Planning a trip between major US cities involves comparing flights, drives, trains, and buses — each with different trade-offs in cost, time, and convenience. This guide covers the most popular US city-to-city travel routes: Houston to Chicago, Houston to Orlando, HOU to Chicago from William P. Hobby Airport, LAX to New York flights from Los Angeles, Raleigh to New York travel options, flying to South Carolina, and finding airline tickets to Fairbanks, Alaska. Updated for 2026 with current travel data and tips.
For trip planning tips, the difference between a trip and a vacation, domestic travel explained, Portugal vacation packages, and airport guides for PBI and AUS, see our article on trip vs vacation, domestic travel, Portugal packages, and airport travel guide.
Houston to Chicago — Complete Travel Guide
Houston, Texas to Chicago, Illinois is one of the most-traveled domestic routes in the US South and Midwest. The two cities are separated by approximately 1,090 miles by road, making the travel decision between flying and driving significant.
| Method | Time | Notes |
| Direct flight | ~2 hrs 30 min | Best option for most travelers; multiple airlines |
| Connecting flight | 4-7 hrs | Cheaper but time-consuming; avoid if possible |
| Drive | ~15-16 hrs | I-45 N to I-55 N; best split over 2 days |
| Amtrak (Texas Eagle) | ~20 hrs | Houston (HOS) to Chicago Union Station; scenic but slow |
| Bus (Greyhound/FlixBus) | ~22-24 hrs | Cheapest option; not recommended for comfort |
Houston to Chicago Flights — Which Airlines Fly This Route?
Multiple major airlines operate direct Houston to Chicago flights daily. The two Houston airports serve different airlines:
- George Bush Intercontinental (IAH): United Airlines hub — best for direct flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD); also American, Delta, Spirit, and Southwest with various routing
- William P. Hobby Airport (HOU): Southwest Airlines hub — multiple daily direct flights to Chicago Midway (MDW); typically cheaper fares than IAH-ORD
HOU to Chicago — Hobby Airport to Midway
HOU to Chicago (William P. Hobby Airport to Chicago Midway) is one of Southwest Airlines’ busiest routes. Southwest operates multiple daily direct flights from HOU to MDW (Chicago Midway), with flight times of approximately 2 hours 25 minutes. Southwest’s no-change-fee policy and two free checked bags make it particularly attractive for the Houston to Chicago route. HOU to MDW is generally less congested than IAH to ORD, with fewer weather delays at Midway compared to O’Hare during Chicago’s winter months.
Houston to Chicago Drive — What to Expect
The Houston Texas to Chicago drive covers approximately 1,090 miles via I-45 North to Dallas, then I-35 North through Oklahoma City and Kansas City, connecting to I-55 North into Chicago. Total driving time without stops is approximately 15-16 hours. The most common split for road-trippers is Dallas (5 hours from Houston) for the first night, then St. Louis, Missouri (7 hours from Dallas), with the final leg to Chicago (5 hours from St. Louis) on day three. Notable stops along the route include Dallas/Fort Worth, Oklahoma City’s Bricktown entertainment district, and the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
Best Time to Fly Houston to Chicago
- Cheapest months: January, February, and September (post-summer, pre-holiday)
- Most expensive: December (Christmas/New Year), July (summer peak), and Labor Day weekend
- Best day to book: Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally show the lowest fares on this route
- Book ahead: 3-6 weeks in advance for the best fares on this popular domestic route
Houston to Orlando — Travel Options
Houston to Orlando, Florida is another heavily traveled domestic route, connecting the Texas Gulf Coast to Central Florida’s theme park capital. The distance is approximately 1,000 miles by road.
| Method | Time | Notes |
| Direct flight | ~2 hrs 15 min | Fastest; multiple daily flights |
| Drive | ~14-15 hrs | I-10 East through New Orleans and Tallahassee |
| Connecting flight | 4-6 hrs | May be cheaper; adds significant time |
Houston to Orlando Flights
Direct flights from Houston (IAH or HOU) to Orlando (MCO — Orlando International Airport) run approximately 2 hours 15 minutes. Airlines flying this route include United (IAH-MCO), Southwest (HOU-MCO), Delta, and American. Orlando International (MCO) is the primary airport for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld visitors — Sanford Airport (SFB) is a secondary option served by Allegiant and Sun Country with sometimes lower fares, though it requires a longer drive to the theme parks.
Houston to Orlando Drive — The I-10 Route
The Houston to Orlando drive follows I-10 East through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida’s panhandle before heading south on I-75 or the Florida Turnpike to Orlando. The route passes through New Orleans (5 hours from Houston), making it a popular two-day drive with a night in the French Quarter. Total driving time Houston to Orlando is approximately 14-15 hours without stops. Key highlights along the route include the New Orleans French Quarter, Pensacola Beach in the Florida Panhandle, and Tampa on an alternate coastal routing.
