Travelling from Tampa to Chicago: what you need to know
Start planning your holiday by checking out the most convenient departure point for your flight from Tampa to Chicago. Explore your options for setting off from Tampa International Airport (TPA) or St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE), two of the city's main airports.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the major entry points to Chicago.
The average duration of a direct Tampa to Chicago flight is 2 hours 50 minutes.
The timezone in Chicago is UTC-5, which is one hour behind Tampa.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most traveled route between these two cities. There are 54 weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Tampa to Chicago is with Frontier Airlines at 22:34. Choose the first TPA to ORD departure with Spirit Airlines at 05:00 to fit in more activities on your first day in Chicago.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. This leaves you with plenty of time to catch your Tampa to Chicago flight.
You'll likely experience longer lines in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Tampa to Chicago
$39 is the lowest price for a one-way ticket from Tampa to Chicago. A return flight starts at $141. These prices may change depending on availability and demand.
Get cheap Tampa to Chicago flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for bagging a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Tampa to Chicago is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare flight prices, then choose the dates that offer the biggest savings.
Getting a cheap flight from Tampa to Chicago is a breeze with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll notify you as soon as a better deal is available.
Tailor your flights using filters. Choose your arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Fastest,' 'Cheapest' or 'Best' Tampa to Chicago flights.
Flying from Tampa
Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Set out from Tampa International Airport (TPA) and fly right through to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). If you're searching for a direct flight from Tampa to Chicago out of TPA, those are your arrival options.
These are some of the leading airlines offering direct Tampa to Chicago plane tickets from TPA:
TPA is around 8 kilometres from central Tampa. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take 15 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're using public transport, expect the trip time to be around 55 minutes.
After a stress-free start to your travels? Stay near Tampa International Airport. Whether you're taking an early flight from Tampa to Chicago or just don't like being rushed, these hotels have you covered:
When it comes to Tampa International Airport's on-time performance, 78.59% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
The address for TPA is 5507 West Spruce Street.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 26 kilometres from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 35 minutes.
If you're travelling on public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
If you're arriving on a late flight from Tampa to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and explore beyond Chicago's main sights.
Booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead gives you the best shot at securing a great deal.
ORD is situated at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is around 14 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. Once you've disembarked your flight from Tampa to Chicago, it takes approximately 20 minutes to get to the heart of the city in a cab or ride-share.
You can expect the journey to take approximately 45 minutes on public transport.
After your flight from Tampa to Chicago, kick back at a hotel close to MDW. These are some comfortable accommodation options that'll help you get into relaxation mode:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located around or in the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Avoid paying extra. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW will help you stay within budget.
Chicago Midway International Airport can be found at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is around 129 kilometres from the centre of Chicago. It'll take you about 1 hour 25 minutes to reach the city centre by cab or ride-share once you've stepped off your flight from Tampa to Chicago.
The journey takes about 4 hours 15 minutes if you use public transport.
Whether you're looking for a mini for a solo getaway or an SUV to fit everyone and their gear, you'll find the perfect Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for you. Check out the types of wheels available from companies such as Budget, Alamo and National.
If you prefer a particular make or model, booking early increases your chances of snagging what you want. Reserve your ride from RFD a couple of weeks ahead of your flight from Tampa to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport can be found at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
It's time to work out your travel dates for your flight from Tampa to Chicago. August is the busiest month for a trip to Chicago. If you want a more peaceful vibe, go in January.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Lock in your Tampa to Chicago ticket then if that's your idea of comfortable weather.
Look for cheap flights from Tampa to Chicago in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -12ºC and 3ºC on average.
More about Chicago
Start your Chicago trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Tampa to Chicago, browse our selection of hotels including:
All great adventures should include a little sightseeing. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are must-visits when exploring Chicago.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many places in United States waiting to be explored once you've taken in the sights of Chicago. Around 451 kilometres to the south-east, check out popular attractions including 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 visiting The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.