Travelling from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport (MCI): what you need to know
Begin your trip planning by checking out the ideal departure point for your flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Explore the options for setting off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), two of the city's main airports.
1 hour 38 minutes is the average duration of a direct flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport.
Kansas City (where Kansas City International Airport is located) and Chicago share the UTC-5 timezone. With no time difference, coordinating plans between the cities is hassle-free.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) is the most popular route. There are 294 direct weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer a later start to the day, hop on the last flight with Southwest Airlines at 22:55. Go for the first ORD to MCI departure operated by Southwest Airlines at 06:00 if you want to get going earlier.
To ensure you catch your flight from Chicago to MCI, allow plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
If you're getting away during a peak month like August, be at the airport even earlier. It's smart to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of domestic departures. Security lines will be longer during peak periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Go straight to your destination from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Direct flights from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) operate from here.
You can get away on a direct flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport with American Airlines. This top carrier operates departures from ORD.
ORD is approximately 40 kilometres from central Chicago. To help you work out how to get there, use Google Maps. This useful traveller tool will give you the quickest route and available public transport options.
Want a handy hotel close to O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport, these stays will have you sleeping moments from your departure gate:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Prefer to leave from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? You can book a direct flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport (MCI) departing from this hub.
United operates direct flights from Chicago to MCI out of MDW. Book your preferred seat and get to your destination without any detours.
You can get to MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 21 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport takes roughly 46 minutes to travel the 19 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not spend another night away? Consider checking in to one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to MCI:
About Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport. Check in to one of these accommodation options near MCI instead:
Getting from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to central Kansas City
From Kansas City International Airport, Kansas City is approximately 32 kilometres away. It takes around 22 minutes to get to the centre driving.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour and 8 minutes.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
R 1,927 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport. Return flights start from R 3,872. Fares are subject to availability and may change at any time.
To pick up cheap tickets from Chicago to MCI, reserve your journey 8 months ahead of your planned departure.
To get the best deal on your tickets from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport, schedule your trip for May (it has the cheapest flights). Not locked into specific dates? Use the 'Whole month' function to see the most affordable day to fly.
Set up a Price Alert and keep track of changes on this route through email or push notifications. You'll know straight away when the fares drop. Timing is key for finding cheap tickets from Chicago to MCI.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport. Enter your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
It's time to work out your dates for your flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport. July is the most popular month to travel to Kansas City. If you prefer a more low-key vibe, go in April.
Before you book a flight from Chicago to MCI, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Kansas City, with the temperature ranging from 18ºC to 34ºC.
January sees average temperatures of between -8ºC and 6ºC. Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport sometime then if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Kansas City
Start your Kansas City trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport, explore our selection of hotels including:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. National WWI Museum and Memorial, Union Station Kansas City and The Irish Centre at Union Station are must-visits when exploring Kansas City.
Complete your Kansas City trip with a car rental
Once you've booked your hotel and cheap flight from Chicago to Kansas City International Airport, the next task is choosing one of our car rentals in Kansas City. Browse the deals and easily compare options on price, pick-up convenience, and more.
