Travelling from Columbia Regional Airport (COU) to Chicago: what you need to know
The average time for a direct flight from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago is 1 hour 30 minutes.
Columbia (the location of Columbia Regional Airport) and Chicago follow the same timezone — UTC-6.
The most popular flight route is from Columbia Regional Airport (COU) to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). You can pick from 39 services between these airports each week.
To avoid missing your COU to Chicago 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 travel rule.
You can expect longer queues during popular months like December. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for a domestic departure is a smart move.
Direct Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago tickets are available for booking. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) will be your arrival point.
Be on the lookout for promotions from American Airlines. This airline has direct flights from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago.
COU is around 18 kilometres from central Columbia. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a taxi from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 40 minutes.
When it comes to the on-time performance of Columbia Regional Airport, 69% of flights arrive within the scheduled time frame.
COU's address is Route 1.
How to find the cheapest flights from Columbia Regional Airport (COU) to Chicago
The lowest price we've found for a one-way Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago flight is $410. The cheapest price for a return flight is $410. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Don't leave things to the last minute. You're more likely to pick up cheap flights from COU to Chicago if you book early. Airlines often have some excellent early bird discounts.
Scoring cheap tickets from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago is more likely if you can be flexible with your travel dates. Use the 'Whole month' search tool to get the best prices throughout the month and bag a fantastic deal.
There's no need to check every day to find out if fares have dropped when you create a Price Alert. We'll update you the moment there's an even better deal on cheap flights from COU to Chicago.
Tailor your trip with filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' flights from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago.
Airports in Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is roughly 27 kilometres. It'll take you around 30 minutes to reach the centre driving.
Travelling by public transport takes around 45 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel near ORD if you're coming in on a late flight from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago. Check in to one of these accommodation options and make your first night all about rest:
For the lowest price, reserve your ride from Chicago O'Hare International Airport about four weeks in advance of your flight from COU to Chicago.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Once your flight from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago has hit the tarmac, you can reach the city centre in about 25 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 16 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Public transport will get you there in around 30 minutes.
You'll find some great places to drop your things at near MDW. Tuck yourself in and get cosy after your COU to Chicago flight at any of these perfectly located options:
Lock in the best price by reserving your ride from MDW four weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is about 145 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 40 minutes to reach the city centre by ride-share or taxi once you've stepped off your flight from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago.
Public transport can take you there in around 2 hours.
If you don't want to make the journey to the centre, head for a hotel close to RFD. Check in to one of these stays after your COU to Chicago flight:
Rental agencies sometimes offer deals for early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from RFD ahead of your flight from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago. A bit of planning goes a long way for your wallet.
The street address for Chicago Rockford International Airport is 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
January is the quietest month for flights from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago, while July is the busiest. Figure out the ideal time to visit Chicago based on whether you want a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 16ºC and 28ºC. Book your Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago plane ticket then if that's the weather you find most pleasant.
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC and 3ºC. Search for a cheap ticket from COU to Chicago around that time if you want to travel in cooler conditions.
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the top stays in Chicago right here. Explore these hotels as soon as you've locked in your flight from Columbia Regional Airport to Chicago:
Every great adventure has to include some sightseeing. Art Institute of Chicago, Millennium Park and Willis Tower are essential stops on your Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of the United States
You've visited Chicago, now it's time to discover other parts of the United States. Journey about 451 kilometres southeast to Columbus to check off its top sights. From Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens to Whetstone Park / Park of Roses and Ohio Theatre, you'll have a packed itinerary ahead.
Around 257 kilometres southeast of Chicago, Indianapolis is another favourite stop in the United States. Experience this destination's highlights firsthand at Lucas Oil Stadium, Eiteljorg Museum and The Children's Museum of Indianapolis.