DCA to ORD Route Guide
Washington D.C., United States → Chicago, United States
Quick answer
KDCA (Washington D.C., United States) to KORD (Chicago, United States) is a 531 NM (983 km / 611 mi) great-circle route with an initial bearing of 294° (WNW). Typical cruise altitude FL240, expected flight time 2h 14m, common aircraft: Embraer E175, CRJ-700, Bombardier Q400.
Distance
531 NM
983 km / 611 mi
Initial Bearing
294° (WNW)
True heading at departure
Typical Cruise
FL240
24,000 ft
Block Time
2h 14m
Typical jet, no wind correction
Fuel Estimate
3,093 kg
Single-aisle equivalent + reserve
Departure Elevation
15 ft
KDCA
Arrival Elevation
672 ft
KORD
What aircraft fly this route?
For a 531 NM mission, operators typically deploy:
- Embraer E175
- CRJ-700
- Bombardier Q400
- Cessna Citation CJ3
Weather considerations
Pilots flying DCA-ORD should brief METARs and TAFs at both ends, plus any en-route SIGMETs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the distance between DCA and ORD?
531 nautical miles (983 km / 611 statute miles) great-circle.
How long is the flight from Washington D.C. to Chicago?
Approximately 2h 14m block-to-block for a typical commercial jet, depending on aircraft type and winds.
What aircraft typically fly DCA-ORD?
Common types include Embraer E175, CRJ-700, Bombardier Q400, Cessna Citation CJ3 depending on operator and demand.
What altitude do flights cruise at?
Most flights at this distance cruise around FL240 (24,000 ft), though winds and traffic affect filed altitude.
What initial heading is the route?
294° true (WNW). Track varies along the route due to great-circle curvature.
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