Flying from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Chicago: what you need to know
Around 2 hours 5 minutes is how long you can expect to be travelling on a direct flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5. The city is one hour behind Durham, where Raleigh-Durham International Airport is located.
With 64 flights a week between the two airports, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the busiest route. American Airlines operates the earliest flight at 05:55. If you'd like to get more out of your day before flying, the last flight from RDU to ORD is with American Airlines at 19:46.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your RDU to Chicago flight.
Delays at security and check-in are more likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow even more breathing space. A good general rule for peak periods? Arrive up to four hours ahead for international flights and at least two hours for domestic departures.
You can book a direct Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago ticket. Start your trip at RDU and arrive at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
You'll find a variety of airlines operating direct flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago, including:
RDU is around 16 kilometres from central Durham. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 20 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 1 hour 10 minutes.
Looking for a hotel close to RDU? If you've booked an early flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
80.09% of flights departing from Raleigh-Durham International Airport reach their destination on time. With its impressive on-time stats, delays are unlikely when setting off from RDU.
How to find the cheapest flights from Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to Chicago
Rs11,117 is currently the lowest price for a one-way Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago flight. Return flight tickets start at Rs27,766. These fares may change based on demand and availability.
To pick up cheap flights from RDU to Chicago, book your journey one month before your planned departure.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago tickets. If you're flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from RDU to Chicago by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification through the app when a new discounted fare appears.
Save money on your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 35 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 40 kilometres away.
It'll take around 55 minutes to get there using public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago. Check in to one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's usual tourist stops.
To get the lowest price, book your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from RDU to Chicago.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is about 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the ride to the centre takes 45 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to MDW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your RDU to Chicago flight:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid paying extra. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW will save you money.
You can find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago has landed. Central Chicago is around 137 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
If you don't want to make the trip to the centre, head for a hotel close to RFD. Get settled at one of these stays after your RDU to Chicago flight:
Begin your journey without stressing about how to get to where you're going with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. You can book a set of wheels from reliable names here like Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks in advance of your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago is a smart way to go. Along with more affordable prices, you'll be able to choose the vehicle make and model you prefer at RFD.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago. The city comes alive in peak season, but hotel rates are usually higher and top attractions can get crowded. Visit Chicago in low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago flight ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Look for a cheap ticket from RDU to Chicago around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Raleigh-Durham International Airport to Chicago, check out our selection of hotels including:
Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are just the start of the leading attractions to add to your Chicago must-do list. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Chicago. Around 451 kilometres away to the south-east, popular attractions include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
