Travelling from Chicago to Velana International Airport (MLE): What you need to know
There are a couple of airports you can start your journey from in Chicago. Explore your options departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when planning your flight from Chicago to Velana International Airport (MLE).
Velana International Airport is located in Malé. The city operates on the UTC+5 timezone and is ten hours ahead of Chicago.
Arriving two hours before an international flight and one hour ahead of a domestic departure are golden rules for hassle-free flying. Show up at the airport on time to catch your flight from Chicago to MLE.
High season means busier airports, so be there even earlier. Give yourself at least two hours before a domestic flight and four hours for international journeys to stay on schedule.
Airports in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip and possibly even explore a different city. When browsing cheap flights from Chicago to MLE departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD), uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to discover where you can stop along the way. Popular options include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Dubai Airport (DXB)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
The journey from central Chicago to ORD takes about 55 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 40 kilometres in 35 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Looking for a convenient hotel near O'Hare International Airport? If you've booked an early flight from Chicago to Velana International Airport, these accommodation options will have you sleeping conveniently close to check-in:
74.85% of flights that take off from O'Hare International Airport make it to their destination on time.
You'll find ORD at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
MDW is around 19 kilometres from central Chicago. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city centre. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your Chicago to MLE flight? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your adventure officially starts. These stays have your key waiting:
When it comes to flight punctuality, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 77.88%.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
From central Chicago, RFD is around 137 kilometres away. It takes roughly 1 hour 25 minutes to arrive by car and 4 hours 15 minutes or so if you take public transport.
Stay in bed a little longer and still make your Chicago to Velana International Airport flight with plenty of time to spare. These accommodation options near Chicago Rockford International Airport make departure day a breeze if you're jetting off early:
The on-time performance rating of RFD is 76.19%. To put it simply, that's how frequently flights that depart this airport reach their final stop as planned.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
About Velana International Airport (MLE)
If you're coming in on a late flight from Chicago to Velana International Airport, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and sleeping soon after at one of these hotels near MLE:
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Velana International Airport (MLE)
₹ 46,569 is currently the best price for a one-way ticket from Chicago to Velana International Airport. A return flight starts at ₹ 89,805. These prices can change depending on availability.
Booking ahead of time is often the key to finding a cheap flight from Chicago to MLE. Flight prices rise as demand increases, so the closer you get to departure, the more you'll likely spend.
The 'Whole month' search tool shows you the cheapest Chicago to Velana International Airport tickets throughout the month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your travel dates aren't set in stone.
Never miss a deal on flight tickets from Chicago to MLE by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or push notification on the app when fares go down.
Lock in a cheap flight from Chicago to Velana International Airport by using filters. Select your ideal duration, departure time and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Velana International Airport (MLE)
April is the quietest month for flights from Chicago to Velana International Airport (MLE), while August is the busiest. Figure out the ideal time to go to Malé based on whether you prefer a laid-back vibe or a more bustling atmosphere.
When booking your Chicago to MLE flight ticket, consider the type of weather you enjoy. May is the warmest month in Malé, with temperatures ranging from 26ºC to 29ºC.
Look for cheap tickets from Chicago to Velana International Airport in January if you'd rather travel when it's cooler. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 25ºC and 28ºC.
More about Malé
Start your Malé trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. After booking your flight from Chicago to Velana International Airport, browse our range of accommodation options including:
Your Malé visit isn't complete without checking out the sights. Major attractions that should be on your list include Diving, Malé Beach and Dive The World Maldives.
Explore more of the Maldives
You've visited Malé, now it's time to discover more of the Maldives. Journey about 225 kilometres north to Funadhoo to tick off its must-visit sights. From Butterfly park to Children's Park and Hathareskan Vaa, you've got a jam-packed schedule ahead.
If you're looking to explore another major stop in the Maldives, head for Kudahuvadhoo, roughly 177 kilometres south of Malé. Kudahuvadhoo, Masjid Al-Siddiq and Baahukuru Miskiyy are highlights.