Travelling from Nairobi to Chicago: what you need to know
Start your holiday planning by considering the departure point for your flight from Nairobi to Chicago. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Wilson Airport (WIL) are the main airports in Nairobi.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are Chicago's primary gateways.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Chicago eight hours behind Nairobi.
Allow plenty of time to make your Nairobi to Chicago flight. A good rule of thumb is to arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You can expect longer queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for an international flight and two hours for domestic departures is a smart move.
How to find the cheapest flights from Nairobi to Chicago
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Nairobi to Chicago flights if you book in advance. Airlines often have some fantastic early bird discounts.
If you're flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price across the month when searching for your plane ticket from Nairobi to Chicago.
Save time searching for cheap flights from Nairobi to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. We'll send you an email or notification through the app when a new low fare is offered.
Tailor your flights using filters. Select your departure and arrival times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Nairobi to Chicago flights.
Flying from Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
We make it a breeze to book a Nairobi to Chicago flight with a stopover. To see the options leaving from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, uncheck 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Major stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
NBO is about 11 kilometres from central Nairobi. If you're ride-sharing, driving or catching a cab from the centre, it'll take you 20 minutes or so to get there, depending on traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 1 hour 10 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Nairobi to Chicago? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and sneak in some extra snooze time) by choosing one of these stays near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport:
Of the departures from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 67.1% arrive on time at their destination.
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 takes around 35 minutes.
It usually takes 55 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you're coming in on a late flight from Nairobi to Chicago, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your suitcases from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing not long after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Explore without limits with an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and venture far and wide through Chicago and beyond.
Lock in the best deal by booking your ride from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks before your travel date.
ORD is situated at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
The centre of Chicago is located around 14 kilometres from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). After your flight from Nairobi to Chicago has touched down and you've made your way out of the airport, the drive should take about 20 minutes.
If you travel by public transport, you'll get to the city centre in 45 minutes or so.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel close to MDW. Here are a few options where you can settle in after your flight from Nairobi to Chicago:
The fastest way to reach your destination is with a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and make a speedy getaway.
Avoid last-minute price surges. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW will help you save.
You'll find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Hop off your flight from Nairobi to Chicago and head directly to your hotel or jump right into sightseeing. The centre of Chicago is around 129 kilometres from Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) and usually takes 1 hour 25 minutes to reach by car.
If you go by public transport, the journey takes about 4 hours 15 minutes.
Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly compact for a solo getaway or a full-size SUV to fit a group of friends, you'll find the right Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car for your needs. Check out the range of wheels available here from companies such as Budget, Alamo and National.
Booking at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from Nairobi to Chicago is always a good idea. As well as better prices, you might find it easier to get the make and model you prefer at RFD.
Chicago Rockford International Airport can be found at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the most popular month for flights from Nairobi to Chicago. To avoid the crowds, visit Chicago in January.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 15ºC and 29ºC. Book your Nairobi to Chicago ticket then if you enjoy this type of weather.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, look for a cheap flight from Nairobi to Chicago in January when temperatures average between -12ºC and 3ºC.
More about Chicago
Once you've booked your flight from Nairobi to Chicago, decide where you'll be dropping your bags. Make one of these options your base for exploring Chicago:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to begin. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are highlights which should feature on any well-planned Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Chicago is easy to fall in love with, but there are so many other corners of United States waiting to be discovered. Around 451 kilometres south-east of Chicago, a visit to Columbus will keep you on the go. Check out popular attractions like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
If you're ready to explore another side of United States, consider Indianapolis, roughly 257 kilometres south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are key highlights.
