Flying from Chicago to Milan: what you need to know
Get your holiday planning started by considering where you'll catch your flight from Chicago to Milan. O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are the main airports in Chicago.
When jetting into Milan, step off the plane at Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY). Milano Linate Airport (LIN) is another gateway to this city.
The average length of a direct Chicago to Milan flight is 8 hours 40 minutes.
Milan's timezone is UTC+1, which makes Milan six hours ahead of Chicago.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are four weekly departures to pick from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Chicago to Milan is with United Airlines at 22:30. Opt for the first ORD to MXP departure operated by United Airlines at 21:30 to fit in more activities on your first day in Milan.
To ensure you catch your Chicago to Milan flight, allow plenty of time for things like baggage drop and finding your gate. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general rule to follow.
If you're flying during a peak month like August, get to the airport even earlier. It's wise to arrive up to four hours before international flights and two hours ahead of a domestic departure. Check-in and security lines are longer during holiday periods like Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Milan
Lock in cheap Chicago to Milan flights by booking six months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for finding a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Chicago to Milan is September. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then choose the dates offering the lowest fares.
Locking in a cheap flight from Chicago to Milan is easy with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as a better deal is available.
Select your preferred arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops by using the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chicago to Milan flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
If you're searching for a direct flight from Chicago to Milan, you can leave from O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Fly from ORD to Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) in one seamless journey.
United Airlines is a well-known carrier that offers direct Chicago to Milan plane tickets from ORD.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Chicago to Milan flight. Simply deselect 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from O'Hare International Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Located around 26 kilometres from the centre of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car (depending on traffic). The journey on public transport will take roughly 55 minutes.
Have an early flight from Chicago to Milan? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays near O'Hare International Airport:
Of all flights departing from O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% arrive on time at their destination.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Consider adding a stop at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). It's a popular stopover on a Chicago to Milan flight out of Chicago Midway International Airport. Use a long layover to explore nearby, or take advantage of a short break to freshen up at the airport.
With public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 45 minutes. The airport is roughly 14 kilometres away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to Milan? Relax in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your adventure officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time performance of 77.88%. This figure gives an insight into how often flights that depart from this airport arrive at their destination on time.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Milan
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) to central Milan takes around 45 minutes by car. The centre is roughly 40 kilometres away.
It usually takes 55 minutes to get there when travelling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Chicago to Milan. Stay at one of these accommodation options near MXP instead:
Travel at your own speed with a Milano Malpensa Airport rental car. Pick up your wheels from Surprice, RentSmart24 or Noleggiare and see more of Milan and beyond.
To secure the lowest price, reserve your vehicle from Milano Malpensa Airport around one week in advance of your Chicago to Milan flight.
Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY)
Central Milan is located around 48 kilometres from Orio al Serio International Airport (BGY). After your flight from Chicago to Milan has landed and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 1 hour.
Public transport will get you there in approximately 2 hours 20 minutes.
You'll find some comfortable places ready to welcome you near BGY. Tuck yourself in after your Chicago to Milan flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Surprice, RentSmart24 and Galdieri Rent make collecting an Orio al Serio International Airport rental car simple. These suppliers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Snap up a deal by securing your ride from BGY two weeks in advance. You'll also have access to a wider range of vehicles.
Milano Linate Airport (LIN)
Hop off your flight from Chicago to Milan and go directly to your hotel or start sightseeing right away. The centre of Milan is around 8 kilometres from Milano Linate Airport (LIN) and typically takes 30 minutes to drive there.
Public transport can get you there in around 45 minutes.
Check in to a hotel near LIN and go from landing to lounging in your room in a flash. Whether you're catching a late Chicago to Milan flight or just want to simplify your travel plans, these accommodation options are all about convenience:
Be in control of the next leg of your trip by picking up a Milano Linate Airport rental car. RentSmart24, Drivalia and Noleggiare make getting on the road effortless.
If you're searching for a vehicle with specific features, book your ride from LIN about four weeks ahead of your flight from Chicago to Milan. This improves your chances of getting the car you prefer, along with a better deal.
Best time to go to Milan
July is the busiest month for flights from Chicago to Milan. To escape the crowds, go to Milan in January.
When booking your Chicago to Milan tickets, think about the type of weather you enjoy. July is the warmest month in Milan, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 35ºC (95ºF).
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Milan in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -1ºC (30ºF) and 9ºC (48ºF) on average.
More about Milan
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Milan, find a hotel that offers the right mix of comfort and location. Make one of these options your base for exploring Milan:
There are so many things to explore in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Grande Museo del Duomo di Milano, Milan Cathedral and The Last Supper Museum are major attractions which should be on any good Milan itinerary.
Explore more of Italy
You've seen Milan, now it's time to discover other parts of Italy. Journey about 483 kilometres south-east to Rome to check off its leading sights. From Colosseum to Trevi Fountain and Roman Forum, you'll have a full itinerary ahead.
Turin is another must-experience destination in Italy and is around 129 kilometres west of Milan. No journey is complete without seeing Galleria Sabauda (Palazzo Reale), Egyptian Museum and Royal Palace of Turin.
