Travelling from Brussels to Chicago: what you need to know
There are two main airports you can start your trip from in Brussels. Explore your options leaving from Brussels International Airport (BRU) or Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) when reserving your flight from Brussels to Chicago.
Hop off your plane in Chicago at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW).
Around 8 hours 50 minutes is how long you'll be in transit on a direct Brussels to Chicago flight.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-6, making Chicago seven hours behind Brussels.
With seven flights a week between the two airports, Brussels International Airport (BRU) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the busiest route. Board the first flight from Brussels to Chicago with United Airlines at 10:10. If you prefer to get more out of your day before jetting off, the latest flight from BRU to ORD is with United Airlines at 10:25.
For hassle-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your Brussels to Chicago flight.
You can expect bigger queues during popular months like September. Arriving up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
How to find the cheapest flights from Brussels to Chicago
To score cheap Brussels to Chicago flights, reserve your journey six months ahead of your planned departure.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Brussels to Chicago is November. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then select the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from Brussels to Chicago by creating a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a lower fare pops up.
Pick your preferred departure and arrival times, number of stops and airlines by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Brussels to Chicago flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Brussels
Brussels International Airport (BRU)
You can book a direct flight from Brussels to Chicago leaving from Brussels International Airport (BRU). Begin your journey at BRU and arrive at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Be on the lookout for promotions with United Airlines. This airline offers direct Brussels to Chicago plane tickets out of BRU.
Think about adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Brussels to Chicago flight. Just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when browsing departures from Brussels International Airport. Take a pause at one of these popular airports:
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS)
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Located around 11 kilometres from the centre of Brussels, BRU can be reached in about 25 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey on public transport is roughly 20 minutes.
Have an early flight from Brussels to Chicago? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and get some extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels close to Brussels International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Brussels International Airport, 75% of flights arrive within the expected time frame.
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
Split up your Brussels to Chicago flight with a stop so you can recharge or cross another place off your list. Top stopovers between Brussels S. Charleroi Airport and Chicago are:
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
Edinburgh Airport (EDI)
You can get to CRL from central Brussels in about 55 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The ride on public transport will take roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to travel the 40 kilometres or so.
You're going on holiday, so why not enjoy an extra night away from home? Consider staying at one of these accommodation options near Brussels S. Charleroi Airport the day before your flight from Brussels to Chicago:
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport has an on-time performance rate of 78%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights departing from this airport arrive on time.
Arriving in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is approximately 26 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to get to the centre driving.
It usually takes 45 minutes to get there on public transport.
The last thing you want is a long journey to your hotel if you're arriving on a late flight from Brussels to Chicago. Reserve one of these accommodation options near ORD instead:
Pick up a Chicago O'Hare International Airport rental car and explore Chicago and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are popular outlets to choose from here.
For the best deal, book your vehicle from Chicago O'Hare International Airport around four weeks ahead of your Brussels to Chicago flight.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is about 14 kilometres from central Chicago. Following your flight from Brussels to Chicago, it'll take you approximately 25 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a taxi or ride-share.
If you hop on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 30 minutes or so.
After your flight from Brussels to Chicago, settle in at a hotel close to MDW. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you switch to relaxation mode:
The fastest way to get to where you're going is with a Chicago Midway Airport rental car. Collect a set of wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and make a speedy getaway.
Score the best price by securing your ride from MDW four weeks ahead of time. You can also expect to have a greater selection of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD)
Make your way into the city centre after your flight from Brussels to Chicago has landed. Central Chicago is about 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) and takes roughly 1 hour 40 minutes to reach by car.
If you go by public transport, expect a journey of around 2 hours.
Be in the driver's seat of the next leg of your trip by picking up a Chicago Rockford Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National are reliable rental providers.
If you'd like a certain model or make, booking early increases your chances of finding what you want. Secure your ride from RFD at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from Brussels to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford Airport can be found at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
March is the quietest month for flights from Brussels to Chicago, while July is the most popular. Work out the ideal time to visit Chicago based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC (61ºF) and 28ºC (82ºF). Book your Brussels to Chicago ticket then if that's your ideal forecast.
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF). Search for cheap flights from Brussels to Chicago around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the best stays in Chicago right here. Explore these hotels once you've booked your flight from Brussels to Chicago:
Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago are just two of the top attractions to put on your Chicago itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Willis Tower.
Explore more of the United States
Chicago will leave a lasting impression, but there are so many other corners of the United States waiting to be explored. About 451 kilometres southeast of Chicago, a visit to Columbus will keep you on the go. Start with leading attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Columbus Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre.
Indianapolis is another standout destination in the United States and is around 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago. No trip is complete without experiencing Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
