Travelling from Ottawa to Chicago: what you need to know
Planning your getaway begins with working out where you'll leave from in Ottawa. Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for booking a flight from Ottawa to Chicago taking off from here.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are Chicago's major gateways.
Around 2 hours 20 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Ottawa to Chicago flight.
To ensure you make your Ottawa to Chicago flight, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're taking off during a major holiday or other peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa to Chicago
At the moment, Rs47,913 is the best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Ottawa to Chicago. The cheapest price for a return flight is Rs88,541. Remember fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
Score cheap Ottawa to Chicago flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for bagging a bargain.
The best month for finding cheap plane tickets from Ottawa to Chicago is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap flight from Ottawa to Chicago couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when the price has dropped.
Save money on your Ottawa to Chicago flight with the help of our filters. Select your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Ottawa
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
If you're after a direct flight from Ottawa to Chicago, you can leave from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW). Get from YOW to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) without any stops.
Secure your Ottawa to Chicago plane tickets with United Airlines. This carrier is a top choice for direct flights from YOW.
Located around 11 kilometres from the centre of Ottawa, YOW can be reached in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Ottawa to Chicago or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are perfect:
Of the flights that depart from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, 58.21% touch down on time at their destination.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes around 35 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Ottawa to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Explore without limits with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and experience more of Chicago and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead increases your chances of getting a good deal.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The centre of Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Ottawa to Chicago has touched down and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre will take you 45 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places to call home for the night near MDW. Kick back after your Ottawa to Chicago flight at any of these perfectly located options:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Check out the rates and availability from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Get the lowest price by booking your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a wider selection of vehicles.
You'll find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is around 129 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 25 minutes to get to the city centre by ride-share or cab once you've hopped off your flight from Ottawa to Chicago.
If you use public transport, the journey time is about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Take control of the next part of your trip by picking up a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National make getting on the road effortless.
Rental agencies sometimes offer promotions for early bookings, so secure your vehicle from RFD ahead of your flight from Ottawa to Chicago. A little prep work can make a big difference in cost.
The address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the most popular month for flights from Ottawa to Chicago. To escape the crowds, visit Chicago in January.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Book your Ottawa to Chicago ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Ottawa to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC and 3ºC.
More about Chicago
After booking your flight from Ottawa to Chicago, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are attractions you won't want to skip in Chicago.
Explore more of United States
Chicago has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of United States you'll want to see. Around 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will keep you on the move. Start with leading attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States and is around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. No trip is complete without seeing The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.