Travelling from Belfast to Chicago: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can fly out of in Belfast. Explore your options departing from Belfast International Airport (BFS) or George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) when searching for a flight from Belfast to Chicago.
Touch down in Chicago at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Chicago is five hours behind Belfast and is in the UTC-5 timezone.
Allow plenty of time to get on your Belfast to Chicago flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience longer queues during popular months such as August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Belfast to Chicago
To find cheap Belfast to Chicago flights, book as early as possible. Airlines usually offer their most competitively priced fares when tickets first go on sale.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Belfast to Chicago is easy if you're flexible with your travel plans. Use the 'Whole month' function to see the lowest prices across every month and snap up an awesome deal.
You don't need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment a better deal is available on cheap flights from Belfast to Chicago.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Belfast to Chicago flights.
Flying from Belfast
Belfast International Airport (BFS)
We make it easy to book a Belfast to Chicago flight with a stopover. To see your options departing from Belfast International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to tour your chosen city. Top stopovers include:
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Located around 19 kilometres from the centre of Belfast, BFS can be reached in about 30 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 2 hours.
After a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near Belfast International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Belfast to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Of the departures from Belfast International Airport, 67.55% land on schedule at their destination.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Split up your Belfast to Chicago flight with a stop so you can freshen up or tick a new place off your list. Top stopovers between George Best Belfast City Airport and Chicago are:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Belfast to BHD in around 20 minutes. The airport is roughly 5 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 10 minutes.
Get your holiday started early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Belfast to Chicago, take it easy in one of these hotels close to George Best Belfast City Airport:
When it comes to keeping flights on track, George Best Belfast City Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 68.3%.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 35 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport typically takes 55 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Belfast to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and explore Chicago and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular providers you can book with here.
Get the best deal by booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks before your trip.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Once your flight from Belfast to Chicago has arrived, you can make your way 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 roughly 45 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Belfast to Chicago:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW can land you a better rate.
Chicago Midway International Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Travel to the centre after your flight from Belfast 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 to by car.
Public transport can get you there in around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Start your journey without worrying about how to get to your next stop with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Find your perfect set of wheels with trusted names here like Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Belfast to Chicago is a smart move. As well as better prices, you'll have a wider selection of vehicle makes and models at RFD.
The street address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the most popular month for flights from Belfast to Chicago. To steer clear of the crowds, visit Chicago in January.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Book your Belfast to Chicago ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Search for cheap flights from Belfast to Chicago in January if you like travelling in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Check out these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Belfast to 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
Columbus is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be explored once you've seen Chicago. Around 451 kilometres to the south-east, check out popular attractions including Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in United States, consider 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.