Travelling from Chicago to Vancouver: what you need to know
Chicago has a couple of airports where you can start your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Vancouver flying out of O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Hop off the plane at one of Vancouver's major entry points like Vancouver International Airport (YVR). You can also come in for landing at Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) or Abbotsford Airport (YXX).
The average length of a direct Chicago to Vancouver flight is 4 hours 40 minutes.
The timezone in Vancouver is UTC-7, which is two hours behind Chicago.
The most popular route for flights from Chicago to Vancouver is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR). You can select from 21 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from ORD to YVR is the 08:55 United Airlines option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last departure is at 20:06 with United Airlines.
To ensure you don't miss your Chicago to Vancouver flight, leave plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're getting away during a popular month like August, be at the airport even earlier. It's smart to arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Security lines will be longer during high seasons like Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Vancouver
To score cheap Chicago to Vancouver flights, book your journey one month before your planned departure.
April is the best month for landing an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Chicago to Vancouver. If you're looking to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Chicago to Vancouver by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Choose your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Chicago to Vancouver flights.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're after a direct flight from Chicago to Vancouver, you can depart from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Get from ORD to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in one continuous trip.
Choose from a variety of airlines offering direct Chicago to Vancouver plane tickets with departures from ORD, including:
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even tour another city. When browsing Chicago to Vancouver flights leaving from O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
ORD is about 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 conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 55 minutes.
After a stress-free start to your break? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Chicago to Vancouver or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
74.85% of flights that depart O'Hare International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Chicago to Vancouver flight, check out these options when taking off from Chicago Midway International Airport:
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
MDW is around 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It takes 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Start your holiday early with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Vancouver, take it easy in one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77.88%.
The address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is approximately 11 kilometres from the centre of Vancouver. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 25 minutes.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 35 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Vancouver, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these hotels near YVR:
Pick up a Vancouver International Airport rental car and explore Vancouver and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Thrifty and Avis are popular providers you can book with here.
Lock in the lowest price by reserving your ride from Vancouver International Airport around one week before your trip.
Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH)
After your flight from Chicago to Vancouver has arrived, you can get to the city centre in around 5 minutes by car. Central Vancouver is approximately 0.80 kilometres from Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH).
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 15 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near CXH. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Chicago to Vancouver:
Generally speaking, the sooner you book, the better the prices and selection of vehicles. Secure your ride from CXH as soon as you've confirmed your plans.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
Step off your flight from Chicago to Vancouver and head directly to your hotel or start sightseeing right away. Central Vancouver is around 64 kilometres from Abbotsford Airport (YXX) and typically takes 1 hour to drive there.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey of about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Check in to a hotel close to YXX and quickly go from touchdown to tucked into your bed. Whether you're arriving on a late Chicago to Vancouver flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these stays bring comfort closer to you:
Whether you're after a zippy mini just for you or an SUV to transport your group, you'll find the right Abbotsford Airport rental car for you. Explore the range of wheels available from names such as Hertz, Thrifty and Enterprise.
If you're searching for a specific model or make, lock in your ride from YXX about one week ahead of your flight from Chicago to Vancouver. This gives you a better chance of getting your preferred car, as well as a better rate.
Best time to go to Vancouver
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Chicago to Vancouver. August is the most popular month to travel to Vancouver. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, go in May.
Book a Chicago to Vancouver ticket departing in August if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Vancouver to range from 13ºC to 24ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Chicago to Vancouver in December when temperatures average between -1ºC and 7ºC.
More about Vancouver
After booking your flight from Chicago to Vancouver, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Vancouver:
Every great journey has to include a little sightseeing. Stanley Park, Granville Island and Science World are must-do's during your Vancouver adventure.
Explore more of Canada
Vancouver has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of Canada just waiting to be explored. About 32 kilometres south-east of Vancouver, a trip to Surrey will keep your itinerary busy. Start with leading attractions like Senator Reid Park, Port Mann Park and Morgan Creek Park.
Around 97 kilometres south of Vancouver, Victoria is another essential stop in Canada. Start your sightseeing at Royal BC Museum, Craigdarroch Castle and Inner Harbour.
