Flying from Los Angeles to Chicago: what you need to know
Embark on your next adventure from one of Los Angeles's main airports, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) or Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Explore your options for booking a flight from Los Angeles to Chicago taking off from either of these bases.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the chief entry points to Chicago.
The average duration of a direct Los Angeles to Chicago flight is 4 hours 5 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is two hours ahead of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are 129 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Los Angeles to Chicago is with American Airlines at 23:59. Go for the first LAX to ORD departure operated by American Airlines at 00:10 to maximise your time in Chicago.
To ensure you catch your Los Angeles to Chicago flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
During popular months such as July, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights whenever you're flying during high season in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Chicago
Lock in cheap Los Angeles to Chicago flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for landing a bargain.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Los Angeles to Chicago is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap flight from Los Angeles to Chicago is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Los Angeles to Chicago flights.
Flying from Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Set off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and fly straight through to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). If you're searching for a direct flight from Los Angeles to Chicago out of LAX, that's where your journey can take you.
There are numerous airlines that offer direct Los Angeles to Chicago plane tickets out of LAX. Take off with any of these:
Located around 19 kilometres from central Los Angeles, LAX can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Los Angeles to Chicago? Avoid rushing to the airport (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to Los Angeles International Airport:
Los Angeles International Airport maintains a strong on-time record, reducing your chances of a delayed flight. Departures from LAX touch down on schedule 81.05% of the time.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 35 minutes.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and explore Chicago and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular providers to choose from here.
Reserving 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 about 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take approximately 45 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, unwind at a hotel near MDW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car simple. These reliable suppliers are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW will save you money.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago has touched down. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
Public transport will get you there in around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Begin your travels without worrying about how to get to your destination with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. You can book a set of wheels from trusted names here like Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago is always smart. Along with better deals, you might find it easier to get the make and model you prefer at RFD.
Chicago Rockford International Airport can be found at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago. August is the most popular month to travel to Chicago. If you prefer a more relaxed vibe, go in January.
Book a Los Angeles to Chicago ticket departing in July if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Los Angeles to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Los Angeles to Chicago, explore our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are popular attractions which should be on every Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored after you've experienced Chicago. Around 451 kilometres to the south-east, check out popular attractions including Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
If there's time to check out another side of United States, head for Indianapolis, about 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are the start of reasons to visit.