Travelling from Atlanta to Chicago: what you need to know
Get your travels underway at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the main airport in Atlanta. Look for flights from Atlanta to Chicago that fly out of this base.
When it comes to touching down in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a primary hub. Another is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Take a direct Atlanta to Chicago flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 2 hours 5 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is one hour behind Atlanta.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 115 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Atlanta to Chicago is with Delta Air Lines at 22:55. Choose the first ATL to ORD departure operated by American Airlines at 06:00 to maximise your time in Chicago.
To ensure you don't miss your Atlanta to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
Going away during a peak time like July? Popular periods (like spring break, Christmas and New Year) can easily add an hour at security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Atlanta to Chicago
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Atlanta to Chicago is $61. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $100. Depending on how early you book and the availability, these fares may change.
Book two months before flying. Pricing trends suggest that this is the ideal window for finding cheap Atlanta to Chicago flights.
Plan your trip for May. That's the best month for scoring the biggest deals on plane tickets from Atlanta to Chicago. If you're flexible on when you fly, use the 'Whole month' tool to see the cheapest price across each month.
There's no need to check back in every day to find out if prices have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll let you know as soon as a better deal is available on cheap flights from Atlanta to Chicago.
Select your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Atlanta to Chicago flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Atlanta
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
You can book a direct flight from Atlanta to Chicago leaving from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Begin your trip at ATL and then make your arrival at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
These are some of the leading carriers offering direct Atlanta to Chicago plane tickets out of ATL:
The journey from central Atlanta to ATL takes around 1 hour 10 minutes by public transport. If you ride-share, drive or take a cab, you'll cover the 13 kilometres in 15 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
After an easy start to your break? Stay near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Atlanta to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 76.64% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
You'll find ATL at 6000 N Terminal Parkway.
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 roughly 35 minutes.
Getting there by public transport takes about 55 minutes.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Atlanta to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and resting soon after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Get your adventure underway by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget to explore Chicago and beyond.
Booking your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
ORD is situated at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Once your flight from Atlanta to Chicago has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city centre in around 20 minutes by car. Central Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
The trip will take about 45 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Atlanta to Chicago, tuck yourself in at a hotel near MDW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you slip into relaxation mode:
Forget about public transport timetables or cab lines. Grab a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and let your trip unfold on your terms. Compare offers from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Snap up a deal by securing your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
You can find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Head toward the city centre after your flight from Atlanta to Chicago has landed. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to get there in a car.
Public transport will take you there in roughly 4 hours 15 minutes.
Be in control of the next leg of your trip by picking up a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National make getting on the road smooth sailing.
If you'd like a certain model or make, booking early gives you a better shot at finding what you want. Secure your ride from RFD a few weeks ahead of your flight from Atlanta to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to figure out your dates for your flight from Atlanta to Chicago. August is the busiest month for a trip to Chicago. If you prefer a more peaceful vibe, go in January.
Before locking in your Atlanta to Chicago tickets, think about the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF). Look for cheap flights from Atlanta to Chicago around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Chicago right here. Check out these options once you've booked your flight from Atlanta to Chicago:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just two of the major attractions to put on your Chicago itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Chicago. Around 451 kilometres to the south-east, top sights here include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.