Of course, we can’t talk about Chicago without mentioning one of the city’s great loves - food! As the home of some of the tastiest pizza in the world, you will have the opportunity to delve into delectable delights, but don’t just limit yourself to Italian, let your tastebuds explore.

You’ll find no end to the entertainment in Chicago, with an exciting music scene and more sports teams than you could ever hope to keep up with. Try to catch a game or gig, or if you’re lucky, you may even be in town for one of the 200 festivals that call Chicago home every year.

5 Things You Need to Know About Chicago

Before you begin your journey to Chicago, equip yourself with a bit more knowledge about the city and what you can expect when you get there.

Time Difference: GMT -5 hours
Currency: US Dollar ($)
Native Language: English
Weather: Chicago has very distinct seasons with hot and humid summers and cold winters, sometimes seeing snow. The city may be known as the ‘Windy City’, and while it can experience some wind, particularly near Lake Michigan, it is by no means the windiest city in the US.
Sales Tax: 10.25%

Flying to Chicago from the UK

You don’t need to wonder about flying from Chicago to the UK as we’ve put together the most important information you need to know, including flight times, entry requirements, and airlines which serve the city.

Flight Times

You should be able to find a direct flight from London to Chicago which takes a little under nine hours. If you choose a flight from a different airport in the UK, this may involve a stop, so could take longer. Edinburgh, however, also offers direct flights to Chicago.

Entry Requirements

You will need to make sure that you have the authorisation to travel to Chicago before you begin your journey. As a British citizen, you will need to obtain the relevant visa as well as ensuring that your passport is valid for a minimum of six months from the start of your travels.

You can apply for the Visa Waiver Programme here, which you must complete at least 72 hours before you fly. This will allow for a visit of up to 90 days if you are a British citizen.

Airlines that Fly to Chicago

There are plenty of airlines which offer direct flights to Chicago, so you will have the choice of which one to pick. These include:

- American Airlines
- Austrian Airlines
- British Airways
- Finnair

The Airport

There are a few different airports in the city of Chicago. However, for international flights, it is most likely that you would land at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

This huge airport can handle more than 83 million passengers in a year and covers 7,627 acres of land. There is a direct rail service from the airport into the city which takes around 45 minutes and costs around $5.

Popular Routes

Direct flights are available from London and Edinburgh, so depending on where you are travelling from, you should be able to find a direct flight to Chicago with no problems.

10 Must-Do Things in Chicago

Chicago has so much to offer so you’ll have plenty to fill your trip with. Here are just a few of our favourite things to do in the city:

- Millennium Park
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Navy Pier
- Shedd Aquarium
- Skydeck Chicago
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- The Field Museum
- Adler Planetarium
- Buckingham Fountain
- Cloud Gate

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