Detroit to Chicago
53m The flight from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) covers 367 km (228 miles) and takes approximately 53m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads west on an initial great-circle bearing of 264°, passing near 42.0° N, 85.6° W at its midpoint.
The route
The great-circle path — the shortest line between the two airports across the curve of the earth. On a flat map it looks bent; on a globe it is straight.
Flight time at different cruise speeds
Aircraft type, winds and routing all move the real number. This is the same distance flown at different speeds, plus the 25-minute ground and climb allowance.
| Typical of | Cruise speed | Airborne | Gate to gate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turboprop / regional | 550 km/h | 40m | 1h 05m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 28m | 53m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 24m | 50m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 26m | 51m |
Headwinds on an eastbound long-haul routinely add 30–60 minutes; the same route westbound can be quicker. Airlines publish schedules with padding built in.
Both airports
| DTW | MDW | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| City | Detroit | Chicago |
| Country | United States | United States |
| ICAO | KDTW | KMDW |
| Coordinates | 42.2138, -83.3538 | 41.786, -87.7524 |
| Elevation | 645 ft | 620 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Detroit to Chicago?
A non-stop flight from Detroit (DTW) to Chicago (MDW) takes about 53m. The great-circle distance is 367 km (228 miles, 198 nautical miles), flying west on an initial bearing of 264°.
How far is Detroit from Chicago?
367 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 228 miles or 198 nautical miles. Actual flown distance is usually 2–5% longer because aircraft follow airways, avoid weather and route around restricted airspace.
Is there a non-stop flight between DTW and MDW?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 367 km the route is comfortably within range of a non-stop service if an airline chooses to fly it. Check an airline or booking site for what is actually scheduled.
Airport coordinates from OurAirports (public domain). Distance is a great-circle calculation; flight time uses the model described on the method page. Flight times are great-circle estimates for planning only — always check the airline's published schedule.