Flying from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Chicago: what you need to know
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5. The city is seven hours behind Cape Town, where Cape Town International Airport is located.
For a relaxed start to your CPT to Chicago flight, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're flying during high season, so allow some extra breathing room. A good rule for peak times? Arrive up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your journey and perhaps even visit a new city. When browsing for flight tickets from CPT to Chicago, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
CPT is around 18 kilometres from central Cape Town. If you're ride-sharing, catching a cab or driving from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic.
Looking for a hotel close to CPT? If you're catching an early flight from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago, these accommodation options will put you moments from your departure lounge:
Cape Town International Airport gets top marks for on-time performance. 81.65% of flights that take off from CPT arrive at their destination without delay.
How to find the cheapest flights from Cape Town International Airport (CPT) to Chicago
$944 is the cheapest price we've seen for a one-way Cape Town International Airport to Chicago flight. A return ticket right now is $1,528. Depending on when you want to go and the availability, these fares may change.
Booking early is often the key to finding a cheap flight from CPT to Chicago. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend on your ticket.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest tickets from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago across each month. It's a good way to snap up a bargain if your dates aren't set in stone.
Picking up a cheap flight from CPT to Chicago is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know as soon as a deal gets even better.
Find an affordable flight from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago with the help of our filters. Select your preferred duration, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is roughly 40 kilometres. It takes about 35 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It'll take around 55 minutes if you're using public transport.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Hit the road running by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's main sights.
Lock in the best possible rate by reserving your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead of your flight from CPT to Chicago.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
After your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago has touched down, you can make your way to the city centre in about 20 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 19 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
The journey will take roughly 45 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel close to MDW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your CPT to Chicago flight:
Forget about public transport timetables or long cab lines. Pick up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and take your journey in whatever direction you like. Compare availability and rates from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Avoid potential price surges. Booking your ride four weeks ahead of your arrival at MDW will save you money.
You'll find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Find your way to the city centre after your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago has landed. Central Chicago is about 137 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to get to by car.
The journey will take roughly 4 hours 15 minutes if you use public transport.
If you don't want to travel into the centre, find a hotel near RFD. Make yourself comfy at one of these options after your CPT to Chicago flight:
Whether you're looking for a zippy mini for solo travel or a spacious SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the perfect Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for your needs. Check out the types of wheels available here from suppliers such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago is smart. Along with better prices, you'll get a better selection of vehicle makes and models at RFD.
The address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Before booking your flights from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago, consider which time of year is best for you. High season in Chicago offers a lively atmosphere and plenty to do, while the off-season means you'll get cheaper hotel deals and smaller crowds.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC (59ºF) and 29ºC (84ºF). Book your Cape Town International Airport to Chicago flight ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
For cooler conditions, search for a cheap ticket from CPT to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF).
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Chicago right here. Check out these options as soon as you've booked your flight from Cape Town International Airport to Chicago:
Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are a couple of big attractions to put on your Chicago travel itinerary. Keep the sightseeing going at LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Chicago will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other parts of United States waiting to be explored. About 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will keep you on the move. Start with attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States and is around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. No journey is complete without seeing The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.