Travelling from Melbourne to Chicago: what you need to know
Planning your holiday starts with working out where you'll fly out of in Melbourne. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the city's main base, so explore your options for reserving a flight from Melbourne to Chicago taking off from here.
Step off your plane in Chicago at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Chicago is 16 hours behind Melbourne and observes the UTC-5 timezone.
To ensure you make it on your Melbourne to Chicago flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like July, it's a good idea to get to the airport earlier. Arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight whenever you're travelling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Chicago
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap Melbourne to Chicago flights if you book ahead. Airlines often offer some great early bird deals.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the cheapest price in every month when looking for your plane ticket from Melbourne to Chicago.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Melbourne to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a new low fare is offered.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Or sort your Melbourne to Chicago flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Melbourne to Chicago flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Break up the journey at one of these popular options:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
MEL is about 19 kilometres from central Melbourne. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 40 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your break? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Melbourne to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
67.71% of flights that depart Melbourne Tullamarine Airport land at their destination on time.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is approximately 26 kilometres. It'll take you about 35 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of about 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Melbourne to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing 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 top outlets you can book with here.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks in advance of your Melbourne to Chicago flight.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
After your flight from Melbourne to Chicago has hit the runway, you can reach the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
The trip will take roughly 45 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel close to MDW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Melbourne to Chicago:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and be on your way in a flash.
Score the best price by securing your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Melbourne to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
The journey takes roughly 4 hours 15 minutes when travelling on public transport.
Take control of the next leg of your trip with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National make getting on the road smooth sailing.
If you prefer a particular kind of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at getting your first choice. Book your ride from RFD at least a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Melbourne to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the busiest month for flights from Melbourne to Chicago. To avoid the crowds, head to Chicago in January.
Book a Melbourne to Chicago ticket departing in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
If you want cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Melbourne to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Chicago, check out our selection of accommodation options including:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just two of the popular attractions to add to your Chicago itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Chicago is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other parts of United States just waiting to be discovered. Around 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with popular sights like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Indianapolis is another standout destination in United States and is around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. No trip is complete without dropping by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
