Flying from Chicago to Rochester International Airport (RST): What you need to know
Get your trip planning underway by checking out the most convenient place to catch your flight from Chicago to Rochester International Airport (RST). Explore the options for leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), two of the city's main airports.
Book a direct Chicago to Rochester International Airport flight and you'll be travelling for an average of 1 hour 25 minutes.
Chicago and Rochester (where Rochester International Airport is located) share the UTC-5 timezone. That means you won't have to change your watch on arrival.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Rochester International Airport (RST) is the most popular route. There are 24 direct departures a week to choose from. If you have plans before you fly, hop on the last flight with American Airlines at 10:16pm. Go for the first ORD to RST departure operated by American Airlines at 8am if you want to get going earlier.
To ensure you catch your flight from Chicago to RST, leave plenty of time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule.
Longer lines at check-in and security are likely if you're heading away during high season, so allow a bit more breathing room. The recommendation for peak times? Get there up to four hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic departures.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) offers an easy route to your destination. Nonstop flights from Chicago to Rochester International Airport (RST) leave from this terminal.
American Airlines is a well-known carrier that operates direct flights from Chicago to Rochester International Airport leaving from ORD.
American Airlines ranks first in bookings for flights from ORD to RST.
American Airlines leads the way as the most punctual carrier on this route, with 82.87% of its services landing on schedule.
Travelling from central Chicago to ORD takes around 55 minutes on public transport. If you drive, ride-share or take a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic conditions.
Want an easy start to your break? Stay near O'Hare International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Chicago to Rochester International Airport or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are the answer:
74.85% of flights that leave from O'Hare International Airport arrive at their destination on time.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
MDW is around 19 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take you 20 minutes or so to get to the airport driving from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before boarding your Chicago to RST flight? Relax in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays have your key waiting:
Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time performance rate of 77.88%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights that leave from this airport arrive on time.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
RFD is around 137 kilometres from central Chicago. Driving from the city centre to the airport takes about 1 hour 25 minutes. If you're thinking about taking public transport, you can expect a journey of around 4 hours 15 minutes.
Relax in bed for a little longer and still make your Chicago to Rochester International Airport flight without having to rush. These accommodation options near Chicago Rockford International Airport make departure day effortless if you're jetting off early:
Flights that take off from RFD arrive at their destination as scheduled 76.19% of the time.
The address of Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
About Rochester International Airport (RST)
Arriving on a late flight from Chicago to Rochester International Airport or just want to get to the relaxing part? Booking a hotel near RST is the way to go. AmericInn by Wyndham Rochester and Americas Stay Inn Stewartville are two good options.
RST is located at 7600 Helgerson Drive Southwest.
Getting from Rochester International Airport (RST) to central Rochester
Rochester International Airport to central Rochester is around 11 kilometres. If you're renting a car or getting a cab, do some research to make your trip as smooth as possible. Journey times will vary based on traffic and the time of day.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey of roughly 1 hour.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Rochester International Airport (RST)
The cheapest price we've found for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Rochester International Airport is $350. For a return flight on this route, the best price is $352. Depending on the availability when you book, these fares may change.
To find cheap flights from Chicago to RST, book in advance. Airlines tend to offer their most competitively priced fares when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest Chicago to Rochester International Airport tickets throughout the month. It's an easy way to snap up a bargain if your plans aren't set in stone.
Snapping up a cheap flight ticket from Chicago to RST is a breeze with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch when prices go down.
Find a cheap flight from Chicago to Rochester International Airport by using the search filters. Select your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Rochester International Airport (RST)
It's time to figure out your travel dates for your flight from Chicago to Rochester International Airport (RST). July is the most popular month to visit Rochester. If you prefer a quieter vibe, think about going in February.
When booking your Chicago to RST flight ticket, consider the kind of weather forecast you're hoping for. July is the warmest month in Rochester, with temperatures ranging from 13ºC to 29ºC.
January sees temperatures of between -19ºC and -1ºC. Search for cheap tickets from Chicago to Rochester International Airport around that time if you'd rather travel in cooler conditions.
More about Rochester
When it comes to searching for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Rochester right here. Browse these hotels once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Rochester International Airport:
There are so many things to do and see in this city, it can be hard to know where to start. Reverend Dr Martin Luther King Jr Park, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park and Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist are top sights which should be on any good Rochester itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
Rochester is always a good idea, but there are so many other corners of the United States waiting to be explored. Around 137 kilometres north-west of Rochester, a trip to Minneapolis will keep your itinerary packed. Start with leading sights like Walker Art Centre, Minneapolis Institute of Arts and Minnehaha Regional Park.
Around 121 kilometres north of Rochester, Saint Paul is another favourite stop in the United States. Get a taste of what this destination has to offer at Cathedral of St. Paul, Como Park and Ordway Centre for the Performing Arts.