Travelling from Chicago to Montreal: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can start your trip from in Chicago. Check out your options leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) when planning your flight from Chicago to Montreal.
Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL) is where you'll be landing in Montreal.
The average time for a direct Chicago to Montreal flight is 2 hours 15 minutes.
Montreal is one hour ahead of Chicago and is in the UTC-5 timezone.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL) is the most popular route that connects these two cities. There are 49 weekly flights to choose from. If you have things to finalize before heading off, the last flight from Chicago to Montreal is with United Airlines at 18:05. Opt for the first ORD to YUL departure with United Airlines at 07:00 to make the most of your first day in Montreal.
To ensure you make it on your Chicago to Montreal flight, allow plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and an hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
Travelling during a peak month like July? Major public holidays and other high seasons can mean longer queues at security. Play it safe and get there up to four hours before an international flight and two hours before domestic departures.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Montreal
To pick up cheap Chicago to Montreal flights, book ahead. Airlines tend to offer their most competitively priced fares when flights are first released.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Chicago to Montreal across every month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your dates are flexible.
Save time looking for cheap flights from Chicago to Montreal by creating a Price Alert. You'll get an email or notification through the app when a special offer becomes available.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort the results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' Chicago to Montreal flights.
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Take off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a nonstop flight from Chicago to Montreal. From ORD, you can land directly at Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL).
You'll find a variety of carriers offering direct Chicago to Montreal plane tickets with departures from ORD, including:
We make it a cinch to find a Chicago to Montreal flight with a stopover. To see your options departing from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, select a flight with a stop long enough to tour the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Detroit Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Ottawa International Airport (YOW)
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes about 45 minutes on public transport. If you ride-share, drive or grab a taxi, you'll cover the 26 kilometres in 30 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Have an early flight from Chicago to Montreal? Avoid the hassle of rushing to the terminal (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, data shows 70% of flights complete their journey on time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
Visit friends or family or just take a moment to recharge with a stopover. If you'd like to break up your Chicago to Montreal flight, check out these options when taking off from Chicago Midway Airport:
New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
Detroit Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
MDW is about 14 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take 25 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Start your holiday early with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Chicago to Montreal, unwind in one of these hotels close to Chicago Midway Airport:
When it comes to flights staying on schedule, Chicago Midway Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 76%.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Montreal
Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL)
The distance from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport (YUL) to central Montreal is roughly 16 kilometres. It'll take you around 25 minutes to get to the centre driving.
Travelling to the centre by public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Montreal, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Pick up your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near YUL:
Say yes to new adventures by picking up a Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Avis, Alamo or Routes Car Rentals and experience the lesser-explored corners of Montreal and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by booking your vehicle from Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau Airport about four weeks before your travel date.
You'll find YUL at 975 Romeo Vachon Street North.
Montreal St Hubert Airport (YHU)
Central Montreal is about 11 kilometres from Montreal St Hubert Airport (YHU). As soon as your flight from Chicago to Montreal has touched down and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 25 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 1 hour or so.
After your flight from Chicago to Montreal, tuck yourself in at a hotel close to YHU. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Pick up a Montreal St Hubert Airport rental car and be in control of your journey. You can select from top companies like Enterprise and Budget.
Avoid the slow-moving lines and paperwork at the rental desk by completing your booking beforehand. Reserve your ride from YHU in advance so you can just grab the keys and get going.
Best time to go to Montreal
November is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Montreal, while July is the busiest. Work out the best time to go to Montreal based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a lively atmosphere.
Book a Chicago to Montreal ticket departing in July if you're eager to visit the city during its warmest month. Expect temperatures in Montreal to range from 14ºC (57ºF) to 28ºC (82ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Montreal in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -19ºC (-2ºF) and -2ºC (28ºF) on average.
More about Montreal
After booking your flight from Chicago to Montreal, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Montreal:
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal and Montreal International Jazz Festival are just a couple of the top-rated attractions to add to your Montreal to-do list. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Cirque du Soleil.
Explore more of Canada
Ottawa is just one of the many places in Canada waiting to be explored once you've seen Montreal. Around 161 kilometres to the west, top sights here include Rideau Canal National Historic Site, Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, Locks 1 - 8 - Ottawa.
If you want to check out another side of Canada, head for Laval, about 16 kilometres northwest of Montreal. Cosmodôme, Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and Nature Centre are key highlights.