Is it better to fly or drive?

Flying is faster, but driving is cheaper for groups.

How long is the flight?

The flight time is approximately 90 minutes.

Yes, Amtrak operates the Empire Builder from St. Paul to Chicago.

What is the best way to get around?

The 'L' train and walking are the best ways to explore the city.

Like any major city, it has safe and unsafe areas; stay aware of your surroundings.

Northfield

Chicago

Flight Driving

Northfield to Chicago

Updated: 28 May 2026

The distance from Northfield to Chicago is approximately 400 miles. You can drive via I-90 East, which takes about 6.5 to 7 hours, or fly from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD), which takes about 1.5 hours in the air. Driving offers flexibility, while flying is significantly faster. Chicago is a major metropolitan hub with extensive public transit options once you arrive.

Total Distance: 645 km driving distance; 570 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Flying from MSP to ORD is the fastest method, totaling about 4 hours including airport time.

Cheapest Way

Driving is generally cheaper if you are traveling with more than one person.

Compare Northfield to Chicago Routes

	Flight Direct	Driving Direct
Duration	1 hour 30 mins	6 hours 45 mins
Avg Price	$150-$300	$60-$80 in fuel
Operator	Delta or United Airlines	Personal Vehicle
Route	MSP to ORD	I-94 East to I-90 East
Tip	Book at least three weeks in advance for the best fares.	Expect heavy traffic entering Chicago; use the I-294 bypass to save time.

Travel Tips

Public Transit
Use the 'L' train system to navigate Chicago; it is efficient and covers most of the city.
Traffic
Avoid driving into downtown Chicago during rush hour; use the Metra commuter rail if coming from suburbs.
Parking
Parking in downtown Chicago is very expensive; use apps like SpotHero to find deals.
Airport Access
Take the Blue Line train from O'Hare directly into downtown Chicago.
Weather
Chicago is known as the 'Windy City'; dress in layers regardless of the season.

Safety Tips

City Awareness
Stay in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.
Driving
Be prepared for aggressive driving and complex highway interchanges in the Chicago area.
Personal Belongings
Keep your bag in front of you in crowded tourist areas to prevent pickpocketing.
Emergency
Dial 911 for emergencies; Chicago has a robust emergency response system.