Salt Lake City to Chicago
2h 56m The flight from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) covers 2,021 km (1,256 miles) and takes approximately 2h 56m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads east on an initial great-circle bearing of 79°, passing near 41.9° N, 100.0° 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 | 3h 40m | 4h 06m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 2h 35m | 3h 01m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 2h 15m | 2h 40m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 2h 23m | 2h 48m |
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
| SLC | MDW | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Salt Lake City International Airport | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| City | Salt Lake City | Chicago |
| Country | United States | United States |
| ICAO | KSLC | KMDW |
| Coordinates | 40.7889, -111.9799 | 41.786, -87.7524 |
| Elevation | 4,227 ft | 620 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Salt Lake City to Chicago?
A non-stop flight from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Chicago (MDW) takes about 2h 56m. The great-circle distance is 2,021 km (1,256 miles, 1,091 nautical miles), flying east on an initial bearing of 79°.
How far is Salt Lake City from Chicago?
2,021 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 1,256 miles or 1,091 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 SLC and MDW?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 2,021 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.
Other routes from Salt Lake City
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.