Chicago (ORD) to London (LHR) is about 3,940 miles and typically takes 8 h 15 min by air. It is an international route, so check passport and entry rules. Airlines with hubs at both ends are the likeliest to offer nonstops; otherwise expect a connection. Call (800) 490-3234 for live fares.
ORD to LHR at a glance
| Route | Chicago (ORD) to London (LHR) |
|---|---|
| Distance | about 3,940 miles / 6,340 km |
| Typical flight time | 8 h 15 min (estimate) |
| Time difference | 6 hours ahead |
| Route type | International |
| Airlines with hubs here | American Airlines, United Airlines, and British Airways |
About the Chicago to London route
Flying from Chicago to London is a long-haul journey that most travelers do in a single overnight or daytime push. Because it is international, check travel documents first, then compare itineraries.
Flight time and distance
A typical flight takes about 8 h 15 min gate to gate, with a realistic range of 7 h 55 min to 8 h 40 min depending on wind, routing and aircraft. That is an estimate based on the distance of roughly 3,940 miles (6,340 km), not a published schedule.
London is 6 hours ahead of Chicago on standard time, so the arrival time on your ticket will look different from the flight duration.
Among the 200 routes in our guides, ORD to LHR is longer than about 86% of them.
For comparison, Chicago to Honolulu (ORD to HNL) is about 4,240 miles, so London is a bit closer away from ORD.
The airports
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare is a dual hub for United and American and one of the busiest airports in the world by flight volume, with nonstops to most major U.S. cities and a long list of international destinations. Full ORD guide.
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Heathrow is Europe's busiest airport and the home hub of British Airways, with an enormous network of transatlantic flights. Full LHR guide.
Do not stop at ORD and LHR. Also compare around Chicago, Midway (MDW), because a different airport can change both the fare and your ground travel.
Airlines on this route
No single carrier we cover has hubs at both ORD and LHR. American Airlines (at ORD), United Airlines (at ORD), and British Airways (at LHR) each operate a large network at one end, so many itineraries on this route connect rather than fly nonstop.
Airlines add and drop frequencies throughout the year. Our agents can check what is actually scheduled on your dates.
Common connection points
If you choose a one-stop itinerary, likely routings include United Airlines via Newark (EWR), which adds about 230 miles (6% beyond the direct distance) or American Airlines via New York (JFK), which adds about 240 miles (6% beyond the direct distance). Choose the connection with the best weather odds for your travel month and leave a comfortable layover; our layover guide explains how much time is realistic.
Best time to fly
Seasonal factors to weigh: at LHR, summer and the Christmas holiday are expensive; late autumn and early spring are often cheaper. At ORD, winter storms and summer thunderstorms are the main triggers for delays; connecting through O'Hare in January deserves extra buffer.
Ground transport
Getting to and from ORD
The CTA Blue Line runs 24 hours into downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes.
Getting to and from LHR
The Elizabeth line, Heathrow Express and Underground all reach central London in 15 to 50 minutes.
Booking tips
Check passport validity and entry rules for the United Kingdom before you book, and make sure the name on your ticket matches your passport exactly. Our international checklist lists what to confirm.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Chicago to London?
A typical ORD to LHR flight takes about 8 h 15 min, with a likely range of 7 h 55 min to 8 h 40 min. Actual time depends on wind, routing, aircraft and whether you connect.
How far is London from Chicago by air?
The great-circle distance between ORD and LHR is about 3,940 miles (6,340 km).
Which airlines fly from Chicago to London?
American Airlines, United Airlines, and British Airways have a major presence at ORD or LHR, and service varies by season. Ask us to check current nonstop and connecting options.
What is the time difference between Chicago and London?
London is 6 hours ahead of Chicago on standard time. Daylight saving time can change the gap for part of the year.
Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to London?
Yes, international flights require a valid passport, and the United Kingdom may have additional entry or visa rules. Check the official government site before booking.
When is the best time to book ORD to LHR?
Domestic fares are often competitive one to three months ahead, while international trips benefit from more lead time. Compare several dates, since fares are priced flight by flight.
Explore related routes
More flights involving Chicago (ORD)
- Anchorage to ChicagoANC to ORD
- Austin to ChicagoAUS to ORD
- Chicago to AtlantaORD to ATL
- Chicago to BostonORD to BOS
- Chicago to ClevelandORD to CLE
- Chicago to DallasORD to DFW
More flights involving London (LHR)
- Atlanta to LondonATL to LHR
- Boston to LondonBOS to LHR
- London to SeattleLHR to SEA
- Los Angeles to LondonLAX to LHR
- New York to LondonJFK to LHR
- Newark to LondonEWR to LHR
Last reviewed October 22, 2026. FlighTicketHub provides general information; confirm details with the airline before you travel.