Flying from Tampa to Chicago: what you need to know
Start your journey at one of Tampa's main airports, Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE). Check out your options for booking a flight from Tampa to Chicago jetting off from either of these.
When it comes to touching down in Chicago, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major gateway. Another is Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
Around 2 hours 50 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct Tampa to Chicago flight.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-6, which is one hour behind Tampa.
Choose from 61 services each week between Tampa International Airport (TPA) and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). TPA to ORD is the most popular route when booking flights from Tampa to Chicago.
Leave enough time to make your Tampa to Chicago flight. It's generally best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Travelling over a peak time such as April? Public holidays and other popular periods can mean longer lines and delays at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tampa to Chicago
To find cheap Tampa to Chicago flights, book early. Airlines typically offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets are first released.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Tampa to Chicago is easier if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the lowest prices across the month and snap up a fantastic deal.
There's no need to search every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll tell you when a better deal is available on cheap flights from Tampa to Chicago.
Lock in a cheap Tampa to Chicago flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Begin your trip at Tampa International Airport (TPA), which has a range of direct flights from Tampa to Chicago. From TPA, you can fly seamlessly to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
These are some of the popular carriers offering direct Tampa to Chicago plane tickets from TPA:
Located around 8 kilometres from central Tampa, TPA can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport is roughly 35 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Tampa to Chicago? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Tampa International Airport:
When it comes to Tampa International Airport's on-time performance, 78% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find TPA at 5507 West Spruce Street.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
Getting to the centre on public transport typically takes 45 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Tampa to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Grab a Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car and discover Chicago and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are well-known companies you can book with here.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from Chicago O'Hare International Airport around four weeks before your trip.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Once your flight from Tampa to Chicago has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in about 25 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
You can expect the trip to take approximately 30 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Tampa to Chicago, tuck yourself in at a hotel near MDW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway Airport rental car simple. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Get what you want, not just what's left over. Securing your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time often means better deals and a greater range of vehicles.
You'll find Chicago Midway Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) is roughly 129 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It takes about 1 hour 40 minutes to get to the city centre in a taxi or ride-share after your flight from Tampa to Chicago.
Public transport will take you there in roughly 2 hours.
Whether you want a budget-friendly compact just for you or a roomy SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Chicago Rockford Airport rental car for your needs. Browse the types of wheels available here from companies such as Budget, Alamo and National.
If you're looking for a specific type of vehicle, booking early increases your chances of snagging what you want. Secure your ride from RFD at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from Tampa to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford Airport can be found at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
July is the busiest month for flights from Tampa to Chicago. To avoid the crowds, go to Chicago in March.
Book a Tampa to Chicago ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 16ºC (61ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Tampa to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Browse these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Tampa to Chicago:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower are essential stops on your Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
Chicago is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of the United States you'll want to see. Around 451 kilometres southeast of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre.
If you're ready to explore another side of the United States, head for Indianapolis, about 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago. Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis are among the biggest draws.