Travelling from Chicago to Brussels: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to choose from in Chicago. Check out your options departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) when reserving your flight from Chicago to Brussels.
When it comes to landing in Brussels, Brussels International Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) are the chief entry points.
Around 8 hours 5 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Chicago to Brussels flight.
Brussels is seven hours ahead of Chicago and is in the UTC+1 timezone.
With seven flights a week between the two airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Brussels International Airport (BRU) is the most popular route. Hop on the earliest flight from Chicago to Brussels with United Airlines at 17:50. If you prefer to get more out of your day before you fly, the latest flight from ORD to BRU is with United Airlines at 17:55.
Leave plenty of time to get on your Chicago to Brussels flight. As a general rule, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like July, it's best to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Brussels
Book one month before your departure date. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Chicago to Brussels flights.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Brussels is June. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Getting a cheap flight from Chicago to Brussels is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Save money on your Chicago to Brussels flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can catch a direct flight from Chicago to Brussels jetting off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Start your trip at ORD and end it at Brussels International Airport (BRU).
United Airlines is a leading airline that offers direct Chicago to Brussels plane tickets from ORD.
We make it easy to find a Chicago to Brussels flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply select a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Popular stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Madrid Airport (MAD)
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes about 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a taxi, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a convenient hotel close to Chicago O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Brussels, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure gate:
When it comes to Chicago O'Hare International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 70% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
MDW is around 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you 25 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Get a head start on your holiday with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Chicago to Brussels, unwind in one of these hotels near Chicago Midway Airport:
76% of flights taking off from Chicago Midway Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Brussels
Brussels International Airport (BRU)
Brussels International Airport (BRU) to central Brussels takes about 25 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 11 kilometres away.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of about 20 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Brussels, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these hotels near BRU:
Hit the road running by picking up a Brussels International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Keddy By Europcar, Alamo or Europcar and experience the lesser-explored corners of Brussels and beyond.
To get the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Brussels International Airport around three weeks in advance of your Chicago to Brussels flight.
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
The centre of Brussels is around 40 kilometres from Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL). As soon as your flight from Chicago to Brussels has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 15 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to CRL. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Chicago to Brussels:
Keddy By Europcar, Thrifty and Budget make collecting a Brussels S. Charleroi Airport rental car quick and easy. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on the road before long.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Reserving your ride from CRL two weeks in advance often means more savings and a wider range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Brussels
September is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Brussels. To avoid the crowds, head to Brussels in March.
When booking your Chicago to Brussels tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Brussels, with temperatures ranging from 12ºC to 27ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Chicago to Brussels in January when temperatures average between -2ºC and 8ºC.
More about Brussels
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Brussels right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Chicago to Brussels:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Grand-Place of Brussels, Atomium and Royal Palace of Brussels are attractions you won't want to skip in Brussels.
Explore more of Belgium
You've visited Brussels, now it's time to explore more of Belgium. Journey around 48 kilometres south to Charleroi to check off its top attractions. From Musée de la Photographie to BPS22, Musee d'art de la Province de Hainaut and Le Bois du Cazier, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're looking to explore another corner of Belgium, head for Liege, about 88 kilometres east of Brussels. Saint Paul's Cathedral of Liège, Parc De La Citadelle and Parc de la Chartreuse are among the biggest draws.
