There's no nonstop flight, so every itinerary connects through a US West Coast gateway. United Airlines runs the most frequent connections via Los Angeles or San Francisco, while Qantas and Delta Air Lines both offer full-service options typically routed through Los Angeles.

How long is the flight from Melbourne to Chicago?

Routing through San Francisco or Los Angeles, the trip takes around 20 hours and 6 minutes gate to gate including the connection. A San Francisco routing is usually around an hour faster than going via Los Angeles.

How much do flights from Melbourne to Chicago cost?

Fares start from AU$1,088 and vary by connection city and season. Booking a few months ahead generally gives the best combination of a shorter layover and a good fare.

Do Australians need a visa for the United States?

Not a traditional visa for tourism of up to 90 days, but you do need an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before you fly, applied for online with a valid biometric passport. Apply at least a few days ahead of departure, and check the current fee and requirements on the official US government site since details can change.

Where is Chicago's airport located?

O'Hare International Airport (ORD) sits about 27 kilometres northwest of downtown Chicago. The CTA Blue Line train runs directly from the airport into the Loop in around 40 to 45 minutes for a flat fare, making it one of the easiest airport-to-downtown train trips in the US.

When is the best time to fly to Chicago?

Summer (June to August) is Chicago's most popular season thanks to its festivals and warm lakefront weather, which pushes fares higher. Winter (December to February) is famously cold but generally cheaper, while the shoulder months of April-May and September-October offer a solid balance of mild weather and better value.

What's the time difference between Melbourne and Chicago?

Melbourne is typically 15 to 17 hours ahead of Chicago, with the exact gap depending on whether Australia and the US are each observing daylight saving at the time. It's easiest to think of Chicago as roughly a day behind Melbourne.

What should I see in Chicago?

Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture and the Art Institute of Chicago are classic first stops, and a walk or boat tour along the Chicago Riverwalk shows off the city's architecture from a different angle. Deep-dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs are worth seeking out, and the city's blues and jazz clubs are a highlight after dark.

About Chicago

Chicago pairs big-city energy with a genuinely liveable pace: deep-dish pizza and Italian beef in one afternoon, a skyline walk along the Chicago Riverwalk, and blues clubs that run late into the night. Flying from Melbourne to Chicago is a proper long-haul trip, since there's no nonstop option, but the Midwest's biggest city is worth the transit time.

Here's what you need to know about flights from Melbourne to Chicago, including your airline options, entry requirements, and how Traveloka makes booking the whole trip easier.

Which airlines fly from Melbourne to Chicago?

There's no nonstop flight between Melbourne and Chicago, so every itinerary connects through a US West Coast gateway. Your main options are:

United Airlines: the biggest carrier on this route by frequency, connecting through Los Angeles or San Francisco with a well-connected onward network to O'Hare.
Qantas: full-service flying from Melbourne, typically connecting through Los Angeles with Qantas Frequent Flyer points on the whole itinerary.
Delta Air Lines: another full-service option, generally routing through Los Angeles with its own SkyMiles rewards.

Compare all three on Traveloka to weigh up layover length and total travel time before booking.

Flight time from Melbourne to Chicago

Routing through San Francisco or Los Angeles, the Melbourne to Chicago trip takes around 20 hours and 6 minutes gate to gate, including the connection. A San Francisco routing is typically the faster of the two by around an hour.

Average price of flights between Melbourne and Chicago

Fares between Melbourne and Chicago vary by connection city and season, with the lowest fares starting from AU$1,088. Booking a few months out generally gives the best shot at a shorter connection alongside a good fare.

Cheapest time to fly to Chicago

Chicago's summer (June to August) is the most popular time to visit thanks to its festival calendar and warm lakefront weather, which pushes fares up. Winter (December to February) brings famously cold, windy conditions and fewer tourists, generally meaning lower fares if you don't mind rugging up. The shoulder seasons of April-May and September-October tend to offer a good mix of mild weather and better value.

Where is the airport in Chicago?

O'Hare International Airport (ORD) sits around 27 kilometres northwest of downtown Chicago. The CTA Blue Line train runs directly from the airport to the Loop in about 40 to 45 minutes for a low flat fare, making it one of the easiest big-city airport-to-downtown train trips in the US. Taxis and rideshares are also available and take a similar amount of time outside peak traffic, at a noticeably higher cost than the train.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians flying to Chicago

Australians travelling to the US for tourism don't need a traditional visa for stays of up to 90 days, but you do need to apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before you fly. Approval is usually quick, but it's best to apply at least a few days ahead. You'll need a valid biometric passport, and it's worth checking the current ESTA fee and requirements on the official US government site before you travel, since details can change.

Time difference between Melbourne and Chicago

Melbourne is typically 15 to 17 hours ahead of Chicago, with the exact gap shifting depending on whether Australia and the US are each observing daylight saving at the time you fly. It's usually easier to think of Chicago as being roughly a day behind Melbourne.

Our tips for getting the best price on flights

Set a Price Alert on Traveloka so you know as soon as fares drop.
Book a few months ahead, especially for travel around Chicago's summer festival season.
Stay flexible with your travel dates. Shifting by even a few days can make a real difference to the fare.
Check Traveloka's promotions page for the latest deals and discount codes.
Compare Los Angeles and San Francisco routings, since layover length and fare can differ noticeably between the two.

Why trust Traveloka with your flight booking?

Transparent pricing: no hidden fees, so you see the final price upfront.
All-in-one platform: book your flights, hotels, airport transfers and activities in one place.
Flexible travel plans: take advantage of Traveloka's refund and reschedule features for extra peace of mind.
24/7 customer support: our team is on hand around the clock if you need a hand.

Ready to plan the rest of your trip? Traveloka also has you covered for Chicago accommodation and things to do once you land.