Travelling from Chicago to Orlando: what you need to know
Begin planning your trip by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Chicago to Orlando. Explore the options for setting off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), two of the city's main airports.
The major gateways to Orlando are Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
Jump on a direct Chicago to Orlando flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 2 hours 40 minutes.
The timezone in Orlando is UTC-4, which is one hour ahead of Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 94 departures a week to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Chicago to Orlando is with Spirit Airlines at 21:08. Choose the first ORD to MCO departure operated by United Airlines at 05:00 to fit in more activities on your first day in Orlando.
To ensure you get on your Chicago to Orlando flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Travelling during a peak time such as August? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Orlando
RM156 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Orlando. Return flights start from RM294. These fares may change based on demand.
Book two months before you travel. Pricing trends show that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Chicago to Orlando flights.
Organise your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring a great bargain on plane tickets from Chicago to Orlando. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Chicago to Orlando.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Chicago to Orlando flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can get a direct flight from Chicago to Orlando departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Start your trip at ORD and come in for landing at Orlando International Airport (MCO).
These are some of the major airlines offering direct Chicago to Orlando plane tickets with departures from ORD:
ORD is about 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 55 minutes.
Need a handy hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Orlando, these accommodation options will have you moments from check-in:
Of the departures from O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% land on time at their destination.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Consider booking your direct flight from Chicago to Orlando out of Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Nonstop connections from MDW will take you to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Book your direct Chicago to Orlando plane ticket with Southwest Airlines. This is one of the main carriers operating this route out of MDW.
You can get to MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes to travel the 14 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not enjoy another night away? Consider checking in to one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Orlando:
Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 78%. This figure reflects how frequently flights that leave from this airport reach their destination on time.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Orlando
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando International Airport (MCO) to central Orlando takes about 20 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 14 kilometres away.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to Orlando. Reserve one of these accommodation options near MCO instead:
Pick up an Orlando International Airport rental car and explore Orlando and beyond with your own set of wheels. Sonic, Dollar and Budget are top providers to choose from here.
Booking your ride from Orlando International Airport about two weeks ahead can help you get the best possible rate.
MCO is situated at One Airport Boulevard.
Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB)
Central Orlando is about 31 kilometres from Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). As soon as your flight from Chicago to Orlando has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 35 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take about 2 hours 5 minutes on public transport.
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up an Orlando Sanford International Airport rental car easy and quick. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride one week before your arrival at SFB can get you a lower rate.
Best time to go to Orlando
May is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Orlando, while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to visit Orlando based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Orlando is July, with temperatures ranging between 23ºC (73ºF) and 34ºC (93ºF). Lock in your Chicago to Orlando ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
January sees average temperatures of between 7ºC (45ºF) and 23ºC (73ºF). Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Orlando around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Orlando
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Orlando right here. Check out these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Chicago to Orlando:
Universal Orlando Resort and Universal's Islands of Adventure are just the start of the top attractions to put on your Orlando must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Lake Eola Park.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Orlando, now it's time to discover other parts of United States. Travel about 209 kilometres north to Jacksonville to tick off its must-visit sights. From Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens to The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and Friendship Fountain, there's plenty to keep you busy.
If you want to check out another corner of United States, head for Miami, about 338 kilometres south of Orlando. Wynwood Walls, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and American Airlines Arena are among the biggest draws.