Vancouver to Chicago
3h 58m The flight from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) covers 2,853 km (1,773 miles) and takes approximately 3h 58m gate to gate for a typical jet.
The route heads east on an initial great-circle bearing of 93°, passing near 46.9° N, 104.3° 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 | 5h 11m | 5h 36m |
| Narrowbody jet (A320, 737) | 780 km/h | 3h 39m | 4h 05m |
| Widebody jet (777, 787, A350) | 900 km/h | 3h 10m | 3h 35m |
| Private jet (Gulfstream) | 850 km/h | 3h 21m | 3h 47m |
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
| YVR | MDW | |
|---|---|---|
| Airport | Vancouver International Airport | Chicago Midway International Airport |
| City | Vancouver | Chicago |
| Country | Canada | United States |
| ICAO | CYVR | KMDW |
| Coordinates | 49.1939, -123.184 | 41.786, -87.7524 |
| Elevation | 14 ft | 620 ft |
Questions
How long is the flight from Vancouver to Chicago?
A non-stop flight from Vancouver (YVR) to Chicago (MDW) takes about 3h 58m. The great-circle distance is 2,853 km (1,773 miles, 1,540 nautical miles), flying east on an initial bearing of 93°.
How far is Vancouver from Chicago?
2,853 kilometres in a straight line over the earth's surface — 1,773 miles or 1,540 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 YVR and MDW?
This page calculates the direct-line time and distance; it does not track airline schedules. At 2,853 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 Vancouver
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.