Travelling from Nairobi to Chicago: what you need to know
Begin planning your holiday by considering where you'll catch your flight from Nairobi to Chicago. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Wilson Airport (WIL) are the main airports in Nairobi.
When working out where to arrive in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the primary gateways.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, making Chicago eight hours behind Nairobi.
To ensure you board your Nairobi to Chicago flight, leave enough time to navigate the airport and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Flying over a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Chicago
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Nairobi to Chicago flights if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price across the month when searching for your plane ticket from Nairobi to Chicago.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Nairobi to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Nairobi to Chicago flights.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey — and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for Nairobi to Chicago flights leaving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Located around 11 kilometres from the centre of Nairobi, NBO can be reached in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey by public transport will take roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Looking for a handy hotel near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Nairobi to Chicago, these stays will have you sleeping nice and close to your departure gate:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 67.1% of flights stick to their scheduled arrival 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 arriving on a late flight from Nairobi to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and discover Chicago and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best deal by booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead of your trip.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is located around 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Nairobi to Chicago has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should be around 20 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take around 45 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places to call home for the night near MDW. Settle in and get cosy after your Nairobi to Chicago flight at any of these perfectly located options:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and be off and running.
Snap up a deal by securing your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is around 129 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to reach the city centre by car after your flight from Nairobi to Chicago.
Public transport can get you there in roughly 4 hours 15 minutes.
Begin your trip without stressing over how to get to where you're going with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. You can book with reliable companies here like Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Nairobi to Chicago is smart. Along with better prices, you'll have a wider selection of vehicle makes and models at RFD.
Chicago Rockford International Airport can be found at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the most popular month for flights from Nairobi to Chicago. To avoid the crowds, visit Chicago in January.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Nairobi to Chicago ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Nairobi to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Chicago, take your pick from prime hotels that put you close to the action. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just a couple of the major attractions to add to your Chicago itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going 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 corners of United States waiting to be discovered. Around 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a visit to Columbus will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
If you're ready to explore another side of United States, consider Indianapolis, roughly 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are key highlights.