Flight to New York from LAX — Los Angeles to New York
The Los Angeles (LAX) to New York flight is one of the most competitive and heavily trafficked domestic routes in the United States. LAX serves all three major New York area airports:
| NY Airport | Code | Notes |
| John F. Kennedy | JFK | Most flights; best for Manhattan via AirTrain+subway; ~5.5 hrs flight |
| Newark Liberty | EWR | United hub; good for NJ and midtown via NJ Transit; ~5.5 hrs |
| LaGuardia | LGA | Domestic only; closest to Manhattan; ~5 hrs 15 min |
LAX to New York Flight Time and Cost
LAX to New York direct flights take approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes depending on jet stream conditions (eastbound flights benefit from tailwinds and are faster). The LAX-JFK route is one of the most competitive in the US — airlines including Delta, United, American, JetBlue, and Alaska all compete vigorously for passengers. JetBlue’s Mint business class on the LAX-JFK route offers a premium experience at prices often below legacy carrier first class. Economy fares range from approximately $150-400 one-way depending on timing and advance booking.
Best Tips for LAX to New York Flights
- Book 4-8 weeks in advance for the best economy fares on this high-demand route
- JFK is generally the best arrival airport for Manhattan visitors — AirTrain connects to Jamaica station for the E/J/Z subway into Midtown
- Consider red-eye flights from LAX (departing 10pm-midnight) to maximize time in New York and save on accommodation
- Delta operates a shuttle-style service between LAX and JFK/LGA with frequent departures — good for flexible travel
- Time your travel to avoid JFK’s notorious weekend congestion; Tuesday and Wednesday arrivals are smoother
Raleigh to New York — Travel Options
Raleigh, North Carolina to New York City is a popular corridor for business travelers, students at North Carolina universities, and families visiting between the two regions.
| Method | Time | Notes |
| Direct flight | ~1 hr 45 min | Multiple daily flights; RDU to JFK/EWR/LGA |
| Drive | ~8-9 hrs | I-95 North; manageable but tedious; heavy traffic |
| Amtrak (Carolinian/NE Regional) | ~10-12 hrs | Scenic; avoid if time-sensitive |
| Bus (FlixBus/Greyhound) | ~10-12 hrs | Budget option; multiple daily departures |
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) serves New York’s three major airports with multiple daily flights. American Airlines and Delta have the strongest presence on RDU-New York routes, with fares typically ranging from $80-250 one-way. The 1 hour 45 minute flight time makes flying far more efficient than the 8-9 hour drive up I-95 (which also passes through Washington DC and Baltimore traffic). For budget travelers, FlixBus and Greyhound offer direct Raleigh to New York services for as little as $25-50 each way.
How to Fly to South Carolina
South Carolina has three major airports serving different parts of the state:
| Airport | Code | Serves |
| Charleston International | CHS | Charleston, Myrtle Beach (driving distance), Hilton Head (2 hrs) |
| Columbia Metropolitan | CAE | Columbia (state capital); central SC |
| Greenville-Spartanburg | GSP | Upstate SC; Greenville, Spartanburg, Asheville NC area |
| Myrtle Beach International | MYR | Direct to Myrtle Beach; seasonal routes |
Best Airports to Fly Into South Carolina
For Charleston and the Lowcountry: CHS (Charleston International) is the best choice, with direct flights from most major US hubs including New York, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. For Myrtle Beach: MYR serves the beach resort area directly, with seasonal direct routes from many Northeast and Midwest cities — particularly popular in spring and summer. For Hilton Head Island: Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) in Georgia is the closest major airport, with direct flights from numerous US cities and a 45-minute drive to Hilton Head. Airlines serving South Carolina include American, Delta, United, Southwest (CHS), and Allegiant (MYR).
Airline Tickets to Fairbanks, Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska (served by Fairbanks International Airport, FAI) is one of the more remote major US destinations — it is the second-largest city in Alaska and a gateway to Denali National Park, the Aurora Borealis viewing zone, and Arctic adventure tourism.
How to Get Airline Tickets to Fairbanks
There are no direct flights to Fairbanks from the continental US outside of Alaska Airlines’ routes through Seattle and Anchorage. The standard routing is:
- From most US cities: fly to Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC), then connect to Fairbanks (FAI) on Alaska Airlines or Ravn Alaska
- Alaska Airlines operates the primary Fairbanks routes with multiple daily connections through Seattle
- From the West Coast: Seattle (SEA) to Fairbanks (FAI) is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes; best booked together as a connecting itinerary
- From the East Coast: total travel time from New York or Boston to Fairbanks is typically 10-12 hours including connection
Best Time to Visit Fairbanks and Airfare Tips
- Summer (June-August): Midnight Sun season; hiking, rafting, Denali access; peak fares $400-700 from Seattle
- Winter (October-March): Aurora Borealis season; dog sledding, ice sculpting; lower fares but requires serious cold-weather preparation
- Shoulder season (May, September): Best value fares; decent weather; fewer crowds
- Book Fairbanks flights 6-8 weeks in advance — this route has limited capacity and fares rise quickly when seats fill
For travel planning tips including the difference between a trip and a vacation, what domestic travel means, Portugal vacation packages, and airport departure guides for PBI and AUS, see our article on trip vs vacation, domestic travel, Portugal packages, and airport travel guide.
