Flying from Chicago to Nairobi: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can fly out of in Chicago. Check out your options departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when planning your flight from Chicago to Nairobi.
Touch down in Nairobi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL).
Nairobi's timezone is UTC+3, which makes Nairobi eight hours ahead of Chicago.
To ensure you board your Chicago to Nairobi flight, leave enough time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months such as August, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Nairobi
To find cheap Chicago to Nairobi flights, book early. Airlines usually offer lower fares when flights are first released.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel plans, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price across each month when searching for your plane ticket from Chicago to Nairobi.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Chicago to Nairobi by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Find an affordable Chicago to Nairobi flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing Chicago to Nairobi flights departing from O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD)
ORD is around 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving 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.
After a relaxed start to your break? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chicago to Nairobi or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
74.85% of flights leaving from O'Hare International Airport land at their destination on time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
You can get to MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride on public transport will take roughly 45 minutes to travel the 14 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy another night away? Consider kicking back in one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Nairobi:
Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 78%. This figure provides insight into how frequently flights departing from this airport make it to their destination on time.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) is approximately 13 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 20 minutes.
It usually takes 1 hour 10 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Nairobi, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near NBO:
Get your adventure underway by picking up a Jomo Kenyatta International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Auto-Union, Green Motion or Hertz and explore beyond Nairobi's main sights.
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport around three weeks ahead of your Chicago to Nairobi flight.
Wilson Airport (WIL)
Wilson Airport (WIL) is around 2 kilometres from central Nairobi. After your flight from Chicago to Nairobi, it takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 45 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to WIL. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Chicago to Nairobi:
Grab a Wilson Airport rental car and set the course for your next destination. You can select from top companies like Auto-Union and Unicorn rent a car.
Get the vehicle you prefer, not just what's left over, by securing your ride from WIL before your arrival. You'll also avoid last-minute price hikes, especially when demand is high.
Best time to go to Nairobi
July is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Nairobi. To avoid the crowds, head to Nairobi in February.
Lock in a Chicago to Nairobi ticket departing in March if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Nairobi to range from 14ºC to 30ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Chicago to Nairobi in July when temperatures average between 12ºC and 24ºC.
More about Nairobi
Start your Nairobi trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Chicago to Nairobi, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to work out where to begin. Nairobi National Park, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Westlands Maasai Market D at the roof top are highlights which should be on any well-planned Nairobi itinerary.
Explore more of Kenya
Mombasa is just one of the many places in Kenya waiting to be discovered after you've seen Nairobi. Around 434 kilometres to the south-east, popular attractions include Fort Jesus, Haller Park and Old Town of Mombasa.
Nakuru is another well-known destination in Kenya and is around 145 kilometres north-west of Nairobi. No trip is complete without visiting ARTHUR GARDENS (WEDDING/EVENT GROUNDS), Upper Hill estate and Muhia's Conservation Forest.