Flying from Chicago to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Set off on your next big adventure from one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Explore your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles leaving from either of these bases.
When it comes to arriving in Los Angeles, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is a key hub. Another is Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
The average time for a direct Chicago to Los Angeles flight is 4 hours 25 minutes.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-7, which is two hours behind Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 128 weekly flights to pick from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Chicago to Los Angeles is with American Airlines at 22:37. Choose the first ORD to LAX departure with American Airlines at 06:00 to make the most of your first day in Los Angeles.
To ensure you don't miss your Chicago to Los Angeles flight, leave enough time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours ahead of international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months such as August, you'll want to get to the airport well in advance. Plan to arrive two hours before a domestic departure and four hours ahead for an international flight when you fly during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Los Angeles
$109 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles. Return flights start at $218. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Score cheap Chicago to Los Angeles flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for landing a bargain.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Chicago to Los Angeles couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chicago to Los Angeles flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're after a direct flight from Chicago to Los Angeles, you can leave from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Travel from ORD to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) without any stops.
You'll find a variety of carriers offering direct Chicago to Los Angeles plane tickets with departures from ORD, including:
Located around 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 55 minutes.
Want a leisurely start to your journey? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you have an early flight from Chicago to Los Angeles or just don't like being rushed, these hotels are ideal:
When it comes to O'Hare International Airport's on-time performance, data shows 74.85% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
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 Los Angeles, seamlessly connecting to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Southwest Airlines offers direct Chicago to Los Angeles plane tickets from MDW. Book your favourite window seat and arrive at your destination in one go.
You can get to 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 14 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not extend it with 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 Los Angeles:
Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 78%. This figure sheds light on how frequently flights that depart from this airport land on schedule.
The street address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to central Los Angeles takes about 30 minutes to reach by car. The centre is roughly 19 kilometres away.
If you're travelling by public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Los Angeles, nothing beats the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these accommodation options near LAX:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Thrifty or Hertz and experience the lesser-explored corners of Los Angeles and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by reserving your vehicle from Los Angeles International Airport about one week before your trip.
LAX is located at One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
The centre of Los Angeles is located around 29 kilometres from Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Once your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, expect a drive of about 35 minutes.
The trip will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to VNY. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Van Nuys Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare offers from Budget, Dollar and Hertz.
Avoid the slow-moving lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from VNY in advance so you can just pick up the keys and get on your way.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Los Angeles. To avoid the crowds, head to Los Angeles in May.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC and 32ºC. Book your Chicago to Los Angeles ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chicago to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 6ºC and 26ºC.
More about Los Angeles
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Los Angeles:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are popular attractions which should feature on any good Los Angeles itinerary.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Los Angeles, now it's time to discover other corners of United States. Travel about 177 kilometres south-east to San Diego to check off its popular sights. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
San Jose is another well-known destination in United States and is around 499 kilometres north-west of Los Angeles. No trip is complete without a visit to Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art.