Flying from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Chicago: what you need to know
Expect to be in the air for 1 hour 3 minutes. On average, that's the duration of a direct flight from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago.
Chicago is 1 hour behind Grand Rapids, where Gerald R. Ford International Airport is located. Chicago operates on the UTC-5 timezone.
With 108 weekly flights between the two airports, Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most popular route. United operates the earliest flight at 06:00. If you'd like to get more out of your day before jetting off, the last departure from GRR to ORD is with American Airlines at 19:39.
To ensure you catch your flight from GRR to Chicago, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Peak months like July or holiday times such as spring break and Christmas will mean longer queues at check-in and security. If you're travelling then, play it safe and head to the airport even earlier. Arriving two hours before domestic flights and up four hours ahead of an international flight is wise.
Direct flights from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Chicago are available for booking. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is where you'll be touching down.
There's a variety of carriers that offer direct flights from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago, such as:
You don't need a visa or passport to travel within United States. You will need a valid proof of identity however, such as an ID card or driver's licence. Put them on your packing list once you've booked cheap tickets from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago.
GRR is around 23 kilometres from central Grand Rapids. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour and 16 minutes.
Catching an early flight from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these hotels near GRR:
How to find the cheapest flights from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Chicago
The best price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago is $93. The cheapest price for a return flight is $185. Bear in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
Don't wait until the last moment. You're more likely to find cheap tickets from GRR to Chicago if you book early. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird rates.
Getting cheap tickets from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago is more likely if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Use the 'Whole month' function to show the lowest prices across the month and bag a great deal.
Create a Price Alert for flight tickets from GRR to Chicago. There's no need to look every day to see whether fares have dropped. We'll update you the moment there's a change in price.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago. Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to find the best deals.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from central Chicago. With a cab or in your own car rental, the drive is around 35 minutes.
It typically takes 54 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Book a hotel close to ORD if you have a late flight from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago. Check in to one of these options and skip the long transfer:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
As soon as your flight from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago has landed, you can make your way to the city centre in around 21 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
The journey will take about 46 minutes on public transport.
There are some great places where you can make a pit stop near MDW. Kick back and get cosy after your flight from GRR to Chicago at any of these perfectly located options:
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the busiest month for flights from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago. To escape the crowds, visit Chicago in February when it's quieter.
Lock in your flight from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago for July to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures to range from 15ºC to 29ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from GRR to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC and 3ºC.
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago, think about where to rest your head in this city. Make one of these options your base for exploring Chicago:
Every great adventure has to include a little sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are must-visits when exploring Chicago.
Complete your Chicago trip with a car rental
Select one of our car rentals in Chicago and explore the city in your own time. Easily compare options in one place to find the ideal ride once you've booked your hotel and cheap flights from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to Chicago.