Flying from Vancouver to Chicago: what you need to know
When looking for a flight from Vancouver to Chicago, there's a nice selection of airports you can start your trip from. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX) are some of Vancouver's main terminals.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are Chicago's major entry points.
Around 4 hours 10 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Vancouver to Chicago flight.
Chicago is two hours ahead of Vancouver and observes the UTC-5 timezone.
The most popular route for flights from Vancouver to Chicago is from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). You can select from 21 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from YVR to ORD is the 06:15 United Airlines service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last available departure is at 23:35 with United Airlines.
To ensure you get on your Vancouver to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
During popular months like August, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver to Chicago
Book three months before you travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Vancouver to Chicago flights.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on plane tickets from Vancouver to Chicago. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Vancouver to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Vancouver to Chicago flights.
Flying from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Set out from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on a nonstop flight from Vancouver to Chicago. From YVR, you can travel directly to O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Leading carriers that offer direct Vancouver to Chicago plane tickets from YVR include:
YVR is around 11 kilometres from central Vancouver. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 25 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 35 minutes.
After a relaxed start to your trip? Stay near Vancouver International Airport. Whether you've booked an early flight from Vancouver to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of all flights leaving Vancouver International Airport, 71.77% arrive on time at their destination.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
YXX is around 64 kilometres from central Vancouver. Driving from the city centre to the terminal takes about 1 hour. If you're thinking about using public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Rest a little longer, move a little slower, and still make your Vancouver to Chicago flight without having to rush. These hotels near Abbotsford Airport make it a breeze to get to the terminal if you're setting off early:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that measures how often flights get to their destinations without delays. At YXX, that figure is 67.97%.
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.
Book a hotel near ORD if you're coming in on a late flight from Vancouver to Chicago. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and discover Chicago and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular providers you can book with here.
Get the best deal by booking your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance of your trip.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 14 kilometres from central Chicago. Following your flight from Vancouver to Chicago, it takes approximately 20 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take around 45 minutes.
After your flight from Vancouver to Chicago, rest your head at a hotel near MDW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and set off in the blink of an eye.
Don't pay more than you need to. Securing your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW can land you a better rate.
Chicago Midway International Airport is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Hop off your flight from Vancouver to Chicago and go directly to your hotel or start exploring right away. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach driving.
The journey will take you about 4 hours 15 minutes using public transport.
Whether you're searching for a compact for solo travel or an SUV to fit the whole crew comfortably, you'll find the perfect Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for your needs. Browse wheels available here from names such as Budget, Alamo and National.
If you're looking for a specific kind of vehicle, booking early increases your chances of finding what you want. Secure your ride from RFD a few weeks ahead of your flight from Vancouver to Chicago.
The street address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Vancouver to Chicago. August is the most popular month for a trip to Chicago. If you want a quieter atmosphere, go in January.
When booking your Vancouver to Chicago tickets, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC to 29ºC.
Look for cheap flights from Vancouver to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Vancouver to Chicago, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
All great journeys should include a little 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
You've seen Chicago, now it's time to discover more of United States. Journey around 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to tick off its popular sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
