Travelling from Johannesburg to Chicago: what you need to know
Johannesburg's main base, O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), is where countless incredible trips begin. Explore the options for leaving from here when booking your flight from Johannesburg to Chicago.
When it comes to landing in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the chief entry points.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is seven hours behind Johannesburg.
To ensure you don't miss your Johannesburg to Chicago flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Johannesburg to Chicago
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Johannesburg to Chicago flights if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Johannesburg to Chicago is more likely if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' search tool to see the lowest fares across the month and walk away with an awesome deal.
Locking in a cheap flight from Johannesburg to Chicago is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available.
Save on your Johannesburg to Chicago flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Johannesburg
O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Johannesburg to Chicago flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from O.R. Tambo International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular airports:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Located around 23 kilometres from the centre of Johannesburg, JNB can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near O.R. Tambo International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Johannesburg to Chicago or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to O.R. Tambo International Airport's on-time performance, 77.1% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 35 minutes.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Johannesburg to Chicago. Reserve one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and experience the lesser-explored corners of Chicago and beyond.
Booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is roughly 14 kilometres from central Chicago. Following your flight from Johannesburg to Chicago, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the trip to take about 45 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Johannesburg to Chicago:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car quick and easy. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW can get you a lower rate.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Travel to the centre after your flight from Johannesburg to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to get there in a car.
If you're using public transport, the journey takes about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Whether you're looking for an economy for a solo trip or a roomy SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the right Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for you. Explore the types of wheels available here from names such as Budget, Alamo and National.
If you're looking for a specific kind of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at finding what you want. Secure your ride from RFD a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Johannesburg to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the most popular month for flights from Johannesburg to Chicago. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Chicago in January.
Before locking in your Johannesburg to Chicago tickets, think about what kind of weather works for you. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 29ºC.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Johannesburg to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC and 3ºC.
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Chicago right here. Browse these hotels once you've locked in your flight from Johannesburg to Chicago:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just the start of the leading attractions to put on your Chicago to-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Chicago, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Journey about 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to tick off its leading sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're eager to discover another corner of United States, consider Indianapolis, roughly 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are highlights.
