Travelling from Istanbul to Chicago: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can take off from in Istanbul. Explore your options departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) when reserving your flight from Istanbul to Chicago.
Arrive in Chicago at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Book a direct Istanbul to Chicago flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 11 hours 30 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is eight hours behind Istanbul.
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are 15 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Istanbul to Chicago is with Turkish Airlines at 18:45. Go for the first IST to ORD departure with Turkish Airlines at 06:30 to make the most of your arrival in Chicago.
Leave plenty of time to get on 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.
Flying during a popular month like August? School holidays and other popular seasons can mean longer lines at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
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)
If you're looking for a direct flight from Istanbul to Chicago, you can depart from Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). Get from IST to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in one continuous trip.
Look out for deals with Turkish Airlines. This airline offers direct Istanbul to Chicago plane tickets out of IST.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and possibly even visit a new city. When searching for Istanbul to Chicago flights departing from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Consider one of these popular options:
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Travelling from central Istanbul to IST takes about 1 hour 45 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 50 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
After an easy start to your trip? Stay near Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Whether you're catching an early flight from Istanbul to Chicago or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Break up your Istanbul to Chicago flight with a stop so you can stretch your legs or cross a new place off your list. Top stopovers between Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Chicago include:
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Vienna International Airport (VIE)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
You can reach SAW from central Istanbul in about 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic conditions. The journey on public transport takes roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to travel the 31 kilometres or so.
It's your holiday, so why not extend it with an extra night away from home? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Sabiha Gokcen International Airport the day before your flight from Istanbul to Chicago:
77% of flights out of Sabiha Gokcen International Airport meet their expected arrival time.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometers from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 35 minutes.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
If you have a late flight from Istanbul to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Begin your adventure by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's usual tourist stops.
Lock in the best rate by reserving your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks before your travel date.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 14 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. Following your flight from Istanbul to Chicago, it'll take you approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 45 minutes or so.
After your flight from Istanbul to Chicago, settle in at a hotel near MDW. These are some comfortable options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car simple. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you behind the wheel before you know it.
Call dibs on the best options. Booking your ride from MDW four weeks in advance often means better prices and a wider range of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is around 129 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to get to the city centre by car once you've stepped off your flight from Istanbul to Chicago.
Public transport can get you there in about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Take the guesswork out of the next part of your journey by picking up a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National make getting on the road effortless.
Booking at least a few weeks in advance of your flight from Istanbul to Chicago is smart. Along with more affordable prices, you'll have a wider selection of vehicle makes and models at RFD.
Chicago Rockford International Airport's official address 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
When it comes to searching for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the top stays in Chicago right here. Check out these options once you've booked your flight from Istanbul to Chicago:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are a couple of major attractions to put on your Chicago to-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
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.