Travelling from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport (LHR): what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to choose from in Chicago. Explore your options departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when searching for a flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
7 hours 53 minutes is the average duration of a direct flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport.
The timezone in London is UTC+0, which is 5 hours ahead of Chicago. London Heathrow Airport is located in London.
With 89 direct weekly flights between the two airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is the busiest route. American Airlines operates the earliest flight at 08:10. If you prefer to make the most of your day before leaving, the last flight from ORD to LHR is with American Airlines at 23:05.
To ensure you catch your flight from Chicago to LHR, allow plenty of time to check in and find your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the standard rule.
Flying during a peak month like August? Popular seasons (like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year) can add another hour at check-in and security. Be extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before domestic departures.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) operate out of this terminal.
You'll have your pick of carriers that operate direct flights from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport departing from ORD. Book your seat with one of these:
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even tour another city. When browsing flights from Chicago to LHR leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
From central Chicago, ORD is approximately 25 miles away. Use navigation apps or visit the official airport website to find the best way to arrive at the terminal.
Want a leisurely start to your break? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Prefer to leave from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)? You can book a direct flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) departing from this hub.
Popular airlines that have direct flights from Chicago to LHR departing from MDW include:
Visit family or friends or just take a moment to freshen up with a stopover. If you'd like to split up your flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport, check out these options when setting off from Chicago Midway International Airport:
Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
MDW is about 12 miles from central Chicago. It'll take you 21 minutes or so to get to the airport by car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 46 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before boarding your flight from Chicago to LHR? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your break officially starts. Check out these accommodation options:
About London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport. Reserve one of these accommodation options near LHR instead:
Getting from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to central London
London Heathrow Airport to central London takes about 57 minutes by car. It's approximately 19 miles away. Discover what options are available, such as cabs, car rentals or ride-sharing.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey of around 1 hour and 1 minute.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
The best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport is £175. The cheapest price for a return flight is £425. Keep in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
To score cheap tickets from Chicago to LHR, reserve your journey 2 months ahead of your departure.
To get the best deal on your tickets from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport, plan your trip for November (it has the cheapest flights). Flexible with your dates? Use the 'Whole month' tool to zero in on the most affordable day to fly.
Log into your online account or use the app to create a Price Alert. You'll be notified straight away if there's a deal you can't miss. It's simple to do, and it'll save you from looking for a cheap ticket from Chicago to LHR every day.
Customise your journey with filters. Adjust the total duration, number of stops, and arrival and departure times to find the ideal flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport. You can also sort the results to see the 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' options first.
The best time to fly from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
July is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport. To avoid the crowds, travel to London in February when things are quieter.
Before locking in your flight from Chicago to LHR, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in London, with temperatures ranging from 11ºC to 26ºC.
If you like cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport in January when temperatures average between 0ºC and 9ºC.
More about London
Start your London trip off on the right foot by choosing the perfect place to stay. After booking your flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport, check out our range of hotels including:
One of the best ways to get to know London is to explore its most popular sights. Highlights include Big Ben, The British Museum and Buckingham Palace.
Complete your London trip with a car rental
We use the same magic that helped you find your cheap flight from Chicago to London Heathrow Airport to track down your ideal ride. Browse our car rentals in London and easily compare your options. Plus we give you all the info you need to know, from the most popular rental company to the average daily price.