Flying from Chicago to Dubai: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering the departure point for your flight from Chicago to Dubai. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) are the main airports in Chicago.
Hop off your plane in Dubai at Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The average time for a direct Chicago to Dubai flight is 13 hours 35 minutes.
Dubai's timezone is UTC+4, which makes Dubai ten hours ahead of Chicago.
With seven weekly flights between the two airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Dubai Airport (DXB) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Chicago to Dubai with Emirates at 19:45. If you prefer to make the most of your day before taking off, the last departure from ORD to DXB is with Emirates at 20:45.
Leave plenty of time to get on your Chicago to Dubai flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months like July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Dubai
To snag cheap Chicago to Dubai flights, book your journey 11 months ahead of your departure.
April is the best month for picking up an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Chicago to Dubai. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices for each month.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when a better deal comes up on cheap flights from Chicago to Dubai.
Save on your Chicago to Dubai flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops 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 Dubai taking off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Begin your journey at ORD and end it at Dubai Airport (DXB).
Reserve your Chicago to Dubai plane tickets with Emirates. This carrier is a top choice for direct flights from ORD.
We make it a cinch to book a Chicago to Dubai flight with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, choose a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Top stopovers include:
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Washington Dulles Airport (IAD)
ORD is about 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a taxi, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 45 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Chicago O'Hare International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Chicago to Dubai, these accommodation options will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
When it comes to Chicago O'Hare International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 70% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Get more out of your holiday with a stopover on your Chicago to Dubai flight. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these options between Chicago Midway Airport and Dubai:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Miami International Airport (MIA)
You can reach MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 30 minutes to travel the 14 kilometres or so.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Chicago to Dubai? Kick back in a hotel near Chicago Midway Airport before your trip officially starts. These stays are calling your name:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76%.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Dubai Airport (DXB) to central Dubai takes about 20 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 5 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes about 35 minutes.
Book a hotel near DXB if you have a late flight from Chicago to Dubai. Pick one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Dubai Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from AMEX, Autostrad Rent A Car or Quicklease Car Rental to explore Dubai and beyond.
Reserving your ride from Dubai Airport around three weeks ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
As soon as your flight from Chicago to Dubai has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in about 40 minutes by car. Central Dubai is approximately 48 kilometres from Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
The journey will take roughly 1 hour 20 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places ready to welcome you near DWC. Unwind after your Chicago to Dubai flight at any of these well-located options:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Quicklease Car Rental, Quick Drive or Golden Key Car Rental and make a speedy getaway.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Booking your ride from DWC three weeks ahead of time often means more savings and a wider choice of vehicles.
Best time to go to Dubai
March is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Dubai, while December is the most popular. Figure out the ideal time to go to Dubai based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
When booking your Chicago to Dubai tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Dubai, with temperatures ranging from 30ºC to 42ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 14ºC and 25ºC. Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Dubai around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Dubai
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Dubai right here. Check out these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Chicago to Dubai:
Burj Khalifa and Dubai Opera are just the start of the major attractions to add to your Dubai must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out Dubai Gold Souk.
Explore more of the United Arab Emirates
Dubai is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of the United Arab Emirates just waiting to be discovered. Around 26 kilometres east of Dubai, a visit to Sharjah will keep your itinerary busy. Check out popular attractions like Sharjah Archaeology Museum, Cultural Palace and Sharjah Science Museum.
Around 129 kilometres southwest of Dubai, Abu Dhabi is another favourite stop in the United Arab Emirates. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Zayed The 2nd Mosque and Masjid.
