Travelling from Orlando to Chicago: what you need to know
Begin planning your trip by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Orlando to Chicago. Explore the options for taking off from Orlando International Airport (MCO) or Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB), two of the city's main airports.
The major entry paths to Chicago are O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Around 2 hours 55 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Orlando to Chicago flight.
Chicago is one hour behind Orlando and observes the UTC-5 timezone.
With 94 weekly flights between the two airports, Orlando International Airport (MCO) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route. Board the first flight from Orlando to Chicago with Frontier Airlines at 05:40. If you prefer to get more out of your day before jetting off, the latest departure from MCO to ORD is with Frontier Airlines at 22:17.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your Orlando to Chicago flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak time like July? Public holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Orlando to Chicago
Right now, ج.م. 1,473 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Orlando to Chicago. The cheapest price for a return flight is ج.م. 3,428. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Book one month before you want to fly. Research into pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap Orlando to Chicago flights.
Organise your trip for April. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on plane tickets from Orlando to Chicago. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the lowest price across each month.
There's no need to check back in every day to see if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Orlando to Chicago.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' Orlando to Chicago flights.
Flying from Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
You can book a direct flight from Orlando to Chicago jetting out of Orlando International Airport (MCO). Start your trip at MCO and then hit the runway at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
These are some of the popular carriers offering direct Orlando to Chicago plane tickets out of MCO:
Central Orlando to MCO is around 14 kilometres. Depending on traffic conditions, it'll take you about 20 minutes to get there if you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving.
Want a handy hotel near Orlando International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Orlando to Chicago, these accommodation options will have you moments from your departure lounge:
78.28% of flights that depart Orlando International Airport reach their destination on time.
You'll find MCO at One Airport Boulevard.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 35 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Orlando to Chicago. Stay at one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Travel at your own pace with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and see more of Chicago and beyond.
Booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance can help you get the best possible rate.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 14 kilometres from central Chicago. After your flight from Orlando to Chicago, it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, you'll reach the centre in 45 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to lay your head close to MDW. Settle in and get cosy after your Orlando to Chicago flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Get first dibs on the best options. Securing your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a wider choice of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Orlando to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
If you use public transport, the journey will take you about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Start your journey without stressing about how to get to where you're going with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with trusted names here like Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks in advance of your flight from Orlando to Chicago is a smart way to go. Along with better prices, you'll be able to choose the vehicle make and model you prefer at RFD.
The street address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
January is the quietest month for flights from Orlando to Chicago, while August is the busiest. Find the ideal time to visit Chicago based on whether you prefer a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Book your Orlando to Chicago ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Orlando to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC and 3ºC.
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Chicago right here. Browse these hotels once you've booked your flight from Orlando to Chicago:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just two of the major attractions to put on your Chicago itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Chicago, now it's time to explore more of United States. Journey around 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to tick off its top sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
If you're interested in discovering another side of United States, consider Indianapolis, about 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are the start of reasons to visit.