Complete travel information for your November journey
November travel from Denver International Airport (DEN) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) combines early winter weather with competitive airfares. Expect crisp mornings, occasional snow and de-icing delays; pack layers and check your airline's weather policies. Use the A Line commuter rail for reliable downtown connections and consider early November for lower prices before the Thanksgiving peak. Nearby destinations frequently accessed from DEN include Colorado Springs, Boulder, Aspen and Vail—plan additional transit time if connecting to mountain resorts.
The easiest way to reach Denver International Airport (DEN) from downtown Denver in November is the A Line commuter rail, which runs frequently and is reliable in light snow. Rideshares and airport shuttles are widely available but can take longer during holiday weekends or heavy snow—allow extra time. For more convenience, consider pre-booking a shared shuttle or ride-hail and check live transit alerts before you depart.
November brings cool temperatures and occasional early-season snow to Denver International Airport (DEN), which can cause delays or de-icing procedures that add time to departures. Airlines and TSA typically remain operational, but passengers should build in at least 90–120 minutes for domestic flights during stormy periods and monitor airline alerts. Pack with layers and carry-on essentials in case of short ground holds or delayed luggage.
The busiest travel days at Denver International Airport (DEN) in November are typically the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving, along with the day of the Thanksgiving holiday itself. Early November weekdays are generally less crowded and often offer lower fares, while late-November holiday windows see higher passenger volumes and airport security lines. Book flights early and arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic departures during peak travel days.
Yes—Denver International Airport (DEN) offers multiple daily nonstop flights to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in November through major carriers including United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and American Airlines. Flight frequency increases on peak travel days such as pre-Thanksgiving, so check schedules in advance and compare prices for direct versus connecting options. Booking early often secures better fares and preferred departure times.
Denver International Airport (DEN) offers a range of ground transportation including the A Line rail to downtown Denver, airport shuttles to mountain resorts (seasonal), rental cars, taxis, and rideshare pickup zones. In November, shuttle services to ski areas like Vail and Aspen may begin operating, so check schedules and book early for holiday weekends. Always allow extra travel time on icy roads and monitor weather advisories when heading to mountain destinations.
Denver International Airport (DEN) typically adds extended lounge hours, holiday-themed pop-ups, and retail promotions in November, especially around Thanksgiving and the start of the ski season. You can expect increased food and retail options in all concourses and occasional live performances or seasonal displays in the main terminal. Check the DEN website for current terminal maps, lounge access policies, and special holiday programming before travel.
November arrivals at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) should prepare for cool weather and seasonal crowds, especially around the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Thanksgiving week. The CTA Blue Line offers 24/7 service to downtown Chicago, while taxis and rideshares provide door-to-door convenience for Naperville, Evanston and nearby Milwaukee connections. Expect longer transfer times on event weekends; check public transit and airline alerts and reserve accommodations early to avoid peak pricing.
Arrival at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in November often includes cool to cold temperatures and the potential for rain or early snow, so allow time for ground transportation and baggage claim. Security and customs operations run normally, though holiday congestion around Thanksgiving can increase wait times. Use the airport's passenger apps to track baggage and check terminal maps prior to arrival.
The most reliable way from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to downtown Chicago is the CTA Blue Line, which operates 24/7 and avoids traffic delays common during holiday weekends. Rideshares and taxis are available from cleared pickup zones; however, allow extra travel time for road congestion during special events like the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. For suburbs such as Naperville and Evanston, Metra or suburban shuttle services can be faster than driving during rush hours.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is extremely busy in the days leading up to and following Thanksgiving, often ranking among the nation's busiest airports for passenger volume. Expect longer security lines, fuller flights, and higher fares; arrive at least two hours prior to domestic departures and consider carry-on-only travel to speed up your transfer. Flexible tickets and early online check-in can reduce stress during peak holiday travel.
