Complete travel information for your November journey
For domestic flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Denver International Airport (DEN) in November, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure for domestic nonstop flights and 2 hours for peak holiday days like Thanksgiving. November sees cooler weather and occasional de-icing operations at ORD, so build extra time for security lines and weather-related delays. Check airline notifications and TSA wait-time tools the day of travel to avoid missing your flight.
The most reliable options to reach Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) from downtown Chicago in November are the CTA Blue Line (cost-effective, predictable), rideshare or taxi (door-to-door, subject to traffic), and airport shuttles. November can bring rain or early snow, so allow extra time for traffic and plan for icy sidewalks at pickup/dropoff points. Book airport transfers in advance for peak weekends or holiday travel.
Yes—multiple carriers operate nonstop flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Denver International Airport (DEN) year-round, including United Airlines, American Airlines, and Southwest on many schedules. Nonstop flight time is typically about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, making this a convenient point-to-point route. For November travel, check for increased frequency around Thanksgiving and weekend ski travel windows.
November weather around Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) can include rain, wind, and early snowfall, increasing the chance of delays and de-icing operations that affect departures to Denver International Airport (DEN). Airlines may consolidate flights or delay departures; staying signed up for airline alerts and checking airport status pages reduces surprise disruptions. If you have tight connections or events in Denver, build in buffer time or consider earlier flights.
Baggage policies vary by carrier: basic economy may exclude carry-on or checked bags, while standard economy typically allows one carry-on and a personal item with checked bag fees for the first and second bags. For winter travel in November, consider checked baggage for bulky coats or ski layers; low-cost carriers like Frontier or Spirit often charge more for checked items. Always check your airline's baggage rules before booking and pack layers in carry-on for expected colder weather at Denver.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers a range of parking: economy long-term lots, cell phone waiting areas, hourly and daily garages, and off-site shuttle lots. In November, demand can spike during holiday weekends, so reserve airport parking in advance to secure lower rates and guaranteed spots. Compare official airport parking with nearby private lots for price and shuttle frequency before you leave.
Nonstop flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Denver International Airport (DEN) typically take about 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes depending on winds and routing. In November, schedules remain similar though occasional headwinds or routing changes may add a few minutes. For planning, use 2.5 hours as the comfortable estimate for flight time.
From Denver International Airport (DEN), the A Line commuter train provides reliable service to downtown Denver's Union Station; shared shuttles, rideshare services, taxis, and rental cars are also widely available. In November, plan for colder mountain-bound travelers and busy holiday weekends—book onward transfers in advance if traveling to Boulder, Colorado Springs, Aspen, Vail or ski resorts. Check road and weather conditions if you are driving into the mountains.
For concerts, sporting events, or Denver holiday activities in November, arrive at Denver International Airport (DEN) with at least 3–4 hours of buffer time from your ORD departure to allow for delays, luggage pickup, and transfers. If you plan to connect to mountain resorts (Boulder, Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge) or attend evening events, consider flying in earlier in the day. Book an overnight stay before key events to minimize risk of weather-related disruptions.
November brings cooler temperatures and the start of ski season in Colorado, so Denver International Airport (DEN) can experience snow and wind that occasionally delay arrivals or require de-icing. However, DEN is well-equipped for winter operations, and many flights operate normally; still, check your airline's status and weather at both ORD and DEN. If you're flying to mountain destinations, expect additional weather variables and allow extra travel time.
From Denver International Airport (DEN), you can reach ski resorts via private shuttles, shared shuttle companies, rental cars, and regional buses. Many shuttle operators run seasonal services to Vail, Aspen, Breckenridge, and other resorts beginning in November as mountain snow begins. Book ski transfers and rental cars in advance during early-ski-season weekends and holiday periods to secure space and better rates.
Denver International Airport (DEN) is the gateway to Denver and surrounding destinations including Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Aspen, Vail and the broader Rocky Mountain region. Travelers often fly into DEN for urban tourism in Denver, mountain skiing, national parks, and business travel to the Front Range. November travelers should consider onward transportation and altitude acclimation when planning trips.