Flying from Chicago to London: what you need to know
Chicago is home to a couple of airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to London departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Land at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), London Gatwick Airport (LGW) or Stansted Airport (STN). You can also disembark at London Luton Airport (LTN) and London City Airport (LCY) in London.
The average time for a direct Chicago to London flight is 7 hours 55 minutes.
London's timezone is UTC+0, which makes London five hours ahead of Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 54 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Chicago to London is with American Airlines at 23:00. Choose the first ORD to LHR departure with United Airlines at 16:00 to make the most of your first day in London.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your Chicago to London flight.
Travelling during a peak time like August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to London
To secure cheap Chicago to London flights, reserve your journey eight months before your departure.
Schedule your trip for November. That's the best month for scoring great bargains on plane tickets from Chicago to London. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from Chicago to London is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Chicago to London flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're after a direct flight from Chicago to London, you can depart from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Travel from ORD to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in one seamless journey.
Choose from a variety of carriers offering direct Chicago to London plane tickets with departures from ORD, including:
We make it a breeze to book a Chicago to London flight with a stopover. To see the options leaving from O'Hare International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, choose a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
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. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
Looking for a handy hotel close to O'Hare International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Chicago to London, these accommodation options 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.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Chicago to London flight. Visit friends or family or tick another city off your list. Whatever you decide to do, here's where you can stop between Chicago Midway International Airport and London:
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
MDW is around 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to London? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your trip officially begins. Here's where you can stay:
78% of flights leaving Chicago Midway International Airport arrive according to schedule.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in London
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London takes around 55 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 23 kilometres away.
It usually takes 1 hour to get there on public transport.
Book a hotel near LHR if you have a late flight from Chicago to London. Settle into one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up a London Heathrow Airport rental car and explore London and beyond with your own set of wheels. Surprice, U-Save and Green Motion are leading providers you can book with here.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from London Heathrow Airport about one week in advance of your Chicago to London flight.
London Gatwick Airport (LGW)
Central London is approximately 40 kilometres from London Gatwick Airport (LGW). As soon as your flight from Chicago to London has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 1 hour 20 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 30 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Chicago to London, rest your head at a hotel near LGW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a London Gatwick Airport rental car and let the journey unfold your way. Check out the rates and availability from Green Motion, U-Save and Drivalia.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride from LGW three weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Stansted Airport (STN)
Stansted Airport (STN) is about 48 kilometres from central London. It takes about 1 hour to reach the city centre by car after your flight from Chicago to London.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey will take you around 1 hour 25 minutes.
Choose a hotel near STN and get from baggage claim to bedtime in a flash. Whether you're coming in on a late Chicago to London flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these stays put comfort right within reach:
Start your journey without worrying about how to arrive at your destination with a Stansted Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with reliable companies here like Green Motion, Drivalia and Europcar.
Around four weeks before your flight from Chicago to London is a good time to book your ride from STN. You're likely to find a better rate or score some early bird savings.
Best time to go to London
July is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to London. To travel when it's less crowded, go to London in February.
When booking your Chicago to London tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in London, with temperatures ranging from 11ºC to 26ºC.
January has average temperatures of between 0ºC and 9ºC. Look for cheap flights from Chicago to London around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about London
Start your London trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Chicago to London, check out our range of accommodation options including:
Big Ben and The British Museum are a couple of top-rated attractions to add to your London must-do list. Keep the momentum going by heading to Buckingham Palace.
Explore more of United Kingdom
London has plenty to offer, but there are so many other corners of United Kingdom just waiting to be explored. Around 161 kilometres north-west of London, a trip to Birmingham will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with attractions like Cadbury World, The Library of Birmingham and National Sea Life Centre.
Around 177 kilometres west of London, Bristol is another essential stop in United Kingdom. Start your sightseeing at Clifton Suspension Bridge, Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Nature Park.