Flying from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
Chicago has a couple of airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flying out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Arrive in Kuala Lumpur at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB).
Kuala Lumpur's timezone is UTC+8, making Kuala Lumpur 13 hours ahead of Chicago.
To ensure you don't miss your Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Hopping on a plane during a peak time like August? Busy periods (like spring break, Christmas and New Year) can easily add an hour at security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird discounts.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur is more likely if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices across each month and snap up a fantastic deal.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to take a break from travelling — and possibly even tour another city. When browsing Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flights leaving from O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Popular options include:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
ORD is about 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
Need a convenient hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur, these stays will put you nice and close to your departure gate:
Of the flights that depart from O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
You can get to MDW from central Chicago in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey by public transport will take roughly 45 minutes to cover the 14 kilometres or so.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur? Relax in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your holiday officially begins. Check out these accommodation options:
77.88% of flights leaving Chicago Midway International Airport meet their expected arrival time.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
The distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to central Kuala Lumpur is roughly 48 kilometres. It'll take you about 1 hour 5 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 1 hour to get there when travelling by public transport.
Reserve a hotel near KUL if you have a late flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Explore without limits with a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or GoSoCar and find adventure across Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, book your ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport around four weeks ahead of your Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flight.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Central Kuala Lumpur is around 16 kilometres from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). As soon as your flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 25 minutes.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to SZB. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Sixt, WAHDAH or Agtran and get going in the blink of an eye.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride one week ahead of your arrival at SZB will help you stay within budget.
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
August is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Kuala Lumpur in February.
Lock in a Chicago to Kuala Lumpur ticket departing in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Kuala Lumpur to range from 21ºC to 33ºC.
Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 21ºC and 32ºC on average.
More about Kuala Lumpur
After booking your flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Kuala Lumpur:
Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower Mini Zoo are a couple of popular attractions to put on your Kuala Lumpur to-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at KLCC Park.
Explore more of Malaysia
You've seen Kuala Lumpur, now it's time to explore other corners of Malaysia. Journey around 338 kilometres north to Kota Bharu to tick off its leading attractions. From Pantai Cahaya Bulan to Siti Khadijah Market and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Kelantan, your itinerary will be busy.
Another favourite destination in Malaysia, Kampung Baru Subang is about 18 kilometres west of Kuala Lumpur. Plan to visit highlights including Simflightkl.
