Flying from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to Chicago: what you need to know
Take a direct flight from Bradley International Airport to Chicago and you'll be travelling for an average of 2 hours 15 minutes.
Chicago is one hour behind Hartford, where Bradley International Airport is located. Chicago observes the UTC-5 timezone.
The busiest route is from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD). You can select from 44 services every week between these two airports. If you want to head off as soon as possible, the earliest flight from BDL to ORD is the 05:45 American Airlines service. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the final departure is at 19:15 with American Airlines.
For a stress-free journey, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and an hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to board your BDL to Chicago flight.
Longer lines at security and check-in are more likely if you're flying during high season, so give yourself even more breathing space. A good rule for peak periods? Get there up to four hours early for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Direct Bradley International Airport to Chicago tickets are available for booking. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is where you'll step off the plane.
You'll have your choice of carriers that operate direct flights from Bradley International Airport to Chicago. Book your journey with one of these:
BDL is about 19 kilometres from central Hartford. If you're catching a cab, driving or ride-sharing from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the travel time to be around 30 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Bradley International Airport to Chicago? Avoid the stress of rushing to the terminal (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays close to BDL:
Bradley International Airport has a strong on-time record, so you're unlikely to face delays. Departures from BDL arrive at their destination as scheduled 80.22% of the time.
You'll find BDL at Schoephoester Road.
How to find the cheapest flights from Bradley International Airport (BDL) to Chicago
$132 is the lowest price we've found for a one-way Bradley International Airport to Chicago flight. A return flight ticket right now is $265. Depending on when you book and the availability, these fares could change.
To pick up cheap flights from BDL to Chicago, reserve your trip two months before your planned departure.
June is the best month for scoring a fantastic deal on Bradley International Airport to Chicago tickets. If you'd like to travel at a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will give you the lowest prices across every month.
Snapping up a cheap flight from BDL to Chicago is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply create one of these automatic notifications and we'll let you know when a cheaper option becomes available.
Tailor your trip with filters. Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest' flights from Bradley International Airport to Chicago.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is roughly 40 kilometres. It'll take you around 35 minutes to reach the centre driving.
It takes around 55 minutes if you're travelling on public transport.
Consider booking a hotel near ORD if you're coming in on a late flight from Bradley International Airport to Chicago. Pick one of these accommodation options and make your arrival easier:
Get on the fast track to adventure by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget to explore Chicago and beyond.
Secure the lowest price by booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from BDL to Chicago.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 19 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. Following your flight from Bradley International Airport to Chicago, it'll take you around 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
If you travel by public transport, the journey will take you 45 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can put your feet up after your BDL to Chicago flight:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make picking up a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car quick and easy. These trusted companies are located in or around the terminal and will get you on your way in no time.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You can also expect to have a wider selection of vehicles.
Chicago Midway International Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is about 137 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 25 minutes to reach the city centre in a cab or ride-share once you've hopped off your flight from Bradley International Airport to Chicago.
The journey takes around 4 hours 15 minutes by public transport.
Enjoy a quiet, low-key start to your trip by choosing a hotel near RFD after your BDL to Chicago flight. Rest up after a long day of travel or simply give yourself time to settle into a new destination at:
Whether you're after a mini for a solo trip or a full-size SUV to fit the family, you'll find the ideal Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for your needs. Check out the range of wheels available here from suppliers such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Bradley International Airport to Chicago is a smart move. Along with better prices, you might find it easier to get the make and model you prefer at RFD.
Chicago Rockford International Airport can be found at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
Carefully consider your dates before locking in your flight from Bradley International Airport to Chicago. The city comes alive during high season, but hotel prices are typically higher and attractions can get crowded. Visit Chicago in low season if you prefer a more relaxed vibe.
Lock in a Bradley International Airport to Chicago flight ticket with a departure in July if you want to visit the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures to range from 15ºC to 29ºC.
January has average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Search for a cheap ticket from BDL to Chicago around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Chicago
After booking your flight from Bradley International Airport to Chicago, choose a hotel that puts you right where the action is. Make one of these options your base for exploring Chicago:
Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park are just the start of the top-rated attractions to put on your Chicago must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Chicago is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of United States you should also see. About 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a visit to Columbus will keep you busy. Check out popular attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Indianapolis is another must-experience destination in United States and is around 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. No trip is complete without dropping by The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.