular price: $186 - $260

Prices for flights from Chicago to Detroit are currently below the regular range.

Regular prices for flights from Chicago to Detroit typically range from $186 to $260. The current lowest deal is $139 with Frontier Airlines, for travel from Dec 2-Dec 8.

now $139

Low $186

High $260

The cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Detroit

May

Cheapest

Flights from $138

March

Most Expensive

Flights from $1,259

Jan

Feb

Mar

May

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec