Travelling from Belfast to Chicago: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering the departure point for your flight from Belfast to Chicago. Belfast International Airport (BFS) and George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD) are Belfast's main airports.
When it comes to choosing where to land in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the primary gateways.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Chicago five hours behind Belfast.
Leave enough time to make your Belfast to Chicago flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months like August, it's a good idea to get to the airport well in advance. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're flying during high season in general.
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)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and possibly even explore a different city. When searching for Belfast to Chicago flights leaving from Belfast International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Some popular options include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Located around 19 kms (12 miles) from central Belfast, BFS can be reached in about 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport takes roughly 2 hours.
Planning to catch an early flight from Belfast to Chicago? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near Belfast International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Belfast International Airport, data shows 67.55% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival time.
George Best Belfast City Airport (BHD)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to stretch your legs with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Belfast to Chicago flight, check out these options when taking off from George Best Belfast City Airport:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
On public transport, you can travel from central Belfast to BHD in around 20 minutes. The airport is roughly 5 kms (3 miles) away. Driving will take you about 10 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before your flight from Belfast to Chicago? Kick back in a hotel near George Best Belfast City Airport before your trip officially begins. Consider one of these stays:
As far as flight punctuality goes, George Best Belfast City Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 68%.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is approximately 26 kms (16 miles). It takes around 35 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Belfast to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Explore without limits with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and chase adventure across Chicago and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks before your travel date.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The centre of Chicago is around 14 kms (9 miles) from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). After your flight from Belfast to Chicago has landed and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take about 45 minutes.
After your flight from Belfast to Chicago, rest your head at a hotel close to MDW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car quick and easy. These reliable suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Booking your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW can get you a lower rate.
You can find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Head toward the city centre after your flight from Belfast to Chicago has touched down. Central Chicago is around 129 kms (80 miles) from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
Public transport will get you there in about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Be in control of the next leg 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 type of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at getting what you want. Book your ride from RFD a few weeks ahead of your flight from Belfast to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's official address 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 (59ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). 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 (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Chicago
After booking your flight from Belfast to Chicago, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Chicago:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are top sights which should be on any good 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 Chicago. Around 280 miles 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 160 miles south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are the start of reasons to visit.
