Flying from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Chicago: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 2 hours 5 minutes. That's the average journey time for a direct flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago.
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport is located in Ottawa. Following the UTC-5 timezone, Chicago is one hour behind Ottawa.
With 21 weekly flights between the two airports, Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the busiest route. United Airlines operates the earliest flight at 06:25. If you'd like to get more out of your day before leaving, the latest departure from YOW to ORD is with United Airlines at 18:40.
Give yourself plenty of time to get on your YOW to Chicago flight. Generally, it's best to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're jetting off during high season, so give yourself some extra wiggle room. A good rule of thumb for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Direct Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago tickets are available for booking. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is where you'll arrive.
United Airlines is a leading airline that operates direct flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago.
The journey from central Ottawa to YOW takes around 45 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 11 kilometres in 20 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a hotel close to YOW? If you're boarding an early flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago, these stays put the terminal practically at your doorstep:
When it comes to Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport's on-time performance, 58.21% of flights complete their journey on time.
You'll find YOW at 50 Airport Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) to Chicago
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago flight is R 3,016. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 5,350. Remember fares may change due to availability at the time of booking.
Score cheap flights from YOW to Chicago by booking one month ahead. According to our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
Schedule your trip for May. That's the best month for landing a bargain on Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago tickets. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to access the cheapest price across every month.
There's no need to keep looking every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll notify you as soon as there's an even bigger deal on cheap flights from YOW to Chicago.
Find a cheap flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal departure time, duration and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. If you're getting a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take roughly 35 minutes.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 55 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to ORD if you have a late flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago. Select one of these options and make arrival day easier:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's main sights.
Booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from YOW to Chicago can help you get the lowest rate.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is about 19 kilometres from central Chicago. Following your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago, it'll take you around 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
Public transport will get you there in about 45 minutes.
After stepping off your YOW to Chicago flight, settle in at a hotel near MDW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab queues. Pick up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare rates and availability from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Don't pay more than you need to. Reserving your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW can land you a better rate.
You can find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Head to the city centre after your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago has arrived. Central Chicago is around 137 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
The journey will take about 4 hours 15 minutes when travelling on public transport.
Enjoy an unhurried start to your trip by staying at a hotel near RFD after your YOW to Chicago flight. Recharge after a day of travel or simply give yourself time to find your footing in a new place at:
Begin your journey without stressing over how to get to your next stop with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Book your ideal wheels with reliable names here like Budget, Alamo and National.
If you'd like a specific model or make, booking early increases your chances of getting your first choice. Reserve your ride from RFD at least a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Carefully consider your dates before booking your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago. The city comes alive during high season, but rates are typically higher and major attractions can get busy. Plan your trip to Chicago in the off-season if you like a more relaxed vibe.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from YOW to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Chicago right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to Chicago:
Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are just the start of the leading attractions to put on your Chicago travel itinerary. Keep the adventure rolling by checking out LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
You've done Chicago, now it's time to explore other corners of United States. Travel around 451 kilometres south-east to Columbus to check off its leading attractions. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Ohio Statehouse and German Village, your itinerary will be busy.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. Experience the best of this destination with a visit to The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.