Flying from Istanbul to Chicago: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your journey from in Istanbul. Explore your options leaving from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when planning your flight from Istanbul to Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are Chicago's major gateways.
The average duration of a direct Istanbul to Chicago flight is 11 hours 30 minutes.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Chicago eight hours behind Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 15 weekly flights to pick from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Istanbul to Chicago is with Turkish Airlines at 15:25. Opt for the first IST to ORD departure with Turkish Airlines at 06:35 to fit in more activities on your first day in Chicago.
Give yourself plenty of time to catch your Istanbul to Chicago flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience bigger queues during popular months like April. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for domestic departures will help ensure a smooth travel experience.
How to find the cheapest flights from Istanbul to Chicago
Get cheap Istanbul to Chicago flights by booking three months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for bagging a bargain.
June is the best month for picking up an amazing deal on a plane ticket from Istanbul to Chicago. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices across every month.
Stay on top of deals for cheap flights from Istanbul to Chicago by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Istanbul to Chicago flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
You can get a direct flight from Istanbul to Chicago departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Begin your journey at IST and end it at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Lock in your Istanbul to Chicago plane tickets with Turkish Airlines. This airline is a popular choice for direct flights from IST.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially find a cheaper Istanbul to Chicago flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Break up your trip (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these popular airports:
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
IST is about 32 kilometres from central Istanbul. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 50 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic conditions. If you're planning to take public transport, expect the travel time to be around 1 hour 45 minutes.
After a stress-free start to your trip? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Chicago or just don't want to be rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Istanbul to Chicago flight, browse these options when heading out from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport:
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Using public transport, you can travel from central Istanbul to SAW in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 31 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 55 minutes.
You're going on holiday, so why not enjoy another night away? Think about staying at one of these accommodation options near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Chicago:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 76.93%. This figure gives an insight into how frequently flights departing from this airport land at their destination on time.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes about 35 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 26 kilometres away.
If you're using public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
Reserve a hotel near ORD if you have a late flight from Istanbul to Chicago. Settle into one of these accommodation options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Pick up an O'Hare International Airport rental car and discover Chicago and beyond with your own set of wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are top providers to choose from here.
To lock in the lowest price, book your ride from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead of your Istanbul to Chicago flight.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is approximately 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). After your flight from Istanbul to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, expect a drive of about 20 minutes.
If you hop on public transport, you'll reach the centre in 45 minutes or so.
There are some great places to lay your head close to MDW. Tuck yourself in after your Istanbul to Chicago flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about inconvenient public transport schedules or waiting forever for a cab. Pick up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare rates and availability from Dollar, Hertz and Budget.
Get first dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from MDW four weeks in advance often means better prices and a greater selection of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Travel to the centre after your flight from Istanbul to Chicago has landed. Central Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, expect a journey of around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Whether you're looking for a compact just for you or a spacious SUV to move the whole family, you'll find the right Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for you. Explore the range of wheels available here from suppliers such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Istanbul to Chicago is a smart way to go. In addition to better deals, you'll have a wider selection of vehicle makes and models at RFD.
The address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to figure out your trip dates for your flight from Istanbul to Chicago. August is the busiest month for a trip to Chicago. If you like a more relaxed atmosphere, go in January.
Before locking in your Istanbul to Chicago tickets, consider the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Chicago, with temperatures ranging from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Istanbul to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF) on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. As soon as you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Chicago, browse our range of accommodation options including:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to work out where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are major attractions which should be on every Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Chicago is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other parts of United States waiting to be discovered. About 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a visit to Columbus will fill your itinerary to the brim. Don't miss top attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. Start your sightseeing at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.
