Flying from Glasgow to Chicago: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll board your flight from Glasgow to Chicago. Glasgow International Airport (GLA) and Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) are Glasgow's main airports.
When landing in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the chief entry points.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, making Chicago five hours behind Glasgow.
To ensure you board your Glasgow to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours ahead of international departures and one hour before domestic flights is a good rule of thumb.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months such as June. 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 Glasgow to Chicago
To pick up cheap Glasgow to Chicago flights, book as early as possible. Airlines generally offer the most competitive fares when flights are first released.
Finding cheap plane tickets from Glasgow to Chicago is easy if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' search function to see the best prices across each month and score an incredible deal.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Glasgow to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Select your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Glasgow to Chicago flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Glasgow
Glasgow International Airport (GLA)
We make it a breeze to book a Glasgow to Chicago flight with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Glasgow International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Popular stopovers include:
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
GLA is about 11 kilometres from central Glasgow. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're taking public transport, expect the journey time to be around 35 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Glasgow to Chicago? Avoid rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels close to Glasgow International Airport:
70.07% of flights leaving from Glasgow International Airport land at their destination on schedule.
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK)
Take a moment to stretch your legs during your Glasgow to Chicago flight with a stopover. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN) is a popular option between Glasgow Prestwick Airport and Chicago.
PIK is about 48 kilometres from central Glasgow. It'll take 40 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Glasgow to Chicago? Check in to a hotel near Glasgow Prestwick Airport before your trip officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
76.7% of all departures from Glasgow Prestwick Airport make it to their destination as expected.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes around 35 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
It usually takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Glasgow to Chicago. Book one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Follow your own route with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and see more of Chicago and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by reserving your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead of your trip.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The centre of Chicago is located around 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). As soon as your flight from Glasgow to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, the drive should be around 20 minutes.
The trip will take approximately 45 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from Glasgow to Chicago:
Forget about public transport timetables or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and blaze your own trail. Compare offers from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Score the best price by booking your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.
You'll find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Set off for the city centre after your flight from Glasgow to Chicago has touched down. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to get there in a car.
If you use public transport, expect a journey of about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Begin your journey without stressing about how to get to where you're going with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Book your ideal wheels with trusted suppliers here like Budget, Alamo and National.
Rental agencies sometimes offer discounts on early bookings, so book your vehicle from RFD a few weeks ahead of your flight from Glasgow to Chicago. A bit of planning goes a long way in savings.
The address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
January is the quietest month for flights from Glasgow to Chicago, while August is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to visit Chicago based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Glasgow to Chicago ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap flights from Glasgow to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Browse these hotels after you've booked your flight from Glasgow to Chicago:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are popular attractions which should be on any well-planned Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've seen Chicago, now it's time to explore other parts of United States. Travel around 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to tick off its top sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
If you're looking to explore another major destination in United States, head for 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.
