Flying from Chicago to Osaka: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Chicago. Explore your options leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) when organising your flight from Chicago to Osaka.
Kansai International (Osaka) Airport (KIX) and Kobe Airport (UKB) are Osaka's chief entry points.
Osaka's timezone is UTC+9, making Osaka 15 hours ahead of Chicago.
To ensure you make it on your Chicago to Osaka flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Flying during a popular month like July? Public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines and delays at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Osaka
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Chicago to Osaka flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, use the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll show you the cheapest price across the month when searching for your plane ticket from Chicago to Osaka.
Finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Osaka is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when there's a better deal.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' Chicago to Osaka flights.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and maybe even visit a new city. When browsing Chicago to Osaka flights leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG)
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located around 26 kilometres from central Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Searching for a convenient hotel close to Chicago O'Hare International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Chicago to Osaka, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
70% of flights departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport touch down at their destination on schedule.
The address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Break up your Chicago to Osaka flight with a stop at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). One of the main stopovers between Chicago Midway Airport and Osaka, it's the perfect opportunity to unwind before the next leg of your journey.
You can reach MDW from central Chicago in about 25 minutes by car (depending on traffic conditions). The ride by public transport will take roughly 30 minutes to travel the 14 kilometres or so.
Kick off your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Osaka, unwind in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport:
Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time performance rate of 76%. This figure provides insight into how often flights that depart from this airport make it to their destination on time.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Osaka
Kansai International (Osaka) Airport (KIX)
Kansai International (Osaka) Airport (KIX) is approximately 40 kilometres from central Osaka. If you're catching a taxi or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 50 minutes.
Getting there by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Osaka. Stay at one of these accommodation options near KIX instead:
Grab a Kansai International (Osaka) Airport rental car and explore Osaka and beyond with your own wheels. BEST KANSAI CAR RENTAL, BE KOBE and TravelCar are popular outlets to choose from here.
To secure the best deal, book your vehicle from Kansai International (Osaka) Airport at least a couple of weeks in advance. Prices usually increase closer to your day of departure.
You'll find KIX at 1 Senshukukokita, Izumisano.
Itami Domestic (Osaka) Airport (ITM)
After your flight from Chicago to Osaka has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in about 30 minutes by car. Central Osaka is approximately 11 kilometres from Itami Domestic (Osaka) Airport (ITM).
Travelling by public transport will take around 35 minutes.
After your flight from Chicago to Osaka, settle in at a hotel close to ITM. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Itami Domestic (Osaka) Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Europcar, Times or Rakuten and get going in the blink of an eye.
Save time at the rental desk by having everything prearranged. Reserve your ride from ITM in advance so you can just grab the keys and get going.
Itami Domestic (Osaka) Airport is located at 3丁目555 Nishimachi, Hotarugaike, Toyonaka.
Kobe Airport (UKB)
Kobe Airport (UKB) is roughly 26 kilometres from the centre of Osaka. It takes about 40 minutes to reach the city centre by ride-share or taxi once you've stepped off your flight from Chicago to Osaka.
Public transport will take you there in around 50 minutes.
Start your journey without stressing over how to reach your destination with a Kobe Airport rental car. Book your ideal wheels with reliable suppliers here like Europcar, Times and Rakuten.
Rental agencies sometimes offer discounts on early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from UKB a few weeks in advance of your flight from Chicago to Osaka. A little planning can save you money.
Kobe Airport's official address is 1 Kobekuko, Chuo Ward.
Best time to go to Osaka
November is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Osaka. To travel when it's less crowded, head to Osaka in March.
When booking your Chicago to Osaka tickets, consider what kind of weather you prefer. August is the warmest month in Osaka, with temperatures ranging from 21ºC (70ºF) to 34ºC (93ºF).
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chicago to Osaka in January when temperatures average between 0ºC (32ºF) and 10ºC (50ºF).
More about Osaka
Start your Osaka trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Osaka, explore our selection of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to start. Dotonbori, Osaka Castle and Universal Studios Japan are leading attractions which should be on every Osaka itinerary.
Explore more of Japan
You've visited Osaka, now it's time to explore other parts of Japan. Travel around 402 kilometres east to Tokyo to tick off its must-visit sights. From TOKYO SKYTREE to Sensho-ji and Ginza Central Street, your itinerary will be busy.
If you're eager to discover another major destination in Japan, consider Nagoya, roughly 137 kilometres northeast of Osaka. Nagoya Castle, Sky Promenade and Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium are key highlights.