Flying from Chicago to Beijing: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Chicago. Check out your options leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when planning your flight from Chicago to Beijing.
Step off your plane in Beijing at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX).
13 hours 30 minutes is the average time for a direct flight from Chicago to Beijing. Operating on the UTC+8 timezone, Beijing is 13 hours ahead of Chicago.
The most popular route for flights from Chicago to Beijing is from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK). Choose from 14 services every week between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from ORD to PEK is the 12:55 United Airlines option. If you have other commitments or plans on your day of travel, the last departure is at 12:55 with United Airlines.
To ensure you catch your flight from Chicago to Beijing, leave plenty of time for things like check-in and baggage drop. Turning up two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months like August, it's best to get to the airport earlier. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead of an international flight when you fly during high season in general.
To visit China for tourism purposes, you'll need an embassy visa if you hold a passport from United States. However, visa rules are subject to change and other documentation may be needed depending on the purpose and length of your stay. Always check the most recent guidelines before you book your cheap flight from Chicago to Beijing.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Chicago to Beijing, they're available from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Fly from ORD to Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in one continuous trip.
United Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct flights from Chicago to Beijing jetting out of ORD.
We make it a piece of cake to book a flight from Chicago to Beijing with a stopover. To see all your options departing from O'Hare International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight that has a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Some popular stopovers include:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes about 54 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After a relaxed start to your break? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Beijing or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Split up your flight from Chicago to Beijing with a stop so you can recharge or cross another place off your list. Popular stopovers between O'Hare International Airport and Beijing are:
Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
MDW is about 19 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you 21 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 46 minutes.
Want to spoil yourself with an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to Beijing? Kick back in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your trip officially starts. Here's where you can stay:
Arriving in Beijing
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) to the centre of Beijing takes about 40 minutes by car. It's approximately 31 kilometres away.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Beijing, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these hotels near PEK:
Daxing International Airport (PKX)
After your flight from Chicago to Beijing has arrived, you can make your way to the city centre in around 1 hour and 3 minutes by car. Central Beijing is roughly 56 kilometres from Daxing International Airport (PKX).
There are some cozy stays where you can make a pit stop near PKX. Kick back after your flight from Chicago to Beijing at one of these well-located options:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Beijing
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Beijing is C$648. For a return flight on this route, the best price is C$1,380. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares could change.
Book 1 month before travelling. After looking at the numbers on our calendar, this is how far you should book ahead to secure cheap flights from Chicago to Beijing.
September is the cheapest month for tickets from Chicago to Beijing. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Log into your online account or use the app to set up a Price Alert. You'll get notified right away if there's a cheaper deal on this route. It's easy to do, and it'll save you the hassle of looking for cheap flights from Chicago to Beijing every day.
Use filters to find your ideal journey. To see the 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest' flights from Chicago to Beijing, use the 'Sort by' function. You can also filter by departure and arrival times, airline, and journey duration.
Best time to go to Beijing
February is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Beijing, while July is the most popular. Choose the ideal time to visit Beijing based on whether you want a lively atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Beijing is July, with the temperature ranging between 21ºC and 35ºC. Book your flights from Chicago to Beijing in this month if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from Chicago to Beijing in January when temperatures average between -11ºC and 3ºC.
More about Beijing
Start your Beijing trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Chicago to Beijing, check out our selection of hotels including:
Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven are just a couple of the leading attractions to put on your Beijing must-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Tiananmen Square.
Complete your Beijing trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Chicago to Beijing to track down incredible deals on car rentals. Search for your ride in seconds and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info you need to drive in Beijing, from the most popular car type to the best time to book.