Flying from Chicago to Toronto: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can fly out of in Chicago. Check out your options departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when organising your flight from Chicago to Toronto.
Hop off the plane at one of Toronto's major entry points like Pearson International Airport (YYZ). You can also make your way to this city landing at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) or Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF).
Around 1 hour 45 minutes is how long you can expect to be in the air on a direct Chicago to Toronto flight.
Toronto's timezone is UTC-4, which makes Toronto one hour ahead of Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Pearson International Airport (YYZ) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 116 weekly departures to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Chicago to Toronto is with United Airlines at 21:18. Opt for the first ORD to YYZ departure with Air Canada at 06:00 to maximise your time in Toronto.
To ensure you make it on your Chicago to Toronto flight, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Popular months like August or high seasons such as Christmas and New Year will mean bigger queues at security and check-in. Play it safe and head to the terminal even earlier. Arriving two hours before a domestic flight and four hours ahead of international departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Toronto
£40 is currently the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Toronto. Return flights start at £108. These fares may change based on demand.
Score cheap Chicago to Toronto flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for finding the biggest deals.
May is the best month for scoring an incredible deal on a plane ticket from Chicago to Toronto. If you want to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Finding a cheap flight from Chicago to Toronto is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know when a better deal is available.
Tailor your trip using filters. Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Chicago to Toronto flights.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Chicago to Toronto, you can depart from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Fly from ORD to Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in one continuous trip.
Choose from a variety of airlines offering direct Chicago to Toronto plane tickets with departures from ORD, including:
Think about adding a stopover to possibly find a cheaper Chicago to Toronto flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from O'Hare International Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Ottawa/Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
ORD is about 16 miles from central Chicago. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
Want a relaxed start to your holiday? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chicago to Toronto or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are ideal:
Of the departures from O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% touch down on time at their destination.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Rather fly from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? This popular hub offers direct flights from Chicago to Toronto, seamlessly connecting you to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ).
Porter Airlines offers direct Chicago to Toronto plane tickets from MDW. Book your favourite window seat and get to your destination in a single journey.
Get the most out of your holiday with a stopover on your Chicago to Toronto flight. Visit family or friends or tick another city off your list. Whatever you choose to do, check out these options between Chicago Midway International Airport and Toronto:
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
You can reach MDW from the centre of Chicago in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The ride on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes to travel the 9 miles or so.
You're off on holiday, so why not enjoy an additional night away? Consider checking in to one of these hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Toronto:
77.88% of flights taking off from Chicago Midway International Airport arrive within the expected time frame.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Toronto
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to central Toronto takes around 25 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 12 miles away.
Travelling to the centre on public transport takes roughly 50 minutes.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Chicago to Toronto. Reserve one of these accommodation options near YYZ instead:
Grab a Pearson International Airport rental car and discover Toronto and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Green Motion and Thrifty are leading providers you can book with here.
Lock in the best rate by booking your ride from Pearson International Airport about three weeks before your trip.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ)
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) is roughly 2 miles from the centre of Toronto. Following your flight from Chicago to Toronto, it'll take you approximately 35 minutes to reach the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you're catching public transport, it'll take approximately 40 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and unwind at a hotel near YTZ. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Chicago to Toronto:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Hertz, National or Avis and set off in the blink of an eye.
Score the best price by reserving your ride from YTZ one week ahead of time. You can also expect to have a wider range of vehicles.
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)
Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is around 50 miles from the centre of Toronto. It'll take you about 1 hour 15 minutes to get to the city centre in a car after your flight from Chicago to Toronto.
The journey takes roughly 4 hours 5 minutes using public transport.
Book a hotel near YKF and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you're arriving on a late Chicago to Toronto flight or just want a stress-free arrival, these stays put comfort right within reach:
Whether you're after a mini for a solo escape or a spacious SUV to fit the family, you'll find the perfect Region of Waterloo International Airport rental car for you. Check out wheels available from suppliers such as Avis, Enterprise and Budget.
Rental agencies sometimes offer deals on early bookings, so secure your vehicle from YKF a few weeks in advance of your flight from Chicago to Toronto. A bit of planning goes a long way for your wallet.
Best time to go to Toronto
February is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Toronto, while August is the busiest. Choose the best time to go to Toronto based on whether you like a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
The warmest month in Toronto is July, with temperatures ranging between 14ºC (57ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Book your Chicago to Toronto ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Toronto in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 1ºC (34ºF) on average.
More about Toronto
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Toronto right here. Check out these hotels once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Toronto:
CN Tower and Royal Ontario Museum are just a couple of the big attractions to put on your Toronto travel itinerary. Keep the momentum going by heading to Go Tours Canada - Distillery District.
Explore more of Canada
Toronto is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of Canada waiting to be discovered. About 310 miles north-east of Toronto, a trip to Montreal will keep your itinerary packed. Start with popular sights like Mount Royal Park, Montreal Botanical Garden and Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal.
If you want to check out another corner of Canada, consider Ottawa, about 220 miles north-east of Toronto. Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and National Gallery of Canada are the start of reasons to visit.
