Travelling from East Midlands Airport (EMA) to Chicago: what you need to know
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5. The city is five hours behind Nottingham, where East Midlands Airport is located.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to board your EMA to Chicago flight.
If you're flying during a major holiday or another peak period, give yourself extra time. A good rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Security and check-in lines will be longer.
A stopover is the ideal opportunity to break up your journey and maybe even explore another city. When searching for plane tickets from EMA to Chicago, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
The journey from central Nottingham to EMA takes around 50 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or grab a cab, you'll cover the 18 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Catching an early flight from East Midlands Airport to Chicago? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to EMA:
Of all flights leaving East Midlands Airport, 75.1% land on schedule at their destination.
How to find the cheapest flights from East Midlands Airport (EMA) to Chicago
234 € is the cheapest price we've found for a one-way East Midlands Airport to Chicago flight. A return plane ticket right now is 487 €. Depending on when and how early you book, these fares could change.
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap flights from EMA to Chicago if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird rates.
Finding cheap tickets from East Midlands Airport to Chicago is easier if you're flexible with your dates. Try using the 'Whole month' function to get the lowest prices across each month and bag an awesome deal.
Finding a cheap flight from EMA to Chicago couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll notify you when a deal gets even better.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with our filters. Then, sort the results for your flight from East Midlands Airport to Chicago by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is roughly 40 kilometres. It'll take you about 35 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Getting there on public transport takes around 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from East Midlands Airport to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Follow your own route with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and see more of Chicago and beyond.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead of your flight from EMA to Chicago.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is located around 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from East Midlands Airport to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 20 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the ride to the centre takes 45 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your EMA to Chicago flight:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare rates and availability from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Avoid paying extra. Securing your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW will save you money.
You'll find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is around 137 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to reach the city centre by ride-share or cab once you've hopped off your flight from East Midlands Airport to Chicago.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey time is about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Enjoy a more relaxed start to your break by checking in to a hotel near RFD after your EMA to Chicago flight. Recover from your travel day or just take a moment to settle into a new destination at:
Start your travels without worrying about how to get to where you're going with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with trusted suppliers here like Budget, Alamo and National.
If you'd like a specific type of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at finding what you want. Reserve your ride from RFD at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from East Midlands Airport to Chicago.
The street address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Travel to Chicago during the high season if you want a lively atmosphere, but remember that hotel prices may be higher. Alternatively, book flights from East Midlands Airport to Chicago during the off-season when prices are cheaper and crowds are smaller.
Lock in an East Midlands Airport to Chicago plane ticket with a departure in July if you're eager to experience the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from EMA to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from East Midlands Airport to Chicago, check out our selection of hotels including:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are essential stops on your Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Chicago. Around 451 kilometres away to the south-east, well-known attractions include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
