Flying from Chicago to Orlando: what you need to know
Begin your travels at one of Chicago's main airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW). Explore your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Orlando departing from either of these.
The major arrival points in Orlando are Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB).
The average length of a direct Chicago to Orlando flight is 2 hours 40 minutes.
The timezone in Orlando is UTC-5, which is one hour ahead of Chicago.
The most popular route for flights from Chicago to Orlando is from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). Choose from 110 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to take off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from ORD to MCO is the 05:00 United Airlines service. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the final departure is at 21:08 with Spirit Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Chicago to Orlando flight.
Flying during a peak month such as July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer queues at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Orlando
Booking in advance is often the key to securing a cheap Chicago to Orlando flight. Airlines adjust prices based on demand, so the closer your departure date, the more expensive your ticket may be.
If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll give you the lowest price across each month when looking for your plane ticket from Chicago to Orlando.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Chicago to Orlando by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chicago to Orlando flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can catch a direct flight from Chicago to Orlando departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Start your trip at ORD and end it at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
These are some of the most popular airlines offering direct Chicago to Orlando plane tickets from ORD:
ORD is about 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're ride-sharing, catching a taxi or driving from the centre, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel near Chicago O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Orlando, these stays will have you nice and close to your departure gate:
70% of flights that depart Chicago O'Hare International Airport reach their destination on schedule.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Prefer to fly from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)? This hub offers nonstop flights from Chicago to Orlando, seamlessly connecting you to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Book a direct Chicago to Orlando plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the leading airlines operating this route out of MDW.
With public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 25 minutes.
Get your holiday started early with an additional night away from home. Before your flight from Chicago to Orlando, stay in one of these hotels near Chicago Midway Airport:
Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time performance of 76%. This figure shows how frequently flights that take off from this airport reach their destination on time.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is approximately 14 kilometres from central Orlando. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 25 minutes.
It typically takes 1 hour to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Orlando, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long after at one of these hotels near MCO:
Pick up a Orlando International Airport rental car and discover Orlando and beyond with your own set of wheels. Sonic, Dollar and Budget are popular outlets you can book with here.
For the lowest price, book your ride from Orlando International Airport around two weeks ahead of your Chicago to Orlando flight.
You'll find MCO at One Airport Boulevard.
Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB)
After your flight from Chicago to Orlando has landed, you can get to the city centre in about 35 minutes by car. Central Orlando is approximately 31 kilometres from Orlando Sanford Airport (SFB).
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near SFB. Unwind after your Chicago to Orlando flight at one of these well-located options:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Orlando Sanford Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and get going in the blink of an eye.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride one week before your arrival at SFB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Orlando
April is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Orlando. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Orlando in March.
Lock in a Chicago to Orlando ticket departing in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Orlando to range from 23ºC to 34ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between 7ºC and 23ºC. Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Orlando around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Orlando
After booking your flight from Chicago to Orlando, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Orlando:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Hogwarts Castle, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal Orlando Resort are must-visits when exploring Orlando.
Explore more of the United States
You've seen Orlando, now it's time to explore other parts of the United States. Travel around 193 kilometres north to Jacksonville to check off its top sights. From St. John's Cathedral to MOCA (Museum Of Contemporary Art), Jacksonville and Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in the United States, consider Miami, about 322 kilometres south of Orlando. Close Beach, Ocean Dr and Port of Miami are among its highlights.