Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles: what you need to know
Kick off your journey at one of Chicago's main airports, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Explore your options for booking a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles departing from either of these.
The primary gateways to Los Angeles are Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
Take a direct Chicago to Los Angeles flight and you'll be in transit for an average of 4 hours 25 minutes.
The timezone in Los Angeles is UTC-7, which is two hours behind Chicago.
The busiest route for flights from Chicago to Los Angeles is O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to {"defaultCase":"Los Angeles International Airport","accusativeCase":"Los Angeles International Airport","nominativeCase":"Los Angeles International Airport","dativeCase":"Los Angeles International Airport"} (LAX). Pick from 128 services between these two airports each week.
Give yourself enough time to get on your Chicago to Los Angeles flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
If you're going away during a peak month like August, head to the airport even earlier. You'll want to arrive up to four hours before an international flight and two hours ahead of domestic departures. Security lines will be longer during vacation periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Los Angeles
$47 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Los Angeles. Return flights start at $95. These fares may change depending on demand and availability.
Score cheap Chicago to Los Angeles flights by booking two months ahead. Based on our research, that's the ideal time for landing a bargain.
The best month for landing cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Los Angeles is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Snapping up a cheap flight from Chicago to Los Angeles couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when there's a better deal.
Select your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chicago to Los Angeles flight results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
You can catch a direct flight from Chicago to Los Angeles jetting off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Start your trip at ORD and arrive at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Top airlines that offer direct Chicago to Los Angeles plane tickets departing from ORD include:
ORD is around 16 miles from central Chicago. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the center, it'll take 35 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 55 minutes.
Looking for a convenient hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Los Angeles, these stays will put you moments from your check-in counter:
74.85% of flights leaving from O'Hare International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Consider booking your direct flight from Chicago to Los Angeles departing Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Nonstop connections from MDW will take you to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
From MDW, you can book a direct Chicago to Los Angeles plane ticket with Southwest Airlines.
You can reach MDW from central Chicago in about 20 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The ride by public transport will take roughly 45 minutes to cover the 9 miles or so.
It's your vacation, so why not book an additional night away? Consider checking in to one of these accommodation options near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles:
Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 77.88%. This figure shows how often flights that depart from this airport land on schedule.
The street address for MDW is 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Los Angeles
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is approximately 12 miles from central Los Angeles. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
It usually takes 55 minutes to get there when traveling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles. Stay at one of these accommodation options near LAX instead:
Pick up a Los Angeles International Airport rental car and explore Los Angeles and beyond with your own set of wheels. Dollar, Thrifty and Hertz are popular outlets you can book with here.
Reserving your ride from Los Angeles International Airport about one week ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
The address for LAX is One World Way.
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Once your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles has hit the runway, you can make your way to the city center in about 35 minutes by car. Central Los Angeles is approximately 18 miles from Van Nuys Airport (VNY).
If you're traveling on public transport, it'll take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes.
There are some comfortable places ready to welcome you near VNY. Tuck yourself in after your Chicago to Los Angeles flight at any of these well-located options:
Budget, Dollar and Hertz make collecting a Van Nuys Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located around or in the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Typically, the sooner you book, the bigger the savings and variety of vehicles. Lock in your ride from VNY the moment you know your dates.
Best time to go to Los Angeles
July is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Los Angeles. To avoid the crowds, head to Los Angeles in May.
The warmest month in Los Angeles is August, with temperatures ranging between 61ºF and 90ºF. Book your Chicago to Los Angeles ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
If you'd rather travel in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Chicago to Los Angeles in February when temperatures average between 43ºF and 79ºF.
More about Los Angeles
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Los Angeles right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Chicago to Los Angeles:
All great journeys should include some sightseeing. Griffith Observatory, The Broad and La Brea Tar Pits & Museum are attractions you won't want to skip in Los Angeles.
Explore more of United States
You've visited Los Angeles, now it's time to discover other corners of United States. Travel about 110 miles south-east to San Diego to check off its popular sights. From San Diego Zoo to USS Midway Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
San Jose is another well-known destination in United States and is around 310 miles north-west of Los Angeles. No trip is complete without a visit to Winchester Mystery House, Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and San Jose Museum of Art.
