Travelling from Dubai to Chicago: what you need to know
Dubai is home to two main airports where you can kick off your travels. Check out your options for booking a flight from Dubai to Chicago leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Touch down in Chicago at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
Around 15 hours is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct Dubai to Chicago flight.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-6, which is ten hours behind Dubai.
Dubai Airport (DXB) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are seven weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Dubai to Chicago is with Emirates at 09:55. Opt for the first DXB to ORD departure with Emirates at 09:45 to maximise your time in Chicago.
To ensure you catch your Dubai to Chicago flight, leave plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
During popular months like December, you'll want to get to the airport even earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Chicago
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap Dubai to Chicago flights if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird rates.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Dubai to Chicago is easier if you're flexible with your travel plans. Try using the 'Whole month' function to see the best prices throughout the month and score a fantastic deal.
Getting a cheap flight from Dubai to Chicago is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when a better deal is available.
Choose your preferred arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Dubai to Chicago flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Dubai to Chicago, you can depart from Dubai Airport (DXB). Travel from DXB to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in one seamless trip.
Check out the promotions with Emirates. This airline offers direct Dubai to Chicago plane tickets from DXB.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even tour another city. When searching for Dubai to Chicago flights leaving from Dubai Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The journey from central Dubai to DXB takes about 35 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 5 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After a leisurely start to your trip? Stay near Dubai Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Dubai to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Dubai Airport, data shows 71% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Consider adding a stop at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). It's a major stopover on a Dubai to Chicago flight departing Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport. Use a long layover to get out and explore, or take advantage of a short break to get a snack at the airport.
You can reach DWC from the centre of Dubai in about 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 20 minutes to travel the 48 kilometres or so.
Get a head start on your holiday with an extra night away from home. Before catching your flight from Dubai to Chicago, unwind in one of these hotels close to Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport:
Looking at how often flights stay on schedule, Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport has an on-time arrival performance of 64%.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 30 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
Getting there by public transport will take you around 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near ORD if you have a late flight from Dubai to Chicago. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up a Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car and explore Chicago and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are leading providers you can book with here.
For the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Chicago O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead of your Dubai to Chicago flight.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is about 14 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. Once you've hopped off your flight from Dubai to Chicago, it takes approximately 25 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
Travelling by public transport will take about 30 minutes.
After your flight from Dubai to Chicago, settle in at a hotel close to MDW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Get the pick of the lot. Reserving your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time often means lower prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
You'll find Chicago Midway Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Dubai to Chicago has landed. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to get to by car.
If you go by public transport, expect a journey of around 2 hours.
Whether you're after an economy for solo travel or an SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the right Chicago Rockford Airport rental car for you. Check out wheels available from companies such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Rental companies sometimes offer deals on early bookings, so secure your vehicle from RFD a few weeks in advance of your flight from Dubai to Chicago. A little prep today saves cash tomorrow.
The street address for Chicago Rockford Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
July is the most popular month for flights from Dubai to Chicago. To avoid the crowds, head to Chicago in March.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC and 28ºC. Book your Dubai to Chicago ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap flights from Dubai to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Dubai to Chicago, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago are a couple of leading attractions to add to your Chicago must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Willis Tower.
Explore more of the United States
Columbus is just one of the many places in the United States waiting to be explored after you've seen Chicago. Around 451 kilometres to the southeast, popular attractions include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre.
If you want to check out another major stop in the United States, consider Indianapolis, roughly 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago. Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis are key reasons to visit.