Flying from Chicago to Nairobi: what you need to know
Chicago has a couple of airports where you can kick off your trip. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Nairobi leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
When planning your arrival in Nairobi, Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) and Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) are the primary gateways.
Nairobi is nine hours ahead of Chicago and is in the UTC+3 timezone.
To ensure you make your Chicago to Nairobi flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
During popular months like July, it's best to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Nairobi
To pick up cheap Chicago to Nairobi flights, book ahead. Airlines typically offer the most competitive fares when tickets first go on sale.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Nairobi is easy if you're flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to see the lowest fares across every month and bag an incredible deal.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll tell you as soon as there's a better deal on cheap flights from Chicago to Nairobi.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Chicago to Nairobi flights.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Chicago to Nairobi flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular options:
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Brussels International Airport (BRU)
Addis Ababa Airport (ADD)
ORD is about 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're driving, catching a taxi or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 45 minutes.
After an easy start to your break? Stay near Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chicago to Nairobi or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are perfect:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 70% of flights complete their journey on time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
MDW is about 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It takes 25 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Start your holiday sooner with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Nairobi, unwind in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport:
76% of flights departing Chicago Midway Airport stick to their scheduled arrival time.
The street address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Nairobi
Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO)
The distance from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to central Nairobi is approximately 13 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre on public transport typically takes 1 hour 5 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to NBO if you have a late flight from Chicago to Nairobi. Choose one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up a Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Auto-Union, Green Motion or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Nairobi and beyond.
For the lowest price, book your ride from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport about three weeks ahead of your Chicago to Nairobi flight.
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL)
Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL) is about 3 kilometres from central Nairobi. Following your flight from Chicago to Nairobi, it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or taxi.
If you hop on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 35 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to WIL. Kick back after your Chicago to Nairobi flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Land, grab your Nairobi Wilson Airport rental car, and set off without missing a beat. Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car are top companies you can book with here.
Usually, the earlier you book, the better the prices and selection of vehicles. Reserve your ride from WIL as soon as you've confirmed your plans.
Best time to go to Nairobi
August is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Nairobi. To escape the crowds, head to Nairobi in March.
The warmest month in Nairobi is February, with temperatures ranging between 13ºC and 30ºC. Book your Chicago to Nairobi ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
July sees average temperatures of between 12ºC and 24ºC. Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Nairobi around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Chicago to Nairobi, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Nursery and Giraffe manor are a couple of leading attractions to put on your Nairobi travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Mara Conservancy.
Explore more of Kenya
You've visited Nairobi, now it's time to discover more of Kenya. Travel around 434 kilometres southeast to Mombasa to check off its top sights. From Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve to Fort Jesus Museum and Mombasa Beach, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in Kenya, consider Nakuru, roughly 137 kilometres northwest of Nairobi. Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Nakuru and Rhino Point are key highlights.