Flying from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Chicago: what you need to know
Book a direct flight from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 40 minutes.
Chicago and Kansas City (where Kansas City International Airport is located) are in the UTC-5 timezone. That means you won't have to adjust your watch after you land.
The busiest route is from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Choose from 78 services every week between these two airports. If you'd like to get on your way as soon as you can, the earliest flight from MCI to ORD is the 05:00 American Airlines option. If you'd rather travel later, the last departure is at 19:40 with American Airlines.
For a smooth journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your MCI to Chicago flight.
If you're travelling during a major holiday or another peak period, allow extra time. A good general rule is two hours ahead of domestic flights and up to four hours before international departures. Check-in and security lines will be longer.
Start your journey at MCI and travel nonstop to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). That's where you can expect to land when searching for Kansas City International Airport to Chicago tickets.
You can choose from a variety of carriers that operate direct flights from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago, such as:
MCI is around 26 kilometres from central Kansas City. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago? Avoid the last-minute rush to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays close to MCI:
Kansas City International Airport gets high marks for on-time performance. 81.34% of flights that take off from MCI arrive at their destination without delay.
MCI's address is 601 Brasilia Avenue.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kansas City International Airport (MCI) to Chicago
$60 is currently the best price for a one-way Kansas City International Airport to Chicago flight. Return flight tickets start from $120. These fares may change based on availability and demand.
Book three months before travelling. Research on pricing trends suggests this is the ideal window for finding cheap flights from MCI to Chicago.
Schedule your trip for July. That's the best month for landing an epic deal on Kansas City International Airport to Chicago tickets. If you're open to different travel dates, use the 'Whole month' tool to find the cheapest price across each month.
Finding a cheap flight from MCI to Chicago couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a cheaper option becomes available.
Save on your flight from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal 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)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is around 40 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive takes roughly 35 minutes.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of around 55 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago. Stay at one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Explore without limits with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Book your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and see more of Chicago and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead of your flight from MCI to Chicago.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 19 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. Following your flight from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago, it'll take you around 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a ride-share or cab.
The trip will take about 45 minutes on public transport.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and rest at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your MCI to Chicago flight:
No need to worry about public transport schedules or waiting in a long cab line. Pick up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Check out the rates and availability from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Lock in the lowest price by securing your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Set your sights on the city centre after your flight from Kansas City 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.
Public transport can take you there in roughly 4 hours 15 minutes.
If you don't want to make your way into the centre, head for a hotel near RFD. Make yourself comfortable at one of these options after your MCI to Chicago flight:
Whether you're after a budget-friendly compact for a solo getaway or an SUV to transport your group, you'll find the right Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for you. Explore the types of wheels available here from names such as Budget, Alamo and National.
If you prefer a particular model or make, booking early increases your chances of snagging what you want. Secure your ride from RFD a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's street address is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Plan your trip to Chicago in high season if you like a busy atmosphere, but remember that prices may be higher. Alternatively, book flights from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago during the off-season when prices are cheaper and it's quieter.
When booking your Kansas City International Airport to Chicago flight ticket, think about the kind of weather you prefer. 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 a cheap ticket from MCI to Chicago around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Chicago right here. Check out these hotels after you've booked your flight from Kansas City International Airport to Chicago:
Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are just two of the popular attractions to add to your Chicago must-do list. 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 places in United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen Chicago. Around 451 kilometres away to the south-east, its top attractions include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Indianapolis is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. No trip is complete without dropping by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
