Flying from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur: what you need to know
Chicago is home to two main airports where you can kick off your trip. Check out your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) are Kuala Lumpur's major gateways.
Kuala Lumpur's timezone is UTC+8, which makes Kuala Lumpur 13 hours ahead of Chicago.
For a relaxed travel experience, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This ensures you have enough time to board your Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flight.
You'll likely experience longer queues in popular months like August. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure will give you plenty of time for security and boarding.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur
Don't wait until the last minute. You're more likely to find cheap Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flights if you book early. Airlines often offer some amazing early bird discounts.
Getting cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur is more likely if you can be flexible with your trip dates. Try using the 'Whole month' tool to see the best prices across each month and snap up a fantastic deal.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur is easy with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as there's a better deal.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Or sort your Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flight results by 'Fastest,' 'Best' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and possibly even tour another city. When searching for Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flights departing from O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Top options include:
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
ORD is around 26 kms (16 miles) from central Chicago. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the journey time to be around 55 minutes.
Want a handy hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur, these stays will put you moments from check-in:
Of the flights that depart from O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% arrive as scheduled at their destination.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
You can reach MDW from central Chicago in about 20 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride on public transport takes roughly 45 minutes to cover the 14 kms (9 miles) or so.
It's your holiday, so why not spend an extra night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur:
As far as flight punctuality goes, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 78%.
The address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
The distance from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to central Kuala Lumpur is approximately 48 kms (30 miles). It takes about 1 hour 5 minutes to reach the centre driving.
When travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour.
The last thing you need is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur. Check in to one of these accommodation options near KUL instead:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Kuala Lumpur International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from ASIA CAR, Paradise or GoSoCar and experience the lesser-explored corners of Kuala Lumpur and beyond.
To get the best deal, book your vehicle from Kuala Lumpur International Airport about four weeks in advance of your Chicago to Kuala Lumpur flight.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
Central Kuala Lumpur is located around 16 kms (10 miles) from Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB). After your flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of around 25 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 1 hour 30 minutes or so.
Hang the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and unwind at a hotel near SZB. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur:
Sixt, WAHDAH and Agtran make picking up a Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport rental car easy and quick. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from SZB one week in advance often means lower prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Kuala Lumpur
August is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur. To travel when it's less crowded, go to Kuala Lumpur in February.
Lock in a Chicago to Kuala Lumpur ticket departing in March if you're eager to explore the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Kuala Lumpur to range from 21ºC (70ºF) to 33ºC (91ºF).
Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 21ºC (70ºF) and 32ºC (90ºF) on average.
More about Kuala Lumpur
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Kuala Lumpur right here. Explore these options as soon as you've locked in your flight from Chicago to Kuala Lumpur:
There are so many things to do and see in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square and Central Market Cultural Performances are top attractions which should feature on any well-planned Kuala Lumpur itinerary.
Explore more of Malaysia
You've seen Kuala Lumpur, now it's time to explore other corners of Malaysia. Journey around 210 miles north to Kota Bharu to tick off its leading attractions. From Pantai Cahaya Bulan to Siti Khadijah Market and Handicraft Village and Craft Museum, Kelantan, your itinerary will be busy.
Another favourite destination in Malaysia, Kampung Baru Subang is about 11 miles west of Kuala Lumpur. Plan to visit highlights including Simflightkl.
