Traveling from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports you can take off from in Kuala Lumpur. Check out your options departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) or Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) when searching for a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago.
Hop off your plane in Chicago at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Chicago 13 hours behind Kuala Lumpur.
For hassle-free travel, turn up at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you won't have to rush to catch your Kuala Lumpur to Chicago flight.
Traveling during a peak time like August? School holidays and other high seasons can lead to longer queues at check-in and security. Play things extra safe and get there up to four hours before international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago
To pick up cheap Kuala Lumpur to Chicago flights, book ahead. Airlines typically offer lower prices when flights first go on sale.
The 'Whole month' search tool will show you the cheapest plane tickets from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago throughout the month. It's an easy way to find a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
Spend less time searching for cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or push notification on the app when a special offer becomes available.
Save money on your Kuala Lumpur to Chicago flight with the help of our filters. Choose your preferred times, airlines and number of stops, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Flying from Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)
We make it easy to find a Kuala Lumpur to Chicago flight with a stopover. To see your options leaving from Kuala Lumpur International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Next, pick a flight with a stop long enough to explore your chosen city. Some popular stopovers include:
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
Located around 48 kilometers from the center of Kuala Lumpur, KUL can be reached in about 1 hour 5 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport is roughly 1 hour.
Catching an early flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago? Avoid rushing to the airport (and sneak in some extra precious sleep) by choosing one of these stays near Kuala Lumpur International Airport:
58.65% of flights that take off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport arrive at their destination on schedule.
Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)
With public transport, you can travel from central Kuala Lumpur to SZB in around 1 hour 30 minutes. The terminal is roughly 16 kilometers away. Driving will take you about 25 minutes.
Get a head start on your vacation with an additional night away from home. Before catching your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago, take it easy in one of these hotels near Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport:
When it comes to keeping flights punctual, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 67.97%.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago takes around 35 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 26 kilometers away.
It typically takes 55 minutes to get there on public transport.
If you have a late flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Collect your bags from the carousel and then be showered and resting not long after at one of these hotels near ORD:
Grab an O'Hare International Airport rental car and discover Chicago and beyond with your own wheels. Routes Car Rentals, Dollar and Budget are leading providers to choose from here.
Booking your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport about four weeks ahead can help you get the lowest rate.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
After your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago has hit the tarmac, you can get to the city center in around 20 minutes by car. Central Chicago is roughly 14 kilometers from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Traveling by public transport will take around 45 minutes.
There are some comfortable places to call home for the night near MDW. Tuck yourself in after your Kuala Lumpur to Chicago flight at one of these perfectly located options:
Dollar, Hertz and Budget make collecting a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car easy and quick. These providers are located in or around the terminal and will have you on your way in a heartbeat.
Avoid paying more than you need to. Reserving your ride four weeks before your arrival at MDW will help you stay within budget.
You can find Chicago Midway International Airport at 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is roughly 129 kilometers from the center of Chicago. It takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to get to the city center in a ride-share or cab after your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago.
The journey will take around 4 hours 15 minutes when traveling on public transport.
Take the guesswork out of the next chapter of your journey by picking up a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. Budget, Alamo and National are some companies you can book with.
If you're hoping for a certain kind of vehicle, booking early gives you a better shot at finding what you want. Book your ride from RFD at least a few weeks ahead of your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago.
Chicago Rockford International Airport is located at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
January is the quietest month for flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago, while August is the busiest. Work out the ideal time to visit Chicago based on whether you prefer a bustling atmosphere or a more laid-back vibe.
Lock in a Kuala Lumpur to Chicago ticket departing in July if you want to explore the city during its warmest month. You can expect temperatures in Chicago to range from 15ºC (59ºF) to 29ºC (84ºF).
January sees average temperatures of between -12ºC (10ºF) and 3ºC (37ºF). Search for cheap flights from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Chicago
After booking your flight from Kuala Lumpur to Chicago, choose a hotel that puts you where you want to be. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Chicago:
Millennium Park and Art Institute of Chicago are just two of the major attractions to put on your Chicago must-do list. Keep the sightseeing going at LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier.
Explore more of United States
Columbus is just one of the many cities in United States waiting to be discovered once you've seen the sights of Chicago. Around 451 kilometers to the south-east, its top attractions include Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
Around 257 kilometers south-east of Chicago, Indianapolis is another essential stop in United States. No visit is complete without checking out The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo.