Flying from Vancouver to Chicago: what you need to know
Planning your flight from Vancouver to Chicago begins with finding the right airport to kick off your trip. Vancouver International Airport (YVR), Vancouver Harbour Sea Plane Base Airport (CXH) and Abbotsford Airport (YXX) are the main departure points in Vancouver.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are Chicago's chief entry points.
The average length of a direct Vancouver to Chicago flight is 4 hours 10 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is two hours ahead of Vancouver.
The most popular route for flights from Vancouver to Chicago is from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Take your pick of 21 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to set off at the first opportunity, the earliest flight from YVR to ORD is the 06:15 United Airlines option. If you prefer travelling later, the latest available service is at 23:59 with American Airlines.
To ensure you don't miss your Vancouver to Chicago flight, leave enough time to check in and find your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
You can expect longer lines in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a wise move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Vancouver to Chicago
Book three months before you travel. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Vancouver to Chicago flights.
Plan your trip for June. That's the best month for landing an awesome deal on plane tickets from Vancouver to Chicago. If you have flexibility with your dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Vancouver to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Vancouver to Chicago flights.
Flying from Vancouver
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
You can get a direct flight from Vancouver to Chicago leaving from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Start your journey at YVR and land at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Leading carriers that offer direct Vancouver to Chicago plane tickets departing from YVR include:
Travelling from central Vancouver to YVR takes about 35 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 25 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near Vancouver International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Vancouver to Chicago or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of all flights leaving Vancouver International Airport, 71.77% arrive on time at their destination.
Abbotsford Airport (YXX)
The trip to YXX from central Vancouver is around 1 hour 30 minutes by public transport. If you're going by car, it'll take you roughly 1 hour to cover the 64 kilometres or so.
Stay in bed a little longer and still make your Vancouver to Chicago flight without having to rush. These hotels near Abbotsford Airport make departure day effortless if you're flying out early:
Airports have an on-time performance rating that tracks how often flights arrive within the expected time frame. At YXX, that figure is 67.97%.
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 roughly 35 minutes.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes about 55 minutes.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Vancouver to Chicago. Book one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Follow your own route with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and experience more of Chicago and beyond.
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead of your Vancouver to Chicago flight.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is around 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). After your flight from Vancouver to Chicago has hit the runway and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
The journey will take roughly 45 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Vancouver to Chicago:
No time to waste? The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and hit the road in a heartbeat.
Snap up the best price by booking your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Hop off your flight from Vancouver to Chicago and go straight to your hotel or jump right into exploring. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and typically takes 1 hour 25 minutes to drive there.
If you use public transport, expect a journey of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Whether you're after a zippy mini for a solo getaway or a full-size SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the ideal Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for you. Browse the range of wheels available from providers such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Rental providers sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so book your vehicle from RFD in advance of your flight from Vancouver to Chicago. A bit of planning goes a long way in savings.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to choose your trip dates for your flight from Vancouver to Chicago. August is the most popular month for a trip to Chicago. If you want a quieter atmosphere, go in January.
When booking your Vancouver to Chicago tickets, think about the weather you're most comfortable in. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Vancouver to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Vancouver to Chicago:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are top attractions which should be on every Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Chicago, now it's time to discover more of United States. Journey around 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to tick off its popular sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in United States. Experience major highlights starting with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