For current flight prices and booking on these routes, see Google Flights — flight search. For Amtrak routes and schedules, see Amtrak — train travel across America.
For more travel planning content and US trip guides, see our travel and lifestyle section on TheChronex.
Raleigh to New York — Best Travel Tips and What to Know
The Raleigh to New York corridor is one of the Southeast’s most traveled routes, serving UNC, Duke, and NC State students and alumni, Research Triangle professionals with New York business ties, and families moving between the two regions. The 1 hour 45 minute flight from Raleigh-Durham International (RDU) to New York’s three airports makes flying the obvious choice for most travelers. American Airlines has the strongest RDU-New York frequency, operating multiple daily flights to JFK and LGA. Delta serves RDU-LGA and RDU-JFK with strong morning and evening business-oriented schedules. For budget travelers, Spirit and Frontier occasionally offer very low fares on the Raleigh to New York route — worth checking if dates are flexible. The I-95 drive from Raleigh to New York City covers approximately 550 miles and takes 8-9 hours in good traffic — it passes through Richmond, Virginia, Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Newark. Traffic through the DC-Baltimore corridor (particularly I-95 between Richmond and Washington) and the New Jersey Turnpike frequently adds 1-2 hours to the drive. Consider departing Raleigh very early (before 6am) or very late (after 9pm) to minimize DC area congestion. Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont trains connect Raleigh to New York Penn Station in approximately 10-12 hours — a scenic but slow option that works well for travelers with lots of luggage or anxiety about flying.
Bottom Line
| Houston to Chicago flight | ~2 hrs 30 min; United (IAH-ORD) or Southwest (HOU-MDW) |
| HOU to Chicago | Southwest Airlines hub; cheapest and most frequent HOU-MDW service |
| Houston to Chicago drive | ~15-16 hrs via I-45N/I-35N/I-55N; best split over 2-3 days |
| Houston to Orlando flight | ~2 hrs 15 min; United, Southwest, Delta, American |
| LAX to New York | ~5.5 hrs; JFK best for Manhattan; book 4-8 weeks ahead |
| Raleigh to New York | ~1 hr 45 min flight from RDU; I-95 drive ~8-9 hrs |
| Fly to South Carolina | CHS (Charleston), MYR (Myrtle Beach), GSP (Upstate), SAV for Hilton Head |
| Fairbanks flights | Connect through Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC) on Alaska Airlines |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Houston to Chicago?
The fastest and most practical way to get from Houston to Chicago is by flying — direct flights take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes and run multiple times daily. From George Bush Intercontinental (IAH), United Airlines operates the most direct flights to Chicago O’Hare (ORD). From William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), Southwest Airlines runs multiple daily direct flights to Chicago Midway (MDW) with competitive fares and no change fees. The drive from Houston to Chicago is approximately 1,090 miles and takes 15-16 hours — best split over two days with a stop in Dallas or Oklahoma City.
How long is the flight from LAX to New York?
Flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to New York take approximately 5 hours 15 minutes to 5 hours 45 minutes depending on which New York airport you fly into and jet stream conditions. Eastbound LAX to JFK/EWR/LGA flights benefit from tailwinds and are typically 20-30 minutes shorter than the return westbound flight. JFK is generally the best arrival airport for visitors to Manhattan, with AirTrain and subway connections. Airlines flying LAX to New York include Delta, United, American, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines.
What airports serve South Carolina?
South Carolina is served by four main airports: Charleston International (CHS) for Charleston and the Lowcountry, Myrtle Beach International (MYR) for the beach resort area, Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) for Upstate South Carolina, and Columbia Metropolitan (CAE) for the state capital. For Hilton Head Island, the closest major airport is Savannah/Hilton Head International (SAV) in Georgia, about 45 minutes from Hilton Head. CHS has the most direct flights from the most US cities.
How do I get airline tickets to Fairbanks, Alaska?
Airline tickets to Fairbanks (FAI) require connecting through Seattle (SEA) or Anchorage (ANC) — there are no direct flights from the continental US to Fairbanks outside of Alaska. Alaska Airlines is the primary carrier operating Fairbanks routes. Book your entire itinerary (your origin city to SEA or ANC to FAI) as one connecting ticket for the best price and protection if connections are missed. Fares to Fairbanks are highest in summer (June-August, Midnight Sun season) and lowest in the shoulder seasons of May and September.