Cheap Flights from Tampa to Chicago — $81

Chicago is served by two main airports with distinct roles. O'Hare International (ORD) is the city's major international hub and a transfer center for both full-service and many low-cost carriers; it typically hosts long-haul and connecting services and can be pricier on average than secondary airports. Midway (MDW) functions more as a domestic and budget-oriented gateway, often favored by low-cost and leisure carriers for short- and medium-haul routes. O'Hare sits about 17 miles northwest of downtown, with the CTA Blue Line subway taking roughly 45–60 minutes and costing around the regular transit fare; taxis or ride-shares usually take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and can cost substantially more. Midway lies roughly 10 miles southwest of the Loop, reachable by the CTA Orange Line in about 25–35 minutes for a transit fare, or by taxi/ride-share in 20–40 minutes. Pros for O'Hare include extensive international connections and amenities, while cons can be longer transfer times and busy terminals; Midway’s advantages are shorter city access and often lower fares, with downsides including fewer nonstop international options and more limited lounges and services.

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the region’s primary gateway and typically serves a mix of legacy carriers, major low-cost airlines, and seasonal international services, positioning it as a full-service hub rather than a strictly budget option. It sits about 6 miles (10 km) west of downtown Tampa, with travel times usually around 15–25 minutes by car depending on traffic; airport shuttle buses, taxis and rideshares are common choices and fares can range from roughly $10–30. Public transit options include a bus connection that can take 30–50 minutes. Pros: compact layout, efficient people-mover links, and a solid selection of dining and shopping. Cons: peak-hour congestion and parking fees can be relatively high for some travelers.

Fly nonstop from Tampa to Chicago for the fastest, most convenient way to get between these two vibrant cities — less time in transit and more time exploring. While connecting flights can sometimes be cheaper, a direct trip saves you hours, eliminates hassle and makes your travel far more comfortable, so book a nonstop to make the most of your journey.

The Tampa — Chicago route is served by a wide range of airlines: 6 in total, including Frontier Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, and American Airlines. Competition among carriers gives passengers the opportunity to find tickets at attractive fares — with prices starting from $81. Our service helps compare all available offers within seconds and choose the most convenient option. You can filter flights by price, departure time, or baggage rules to make your trip as comfortable as possible. With so many airlines, there’s always a chance to catch special promotions and save.