Travelling from Glasgow to Chicago: what you need to know
Glasgow is home to two main airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Check out your options for booking a flight from Glasgow to Chicago flying out of Glasgow International Airport (GLA) or Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK).
Touch down in Chicago at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Chicago is five hours behind Glasgow and is in the UTC-5 timezone.
To ensure you make your Glasgow to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
You can expect longer queues in popular months like June. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Glasgow to Chicago
To pick up cheap Glasgow to Chicago flights, book as early as possible. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Glasgow to Chicago is easy if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the best prices across each month and score an incredible deal.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Glasgow to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Glasgow to Chicago flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Glasgow
Glasgow International Airport (GLA)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save on your Glasgow to Chicago flight. Just deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Glasgow International Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular airports:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
The journey from central Glasgow to GLA takes around 35 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a stress-free start to your holiday? Stay near Glasgow International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Glasgow to Chicago or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Of all flights leaving Glasgow International Airport, 70.07% land on time at their destination.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)
Think about adding a stop at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). It's a popular stopover on a Glasgow to Chicago flight departing Glasgow Prestwick Airport. Use a long layover to explore the city, or take advantage of a short break to grab a bite to eat at the airport.
You can get to PIK from central Glasgow in about 40 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride by public transport takes roughly 55 minutes to travel the 48 kilometres or so.
Get your holiday started early with an extra night away from home. Before your flight from Glasgow to Chicago, stay in one of these hotels close to Glasgow Prestwick Airport:
77% of flights leaving Glasgow Prestwick Airport meet their expected arrival time.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes around 35 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 55 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel near ORD if you have a late flight from Glasgow to Chicago. Pick one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Follow your own route with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and find adventure across Chicago and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
After your flight from Glasgow to Chicago has landed, you can get to the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
You can expect the trip to take about 45 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places to call home for the night near MDW. Settle in and get cosy after your Glasgow to Chicago flight at one of these perfectly located options:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and make a speedy getaway.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Travel to the centre after your flight from Glasgow to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to get there in a car.
If you go by public transport, the journey will take you about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Whether you're after a zippy mini for a solo trip or a full-size SUV to move the whole family, you'll find the right Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for you. Browse the range of wheels available here from companies such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks in advance of your flight from Glasgow to Chicago is a smart move. As well as better prices, you might find it easier to get the make and model you prefer at RFD.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
January is the quietest month for flights from Glasgow to Chicago, while August is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to visit Chicago based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Glasgow to Chicago ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap flights from Glasgow 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
Once you've booked your flight from Glasgow to Chicago, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Chicago:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are attractions you won't want to skip in Chicago.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Chicago, now it's time to explore other parts of United States. Travel around 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to tick off its top sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're looking to explore another major destination in United States, head for Indianapolis, roughly 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.
