Flying from Chicago to Mexico City: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can fly out of in Chicago. Check out your options leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when booking your flight from Chicago to Mexico City.
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) and Santa Lucia Air Force Base (NLU) are Mexico City's chief entry points.
The average length of a direct flight from Chicago to Mexico City is 4 hours 19 minutes. Mexico City's timezone is UTC-6, which makes Mexico City 1 hour behind Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 56 weekly departures to choose from. If you prefer starting your day later, the last flight from Chicago to Mexico City is with United Airlines at 19:40. Opt for the first ORD to MEX departure with Aeromexico at 00:48 if you want to get going early.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This will give you enough time to catch your flight from Chicago to Mexico City.
You'll likely experience longer lines during popular months such as August and other peak seasons. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
You can enter Mexico for tourism purposes without a visa if you hold a passport from United States. But before booking your cheap flight from Chicago to Mexico City, make sure you have the latest information. Visa rules are subject to change, and you may require some travel documentation if your trip is for work or another reason.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can reserve a direct flight from Chicago to Mexico City jetting off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Begin your journey at ORD and land at Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX).
You'll have your choice of airlines offering direct flights from Chicago to Mexico City departing from ORD. Get on board with any of these:
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to break up your journey — and perhaps even visit a new city. When searching for flights from Chicago to Mexico City leaving from O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some popular options to consider:
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
ORD is around 40 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the trip time to be approximately 54 minutes.
After a hassle-free start to your holiday? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Chicago to Mexico City or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels are the answer:
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Break up your flight from Chicago to Mexico City with a stop so you can recharge or perhaps go somewhere you've never been before. Some great stopovers between O'Hare International Airport and Mexico City include:
Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL)
Cancun International Airport (CUN)
Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR)
With public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 46 minutes. The airport is roughly 19 kilometres away, and making the journey by car takes approximately 21 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Chicago to Mexico City? Relax in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your holiday officially begins. Check out these accommodation options:
Arriving in Mexico City
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX)
Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) to central Mexico City is approximately 8 kilometres. It'll take you around 24 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It'll take around 57 minutes to get there by public transport.
The last thing you need is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Mexico City. Book one of these accommodation options near MEX instead:
Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU)
After your flight from Chicago to Mexico City has arrived, you can reach the city centre in about 55 minutes by car. Central Mexico City is approximately 40 kilometres from Santa Lucia Air Force Base Airport (NLU).
The trip will take approximately 1 hour and 46 minutes on public transport.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Mexico City
At the moment, R 1,374 is the lowest price we've seen for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Mexico City. The cheapest price for a return flight is R 3,745. Keep in mind fares can change due to availability at the time of booking.
To secure cheap tickets from Chicago to Mexico City, reserve your trip 5 months before the departure date.
The cheapest month for tickets from Chicago to Mexico City is January. You can easily compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the best deal.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from Chicago to Mexico City. You don't need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped. We'll notify you as soon as the price changes.
Use filters to tailor your flights from Chicago to Mexico City. Enter your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines. Alternatively, sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Best time to go to Mexico City
April is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Mexico City, while July is the busiest. Pick the ideal time to visit Mexico City based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Before you book a flight from Chicago to Mexico City, think about the type of weather you prefer. April is the warmest month in Mexico City, with the temperature ranging from 10ºC to 28ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap ticket from Chicago to Mexico City in January when temperatures average between 6ºC and 23ºC.
More about Mexico City
Start your Mexico City trip right by choosing the perfect place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Mexico City, browse our range of hotels including:
All great journeys should include a little sightseeing. Zocalo, Chapultepec Park and National Museum of Anthropology are must-do's during your Mexico City adventure.
Complete your Mexico City trip with a car rental
Check out our range of car rentals once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flight from Chicago to Mexico City. Whether you're after an SUV, a compact ride or something with all the extras, you can compare companies in one go to find the perfect deal.