Flying from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Chicago: what you need to know
Chicago is six hours behind Bilbao, where Bilbao Airport is located. Chicago observes the UTC-5 timezone.
To avoid rushing for your BIO to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
If you're jetting off during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good general rule is two hours before domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Queues at security and check-in will be longer.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper plane ticket from BIO to Chicago. All you need to do is deselect 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
BIO is about 5 kilometres from central Bilbao. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 10 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 30 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Bilbao Airport to Chicago? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to BIO:
Bilbao Airport has a strong on-time record, reducing the likelihood of delays. Departures from BIO make it to their destination as scheduled 82.76% of the time.
How to find the cheapest flights from Bilbao Airport (BIO) to Chicago
277 € is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way Bilbao Airport to Chicago flight. A return plane ticket right now is 394 €. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
Don't leave things to the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap flights from BIO to Chicago if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird rates.
Scoring cheap tickets from Bilbao Airport to Chicago is more likely if you're flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' function to access the lowest prices across each month and snap up a sweet deal.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from BIO to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when fares go down.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from Bilbao Airport to Chicago by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best.'
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes around 35 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 40 kilometres away.
It takes around 55 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Bilbao Airport to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Go where the road takes you with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and chase adventure across Chicago and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by booking your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks before your flight from BIO to Chicago.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is about 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). After your flight from Bilbao Airport to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 45 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and relax at a hotel close to MDW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your BIO to Chicago flight:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Don't pay more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW will help you save.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Bilbao Airport to Chicago has landed. Central Chicago is around 137 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
The journey takes about 4 hours 15 minutes when travelling on public transport.
Book a hotel close to RFD and go from the plane to your bed in a flash. Whether you have a late BIO to Chicago flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these accommodation options offer convenience when you need it most:
Take control of the next chapter of your journey with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National are some companies you can book with.
If you prefer a particular model or make, booking early gives you a better shot at getting what you want. Secure your ride from RFD at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from Bilbao Airport to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Carefully consider your travel dates before securing your flight from Bilbao Airport to Chicago. The city comes alive during high season, but prices are usually higher and top attractions can get crowded. Plan your trip to Chicago in the off-season if you want a more relaxed vibe.
Before locking in your Bilbao Airport to Chicago plane ticket, think about what kind of weather you prefer. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from BIO 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 top stays in Chicago right here. Browse these options once you've locked in your flight from Bilbao Airport to Chicago:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are top attractions which should feature on any well-planned Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Chicago has plenty going for it, but there are so many other corners of United States waiting to be discovered. Around 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will keep your itinerary packed. Start with leading sights like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Indianapolis is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. No journey is complete without visiting The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.