Travelling from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Chicago: what you need to know
Chicago is 18 hours behind Auckland, where Auckland Airport is located. Chicago observes the UTC-5 timezone.
For a relaxed start to your AKL to Chicago flight, leave plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are more likely if you're jetting off during high season, so allow even more breathing space. A good general rule for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially land a cheaper flight ticket from AKL to Chicago. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your journey by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
The journey from central Auckland to AKL takes about 1 hour 25 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
In search of a hotel close to AKL? If you've booked an early flight from Auckland Airport to Chicago, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Of the flights that depart from Auckland Airport, 69.31% land on time at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to Chicago
Rs137,681 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Auckland Airport to Chicago flight. A return flight ticket right now is Rs295,416. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To find cheap flights from AKL to Chicago, book as early as you can. Airlines tend to offer lower fares when tickets first go on sale.
Landing cheap tickets from Auckland Airport to Chicago is more likely if you're flexible with your travel dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search function to access the best prices throughout the month and bag a sweet deal.
Snapping up a cheap flight from AKL to Chicago couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a deal gets even better.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from Auckland Airport to Chicago.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 35 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 40 kilometres away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Auckland Airport to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and explore Chicago and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are leading providers you can book with here.
Booking your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks before your flight from AKL to Chicago can help you lock in the lowest rate.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is roughly 19 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. After your flight from Auckland Airport to Chicago, it'll take you around 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The journey will take about 45 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your AKL to Chicago flight:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car easy and quick. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Lock in the best price by booking your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
You can find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Make your way to the city centre after your flight from Auckland Airport to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is about 137 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
If you're using public transport, the journey time is about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Book a hotel near RFD and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you have a late AKL to Chicago flight or just want to keep your travel plans simple, these accommodation options bring comfort closer to you:
Start your trip without worrying about how to get to your next stop with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. You can book a set of wheels from reliable companies here like Budget, Alamo and National.
If you prefer a particular make or model, booking early gives you a better shot at getting what you want. Book your ride from RFD at least a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Auckland Airport to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Carefully consider your travel dates before securing your flight from Auckland Airport to Chicago. The city buzzes in peak season, but hotel rates are typically higher and major attractions can get busy. Visit Chicago in the off-season if you prefer a quieter vibe.
Book an Auckland Airport to Chicago flight ticket with a departure in July if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 15ºC to 29ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from AKL to Chicago around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Auckland Airport to Chicago, choose a hotel that combines comfort with a great location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are just two of the big attractions to add to your Chicago travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Chicago. Around 451 kilometres away to the south-east, its top attractions include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. No visit is complete without checking out The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
