Flying from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Melbourne: what you need to know
The timezone in Melbourne is UTC+11. The city is 16 hours ahead of Chicago, where O'Hare International Airport is located.
For stress-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This will give you plenty of time to catch your ORD to Melbourne flight.
If you're flying during a bank holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Lines at security and check-in will be longer.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially unlock a cheaper flight ticket from ORD to Melbourne. All you need to do is uncheck 'Direct flights only' during your search. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these connecting airports:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes about 55 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or get a cab, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a hassle-free start to your trip? Stay near ORD. Whether you have an early flight from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of the departures from O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
How to find the cheapest flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Melbourne
The lowest price we've found for a one-way O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne flight is R 9,735. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 22,707. Bear in mind fares may change due to demand at the time of booking.
To find cheap flights from ORD to Melbourne, book ahead. Airlines generally offer their most competitively priced fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' tool will show you the cheapest tickets from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne across the month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
There's no need to keep looking every day to see if fares have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know when there's an updated deal for cheap flights from ORD to Melbourne.
Tailor your flights with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Fastest' or 'Best' flights from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne.
Airports in Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
The distance from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) to central Melbourne is roughly 24 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It typically takes 40 minutes if you're travelling by public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near MEL:
Pick up a Melbourne Tullamarine Airport rental car and discover Melbourne and beyond with your own wheels. Bargain Car Rentals, East Coast and Sixt are top outlets to choose from here.
Booking your ride from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport around four weeks in advance of your flight from ORD to Melbourne can help you lock in the lowest rate.
Avalon Airport (AVV)
Avalon Airport (AVV) is around 56 kilometres from central Melbourne. After your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne, it'll take you around 50 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Public transport will get you there in around 2 hours 5 minutes.
You'll find a few terrific places to stay just a quick drive from AVV. Shift into relaxation gear at Corio Bay Motel after your ORD to Melbourne flight.
Sixt, Kangaroo Rental and yesaway car hire make collecting an Avalon Airport rental car simple. These trusted providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Avoid potential price surges. Reserving your ride three weeks ahead of your arrival at AVV will help you stay within budget.
Essendon Airport (MEB)
Essendon Airport (MEB) is about 19 kilometres from central Melbourne. It'll take you about 25 minutes to reach the city centre in a ride-share or cab once you've stepped off your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne.
If you go by public transport, the journey time is about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Enjoy a quiet, low-key start to your trip by checking in to a hotel near MEB after your ORD to Melbourne flight. Rest up after a long day of travel or just give yourself time to find your footing in a new place at:
Be in control of the next part of your journey by picking up an Essendon Airport rental car. East Coast, Ace Rental Cars and Goldcar make getting on the road effortless.
Rental providers sometimes offer discounts on early bookings, so secure your vehicle from MEB in advance of your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne. A little planning can save you money.
Best time to go to Melbourne
Carefully consider your trip dates before booking your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne. The city comes alive in high season, but hotel prices are usually higher and attractions can get busy. Visit Melbourne in low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in an O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne flight ticket with a departure in January if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 12ºC (54ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from ORD to Melbourne in July if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 4ºC (39ºF) and 13ºC (55ºF) on average.
More about Melbourne
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best stays in Melbourne right here. Browse these options after you've booked your flight from O'Hare International Airport to Melbourne:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be tricky to know where to start. National Gallery of Victoria, Federation Square and Eureka Skydeck 88 are popular attractions which should be on every Melbourne itinerary.
Explore more of Australia
Canberra is just one of the many cities in Australia waiting to be explored once you've seen the sights of Melbourne. Around 467 kilometres away to the north-east, top sights here include Australian War Memorial, National Gallery of Australia and Parliament House.
Launceston is another sought-after destination in Australia and is around 451 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. No journey is complete without visiting City Park, Tamar Island Wetlands and James Boag Brewery Experience.