Flying from Reykjavik to Chicago: what you need to know
Planning your holiday begins with figuring out where you'll leave from in Reykjavik. Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is the city's main base, so explore your options for booking a flight from Reykjavik to Chicago departing from here.
When it comes to planning your arrival in Chicago, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the chief entry points.
The average length of a direct Reykjavik to Chicago flight is 6 hours 50 minutes.
Chicago is five hours behind Reykjavik and follows the UTC-5 timezone.
With 12 weekly flights between the two airports, Keflavik International Airport (KEF) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the busiest route. Board the earliest flight from Reykjavik to Chicago with United Airlines at 12:00. If you'd like to make the most of your day before jetting off, the latest flight from KEF to ORD is with Icelandair at 19:35.
Allow plenty of time to make your Reykjavik to Chicago flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying over a peak time such as July? Major public holidays and other popular periods can lead to longer queues at security. Play it safe and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Reykjavik to Chicago
The lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Reykjavik to Chicago is $804. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $990. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares could change.
Get cheap Reykjavik to Chicago flights by booking five months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding the biggest deals.
August is the best month for picking up an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Reykjavik to Chicago. If you'd like to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for each month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Reykjavik to Chicago is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Reykjavik to Chicago flights.
Flying from Reykjavik
Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Reykjavik to Chicago, you can depart from Keflavik International Airport (KEF). Travel from KEF to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in one continuous trip.
Lock in your Reykjavik to Chicago plane tickets with Icelandair. This airline is a popular choice for direct flights from KEF.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Reykjavik to Chicago flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Keflavik International Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular options:
Logan International Airport (BOS)
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
KEF is around 40 kilometres from central Reykjavik. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the journey time to be around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Planning to catch an early flight from Reykjavik to Chicago? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and catch some extra z's) by choosing one of these stays near Keflavik International Airport:
66.96% of flights that take off from Keflavik International Airport touch down at their destination on time.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 35 minutes.
It usually takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Reykjavik to Chicago. Stay at one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Follow your own route with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and discover more of Chicago and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The centre of Chicago is located around 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Once your flight from Reykjavik to Chicago has landed and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 20 minutes.
Travelling by public transport will take approximately 45 minutes.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can tuck yourself in after your flight from Reykjavik to Chicago:
Forget about public transport timetables or cab lines. Grab a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare offers from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Secure your first choice, not your last resort. Securing your ride from MDW four weeks in advance often means lower prices and a wider selection of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Step off your flight from Reykjavik to Chicago and travel to your hotel or start taking in the sights right away. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach driving.
The journey will take you roughly 4 hours 15 minutes when travelling by public transport.
Take control of the next leg of your trip with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National are dependable companies for booking.
Rental agencies sometimes offer discounts on early bookings, so secure your vehicle from RFD ahead of your flight from Reykjavik to Chicago. A little prep today saves cash tomorrow.
The address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to plan your trip dates for your flight from Reykjavik to Chicago. August is the busiest month for a trip to Chicago. If you want a more relaxed vibe, go in January.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your Reykjavik to Chicago ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you want to travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Reykjavik to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC and 3ºC.
More about Chicago
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Chicago right here. Browse these hotels after you've booked your flight from Reykjavik to Chicago:
All great holidays should include some sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are must-do's during your Chicago adventure.
Explore more of United States
Chicago is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of United States just waiting to be discovered. About 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will keep you busy. Start with leading sights like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Indianapolis is another favourite destination in United States and is around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. No journey is complete without seeing The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.