Cheap Flights to Chicago

Discover Chicago

Why visit Chicago, USA

The city of Chicago, known as the “Windy City”, sits on Lake Michigan in Illinois. It is one of the largest American cities, and is famous for its striking architecture and many top museums.

A fun fact about Chicago is that the entertainer and entrepreneur Walt Disney was born there in 1901.

Things to do in Chicago

Visitors to Chicago should check out top sites such as Millennium Park; the Museum of Science and Industry (the largest science museum found in the Western Hemisphere); and the Art Institute of Chicago, which features numerous Impressionist works. Chicago is also the start of the famous ‘Route 66’, for those who are keen for a drive. Tourists are also likely to enjoy taking in the city views from the Skydeck Chicago at the top of Willis Tower. Other architecture of note includes the iconic John Hancock Center, and the neo-Gothic Tribune Tower.

Best time to visit Chicago

The best time to visit Chicago tends to be in April and May, or September and October, when the temperatures are warm but the hotel rates are more reasonable than in summer. There are also lots of festivals held in spring and autumn, which make these times of year a good choice.

Best time to book

If you want to find the cheapest flight available to Chicago, check out this link for data on the best times to book.

Expect to pay

The currency in Chicago is the US dollar.

You can expect to pay about AUD$5.45 on average for a regular coffee when you visit this city.

Arriving in Chicago by plane

There are two main international airports which service Chicago, being the main O’Hare International Airport (approximately 27km from the CBD) and the Midway International Airport (roughly 13 km from the centre of the city).

Many different airlines operate flights from Australia to Chicago. Some of these include United, Delta, Qantas, Air Canada, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Emirates, Air China, and Qatar Airways.

Visa requirements

Australians visiting Chicago should apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) on the ESTA website.

Transportation to city centre

A taxi from the main Chicago O’Hare International Airport into the city centre generally costs between $40 and $50. If you’d prefer other transport options, you can book your car hire or airport transfers online.

Where to stay in Chicago

For your trip to Chicago, you will find that there are many different areas you can stay. This “City of Neighbourhoods” actually has 77 diverse communities, including the Old Town, where you’ll see Victorian-era buildings; the South Loop, where you can enjoy fine dining and browse through boutique stores; and Lakeview, one of the largest neighbourhood communities in the city.

If you’re after the most affordable accommodation for your stay, you should book a hotel online.

For more details, please visit Smart Traveller, the trusted source of updated information.

Please note: all information is correct as of June 2016.