Flying from Melbourne to Chicago: what you need to know
Planning your getaway starts with working out where you'll leave from in Melbourne. Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL) is the city's main airport, so check out your options for reserving a flight from Melbourne to Chicago taking off from here.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) are Chicago's major gateways.
Chicago is 17 hours behind Melbourne and follows the UTC-6 timezone.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your Melbourne to Chicago flight.
Travelling during a peak month such as December? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues and delays at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Melbourne to Chicago
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Melbourne to Chicago flights if you book early. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your trip dates, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price in each month when searching for your plane ticket from Melbourne to Chicago.
Finding a cheap flight from Melbourne to Chicago is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as there's a better deal.
Pick your ideal departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Melbourne to Chicago flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Melbourne
Melbourne Tullamarine Airport (MEL)
A stopover is the perfect opportunity to take a break from travelling — and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for Melbourne to Chicago flights departing from Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Located around 19 kilometres from central Melbourne, MEL can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 35 minutes.
After a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Melbourne to Chicago or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to Melbourne Tullamarine Airport's on-time performance, 63% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 30 minutes.
Getting there on public transport takes about 45 minutes.
Consider booking a hotel close to ORD if you're coming in on a late flight from Melbourne to Chicago. Select one of these accommodation options and skip the long transfer:
Go wherever you want, whenever you want with a Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and chase adventure across Chicago and beyond.
Booking your ride from Chicago O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead boosts your odds of scoring a great price.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is around 14 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. Once you've disembarked your flight from Melbourne to Chicago, it takes approximately 25 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
The journey will take approximately 30 minutes on public transport.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near MDW. Settle in and get cozy after your Melbourne to Chicago flight at one of these perfectly located options:
The quickest way to reach your destination is with a Chicago Midway Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and make a speedy getaway.
Lock in the lowest price by booking your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) is around 129 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 40 minutes to get to the city centre by car after your flight from Melbourne to Chicago.
The journey will take you roughly 2 hours on public transport.
Whether you're searching for a budget-friendly compact just for you or an SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the ideal Chicago Rockford Airport rental car for your needs. Explore the range of wheels available here from names such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Rental companies sometimes offer discounts on early bookings, so reserve your ride from RFD a few weeks in advance of your flight from Melbourne to Chicago. Plan ahead and your wallet will thank you.
Chicago Rockford Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
March is the quietest month for flights from Melbourne to Chicago, while July is the busiest. Choose the best time to go to Chicago based on whether you want a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Book your Melbourne to Chicago ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, search 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 ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Melbourne to Chicago, check out our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago and Willis Tower are leading attractions which should be on any well-planned Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've done Chicago, now it's time to explore other parts of the United States. Travel about 451 kilometres southeast to Columbus to check off its leading attractions. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in the United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
