Cheap Flights from Orlando Sanford (SFB) to Chicago (CHI)

If you're flying out of Orlando's Sanford International Airport to Chicago, you'll most likely be taking Allegiant Air. If you're looking for a wider range of carriers (or direct service into Chicago), you'll want to look at Orlando International Airport, which is about a half-hour drive to the south. If you're flying into or staying near Orlando Sanford, there are a wide variety of shuttle services that make regular runs between the two airports. Allegiant's non-stop service from Sanford International actually goes to Gary, Indiana, which is 30 miles from downtown Chicago. This route often offers a better price than the flights out of Orlando International, but the cost of transport into Chicago from Gary should be considered.

Facilities at Chicago's Airports

If you're flying into Gary / Chicago International Airport with Allegiant, you'll find a good range of transportation options waiting for you. There are a number of taxi, shuttle and limousine service that will pick you up directly from the airport. Enterprise and Hertz also have car rental locations on site. Taking the train into Chicago is also an option. The South Shore Line stops at the Gary / Chicago Airport and makes stops from the 63rd Street Station to Millenium Station.

If you are flying into Gary / Chicago, be aware that it is a smaller airport and does not have much in the way of amenities. Available food is limited to a small concession area. You'll find a few restaurants outside the airport that are a short distance from the rail stop, the majority of these located on W. Fifth Avenue. The other two airports in the area, O'Hare and Midway, are much bigger and have a much wider array of amenities and dining options.

Things to Do in Chicago

Chicago is a world-class city and has a wealth of things to do. Whether you're interested in food, music, sightseeing, the arts, shopping, or a little of everything, you're in one of the best cities in the United States for it. Chicago's primary destination for visitors is the Loop District, which is located downtown. This is where many of the famous attractions are as well as being the center of business for the region. The district is named for the presence of cable cars, which are a great way to get a quick view of the city. You'll also find the extremely tall Willis Tower, the Chicago Cultural Center and most of the city's fine arts performance groups here.

If you're interested in sports in the city, there are a lot of options for catching a game. If you're interested in baseball, the Cubs play at Wrigley Field in the North Side and the White Sox play at Guaranteed Rate Field in the South Side neighborhood. The Blackhawks and Bulls both play at United Center in the West Side. And the Chicago Bears' Soldier Field can be found in the Near South Side neighborhood.

Hints and Tips for Arriving in Chicago

Chicago is synonymous with wind and cold during the chillier half of the year. It's a stark difference from what you'll experience in Orlando, where it's probably not even necessary to own really heavy winter clothes. So definitely remember to pack appropriate clothing during the colder months of the year.

Chicago has a great rail system that makes getting around fairly easy. The "L" train system is the second busiest in the country behind New York City's subway system. You can get to all of the airports by train, and it will take you out as far as the remote suburbs as well as to the Midway and O'Hare airports.