Planning a trip to Chicago? Booking cheap flights means you’ll have more money left to spend in the Windy City. There are around 1,345 flights every week from London to Chicago, so you’ve got plenty to choose from.
There are lots of different routes available. Chicago has two airports – Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) and Chicago Midway International (MDW). You have a choice of London airports too. You can fly direct to Chicago from London Heathrow (LHR), but there are also indirect flights available from London Gatwick (LGW) and London City (LCY). Even if you have a specific airport in mind, make sure you compare several airlines to find the best deal. A real range of airlines offer flights from London to Chicago, including American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair and Lufthansa.
When you go is just as important as your choice of airline. The cheapest flights to Chicago usually crop up in the snowy month of February, although you’ll also find good deals in October and January. July and August are when flights are at their most expensive so, if you want to visit Chicago in summer, it’s best to book in advance.
FAQs about flights from London to Chicago
Which airlines fly from London to Chicago?
Several airlines provide flights from London to Chicago – but who you fly with depends on your choice of airports, both in London and Chicago. You can fly direct from London Heathrow to Chicago O’Hare with American Airlines, Finnair, British Airways, United Airlines or Lufthansa – the last three also offer indirect flights, along with KLM and Austrian Airlines. Alternatively, you could fly indirectly to Chicago Midway from Heathrow with Delta, Virgin Atlantic or Air France. Heathrow is the only London airport to offer flights to Chicago Midway.
That said, flights to Chicago are available from London Gatwick – you just can’t fly direct. You can fly to Chicago O’Hare via Dublin with Aer Lingus, via Reykjavik with Iceland Air, or via Orlando when you fly with Finnair. Another option is to fly to Chicago O’Hare from London City – Aer Lingus, KLM, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic all offer indirect flights to the Windy City.
Which airlines have the cheapest flights to Chicago?
Look out for flights with American Airlines, Finnair and British Airways – they often have the cheapest flights from London to Chicago.
Can I fly direct from London to Chicago?
You can fly direct, but only between London Heathrow and Chicago O’Hare International. This is also the most popular route.
Which London airport offers the cheapest flights to Chicago?
Heathrow usually has the cheapest flights from London to Chicago.
How long is the flight from London to Chicago?
A direct flight takes 8 hours and 30 minutes but, if you have a stopover, your journey will take longer.
How do I get into Chicago from O’Hare International Airport?
Chicago O’Hare is 18 miles away from central Chicago, but getting into the city couldn’t be easier. The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is your cheapest option, and the trains run 24/7. The CTA Blue Line runs from the lower level of the terminal and is easy to find – just follow the airport signs. The journey to Downtown Chicago takes about 45 minutes and costs less than £5. Alternatively, you could take a taxi. Your journey shouldn’t take more than 35 minutes, but it’ll cost you at least £30. Another option is a shuttle bus – prices will vary depending on where you’re staying and the number of people travelling.
How do I get into Chicago from Chicago Midway International?
Midway International is even closer to Chicago, so you’ll be in the city in no time. Trains also run from Midway, but you’ll need to catch the CTA Orange Line – the journey takes less than 30 minutes and only costs a couple of quid. Or you could hop in a cab. Depending on traffic, it’ll take between 20-30 minutes to reach the city centre and should cost around £25.
What are the top things to do in Chicago?
Perched on the southwest corner of Lake Michigan, Chicago is one of the biggest cities in all of America – so there’s plenty to do. It’s famous for its varied, interesting architecture and its skyline features several unique landmarks, like the Willis Tower, Tribune Tower and John Hancock Centre. Make sure you stroll through Millennium Park. This futuristic green space always has something going on, whether it’s theatre, exhibitions or ice skating. And, of course, you have to visit the city’s number one attraction – the famous Art Institute of Chicago.
Do I need a visa to travel to Chicago?
You can fly to Chicago on a British passport without a visa. You’ll just need to fill out an ESTA application online, to travel under America’s visa waiver programme. ESTA approval is usually fairly speedy, but it's best to get it sorted at least four weeks before you fly to the USA.
