Flying from Chicago to Toronto: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Chicago. Explore your options leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when searching for a flight from Chicago to Toronto.
Disembark at one of Toronto's major entry points like Pearson International Airport (YYZ). You can also come in for landing at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) or Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF).
Take a direct Chicago to Toronto flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 45 minutes.
Toronto's timezone is UTC-4, making Toronto one hour ahead of Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 116 weekly flights to choose from. If you prefer a later start to the day, the last flight from Chicago to Toronto is with United Airlines at 21:15. Go for the first ORD to YYZ departure operated by United Airlines at 07:04 to make the most of your first day in Toronto.
For a stress-free journey, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to board your Chicago to Toronto flight.
Be prepared for longer lines in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Toronto
£48 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Toronto. Return flights start at £122. These fares may change based on demand.
Score cheap Chicago to Toronto flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for finding the biggest deals.
May is the best month for scoring an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Chicago to Toronto. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Toronto is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Chicago to Toronto flights.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can catch a direct flight from Chicago to Toronto leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Begin your trip at ORD and end it at Pearson International Airport (YYZ).
Leading carriers that offer direct Chicago to Toronto plane tickets departing from ORD include:
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save on your Chicago to Toronto flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from O'Hare International Airport. Take a break from travelling at one of these popular airports:
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes around 55 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 26 kms (16 miles) in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Searching for a convenient hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Chicago to Toronto, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
When it comes to the on-time performance of O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% of flights complete their journey on time.
ORD's address is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Consider booking your direct flight from Chicago to Toronto departing Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Nonstop connections from MDW will get you to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
Porter Airlines offers direct Chicago to Toronto plane tickets from MDW. Book your preferred window seat and arrive at your destination without any detours.
Make the most of your holiday with a stopover on your Chicago to Toronto flight. Visit friends or family or cross another city off your list. Whatever your plans, check out these options between Chicago Midway International Airport and Toronto:
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Orlando International Airport (MCO)
MDW is about 14 kms (9 miles) from central Chicago. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to Toronto? Check in to a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your trip officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
78% of flights leaving Chicago Midway International Airport meet their expected arrival time.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Toronto
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
The distance from Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to central Toronto is roughly 19 kms (12 miles). It'll take you about 25 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Getting there by public transport takes about 50 minutes.
Reserve a hotel close to YYZ if you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Toronto. Check in to one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Pick up a Pearson International Airport rental car and discover Toronto and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Green Motion and Thrifty are top outlets you can book with here.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your vehicle from Pearson International Airport about three weeks before your travel date.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is about 3 kms (2 miles) from central Toronto. After your flight from Chicago to Toronto, it'll take you approximately 35 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 40 minutes or so.
After your flight from Chicago to Toronto, tuck yourself in at a hotel near YTZ. These are some great options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or cab lines. Grab a Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare rates and availability from Hertz, National and Avis.
Score the best price by securing your ride from YTZ one week ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is roughly 80 kms (50 miles) from central Toronto. It'll take you about 1 hour 15 minutes to get to the city centre in a ride-share or cab after your flight from Chicago to Toronto.
If you're travelling on public transport, the journey takes about 4 hours 5 minutes.
Enjoy a more relaxed start to your break by checking in to a hotel near YKF after your Chicago to Toronto flight. Rest up after a long day of travel or just take a moment to find your footing in a new place at:
Take the guesswork out of the next chapter of your journey with a Region of Waterloo International Airport rental car. Avis, Enterprise and Budget will get you on the road.
Rental providers sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so reserve your ride from YKF well ahead of your flight from Chicago to Toronto. A little prep today saves cash tomorrow.
Best time to go to Toronto
February is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Toronto, while August is the busiest. Choose the best time to go to Toronto based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Toronto is July, with temperatures ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Book your Chicago to Toronto ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Toronto in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 1ºC (34ºF) on average.
More about Toronto
Start your Toronto trip right by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Chicago to Toronto, browse our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum and Go Tours Canada - Distillery District are leading attractions which should feature on any good Toronto itinerary.
Explore more of Canada
Toronto is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of Canada waiting to be discovered. About 310 miles north-east of Toronto, a trip to Montreal will keep your itinerary packed. Start with popular sights like Mount Royal Park, Montreal Botanical Garden and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.
If you want to check out another corner of Canada, consider Ottawa, about 220 miles north-east of Toronto. Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and National Gallery of Canada are the start of reasons to visit.