Flying from Dubai to Chicago: what you need to know
Dubai has two main airports that could be the jumping-off point for your adventure. Check out your options for reserving a flight from Dubai to Chicago leaving from Dubai Airport (DXB) or Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are Chicago's major gateways.
Jump on a direct Dubai to Chicago flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 15 hours.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, making Chicago nine hours behind Dubai.
With seven weekly flights between the two airports, Dubai Airport (DXB) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the busiest route. Hop on the earliest flight from Dubai to Chicago with Emirates at 09:45. If you'd like to make the most of your day before taking off, the latest flight from DXB to ORD is with Emirates at 09:55.
To ensure you make your Dubai to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Turning up two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
During popular months such as July, you'll want to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of international flights whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Dubai to Chicago
Lock in cheap Dubai to Chicago flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for bagging a bargain.
The best month for picking up cheap plane tickets from Dubai to Chicago is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare all available prices, then choose the dates with the lowest fares.
Getting a cheap flight from Dubai to Chicago couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you when there's a better deal.
Save on your Dubai to Chicago flight with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Dubai
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Set out from Dubai Airport (DXB) on a nonstop flight from Dubai to Chicago. From DXB, you can fly directly to O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Emirates is a well-known carrier that offers direct Dubai to Chicago plane tickets from DXB.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Dubai to Chicago flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Dubai Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Travelling from central Dubai to DXB takes around 50 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a cab, you'll cover the 10 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a relaxed start to your journey? Stay near Dubai Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Dubai to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Of all flights leaving Dubai Airport, 74.31% touch down on time at their destination.
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)
Break up your Dubai to Chicago flight with a stop at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS). One of the main stopovers between Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport and Chicago, it's the perfect opportunity to unwind before your onward flight.
With public transport, you can travel from central Dubai to DWC in around 2 hours 5 minutes. The terminal is roughly 48 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 45 minutes.
You're off on holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away from home? Think about kicking back in one of these accommodation options near Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport the day before your flight from Dubai to Chicago:
Dubai World Central - Al Maktoum International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 57%. This figure provides insight into how frequently flights that leave from this airport arrive on time.
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 around 35 minutes.
Getting to the centre by public transport will take you around 55 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Dubai to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping not long 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 leading providers to choose from here.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance of your trip.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is about 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). As soon as your flight from Dubai to Chicago has landed and you've navigated your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 20 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take about 45 minutes on public transport.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near MDW. Tuck yourself in after your Dubai to Chicago flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport schedules or slow-moving cab lines. Pick up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare offers from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW can help you lock in a better rate.
You'll find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is roughly 129 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 25 minutes to get to the city centre by ride-share or cab after your flight from Dubai to Chicago.
If you use public transport, the journey time is about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Stay in control of the next part of your journey by picking up a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National will get you on the road.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Dubai to Chicago is a smart move. In addition to better deals, you'll have a wider selection of vehicle makes and models at RFD.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's official address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the busiest month for flights from Dubai to Chicago. To skip the crowds, head to Chicago in January.
Book a Dubai to Chicago ticket departing in July if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
January has average temperatures of between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF). Search for cheap flights from Dubai to Chicago around that time if you like travelling in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Check out these hotels after locking in your flight from Dubai to Chicago:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be tricky to know where to begin. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are popular attractions which should feature on any well-planned Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Chicago, now it's time to discover other corners of United States. Journey about 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to tick off its leading attractions. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, there's plenty to keep you busy.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. No visit is complete without checking out The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