November features several events that can affect DEN–ORD travel. In Denver, the Denver Film Festival generally runs in early November and ski areas near Aspen and Vail may begin limited operations, driving demand for airport transfers. In Chicago, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and the seasonal Christkindlmarket often occur in mid-to-late November, increasing hotel and airport demand. These events drive spikes in fares and ground-transport demand—book flights and local transfers early and allow extra time for arrivals and departures.
The best time to fly DEN to ORD in November is early in the month or midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) when fares and crowds are lower. Avoid the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after Thanksgiving if you want to minimize delays and high prices. Early-morning flights reduce the risk of cascading weather-related delays, while late-night red-eyes can offer lower fares but may be less convenient for travelers connecting to local ground transport.
On the relatively short DEN–ORD route, nonstop flights are usually the best choice in November: they save time, reduce the risk of missed connections during winter weather, and are often competitively priced. Connecting flights can be cheaper on some dates but add travel time and increase the chance of delays during snow or de-icing operations. If you are using loyalty benefits or traveling to secondary destinations beyond ORD, a connecting flight might make sense—otherwise opt for nonstop service whenever possible.
United Airlines offers multiple daily nonstop flights between Denver International Airport (DEN) and O'Hare International Airport (ORD) with strong connectivity at ORD and comprehensive loyalty benefits. Southwest provides flexible fares, two free checked bags and frequent daily frequencies, making it attractive for budget-conscious travelers. American Airlines offers competitive schedules via ORD with extensive domestic connections, and Delta may offer one-stop options via Minneapolis or Salt Lake City. Evaluate total cost including bag fees, seat selection and change policies when choosing an airline in November.
November travel between Denver and Chicago requires preparation for colder temperatures, variable mountain weather and holiday crowds. Dress in layers for Denver altitude changes and carry a warm coat for Chicago wind chill. Keep carry-on essentials (meds, chargers, warm layers) in case of short delays or gate holds, and verify baggage policies to avoid last-minute fees. For Thanksgiving travel, allow extra time for TSA and airport transfers and consider travel insurance or flexible tickets.
Nonstop flight time from Denver International Airport (DEN) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) averages 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes depending on winds and routing. Multiple daily nonstop options are available year-round with peak frequencies during morning and evening waves; in November, carriers often add extra flights around Thanksgiving. Typical carriers include United Airlines (hub at ORD), Southwest Airlines (high-frequency), and American Airlines; schedule updates are common during winter operations, so confirm times before travel.
To find cheap DEN to ORD flights in November, search early in the month for midweek departures (Tuesday–Thursday) and avoid the week of Thanksgiving when fares spike. Use flexible date tools, set fare alerts, and compare nonstop vs one-stop itineraries—nonstop flights are often competitively priced on this short domestic route. Consider early-morning or red-eye flights for the best value and take advantage of airline sales and mileage redemptions for additional savings.
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For nearby destinations, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) provides several options: the CTA Blue Line to downtown Chicago and onward Metra connections to Naperville, regional buses to suburban locations, and private shuttles or rental cars for Milwaukee or the wider Chicagoland area. Direct bus or shuttle services to Milwaukee may be limited—consider a car rental or Amtrak connections from downtown Chicago for more flexibility. Always verify schedules in November as holiday services can vary.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) often hosts increased retail and dining hours, holiday pop-ups, and wayfinding staff in November to manage the Thanksgiving and holiday travel surge. Nearby Chicago events such as the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival and Christkindlmarket can increase local traffic and hotel demand, so plan transfers accordingly. Check airport and city event calendars to coordinate arrivals around peak crowds.
Yes—there are numerous airport hotels within a short shuttle ride of O'Hare International Airport (ORD), but availability and rates can be limited during November events and the Thanksgiving week. Book early for the best nightly rates, or consider downtown Chicago hotels with direct Blue Line access if you prefer city proximity. Look for free shuttle service and flexible cancellation policies when reserving last-minute accommodations.