Flying from Chicago to Brussels: what you need to know
There are a couple of main airports to choose from in Chicago. Explore your options leaving from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) when searching for a flight from Chicago to Brussels.
Brussels Airport (BRU) and Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL) are Brussels's chief entry points.
The average duration of a direct Chicago to Brussels flight is 8 hours 5 minutes.
Brussels is six hours ahead of Chicago and observes the UTC+1 timezone.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Brussels Airport (BRU) is the most popular route between these two cities. There are seven departures a week to pick from. If you have things to do before heading off, the last flight from Chicago to Brussels is with United Airlines at 17:55. Choose the first ORD to BRU departure with United Airlines at 17:50 to make the most of your first day in Brussels.
To ensure you board your Chicago to Brussels flight, leave enough time to check in and drop off your luggage. Arriving two hours before international departures and one hour before domestic flights is the general travel rule.
During popular months such as August, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Plan to arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're traveling during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Brussels
To secure cheap Chicago to Brussels flights, book your trip three months before your departure date.
June is the best month for picking up an awesome deal on a plane ticket from Chicago to Brussels. If you're looking to travel during a different time of year, the 'Whole month' tool will show you the lowest prices for every month.
Locking in a cheap flight from Chicago to Brussels couldn't be easier with Price Alerts. Simply set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as a better deal is available.
Choose your ideal departure and arrival times, airlines and number of stops with the filters. Alternatively, sort your Chicago to Brussels flight results by 'Best,' 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest.'
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Take off from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on a nonstop flight from Chicago to Brussels. From ORD, you can fly directly to Brussels Airport (BRU).
Secure your Chicago to Brussels plane tickets with United Airlines. This airline is a popular choice for direct flights from ORD.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even explore another city. When searching for Chicago to Brussels flights leaving from O'Hare International Airport, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Here are some options to consider:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Adolfo Suarez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Located around 16 miles from the center of Chicago, ORD can be reached in about 35 minutes by car, depending on traffic. The journey by public transport takes roughly 55 minutes.
Searching for a handy hotel close to O'Hare International Airport? If you're catching an early flight from Chicago to Brussels, these stays will have you moments from your check-in counter:
Of all flights departing from O'Hare International Airport, 74.85% touch down on time at their destination.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
With public transport, you can travel from central Chicago to MDW in around 45 minutes. The terminal is roughly 9 miles away. Driving will take you about 20 minutes.
You're off on vacation, so why not spend an extra night away from home? Think about checking in to one of these accommodation options near Chicago Midway International Airport the day before your flight from Chicago to Brussels:
When it comes to keeping flights on track, Chicago Midway International Airport has an on-time arrival rate of 78%.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Brussels
Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport (BRU) to central Brussels takes about 20 minutes to reach by car. The center is roughly 7 miles away.
It typically takes 40 minutes to get there when traveling by public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're getting in late on a flight from Chicago to Brussels. Stay at one of these accommodation options near BRU instead:
Grab a Brussels Airport rental car and explore Brussels and beyond with your own set of wheels. Keddy By Europcar, Alamo and Europcar are top outlets to choose from here.
Booking your vehicle from Brussels Airport about three weeks in advance can help you secure the lowest rate.
Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL)
The center of Brussels is about 30 miles from Brussels S. Charleroi Airport (CRL). After your flight from Chicago to Brussels has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should be around 55 minutes.
If you're traveling on public transport, it'll take around 1 hour 35 minutes.
After your flight from Chicago to Brussels, tuck yourself in at a hotel near CRL. These are some great accommodation options that'll help you sink into relaxation mode:
Keddy By Europcar, Thrifty and Budget make collecting a Brussels S. Charleroi Airport rental car easy and quick. These companies are located in or around the terminal and will have you ready to go in a flash.
Snap up a deal by booking your ride from CRL two weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater range of vehicles.
Best time to go to Brussels
July is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Brussels. To skip the crowds, visit Brussels in January.
The warmest month in Brussels is August, with temperatures ranging between 54ºF and 81ºF. Lock in your Chicago to Brussels ticket then if this is the type of weather you enjoy.
Look for cheap flights from Chicago to Brussels in January if you'd rather travel during cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 28ºF and 46ºF on average.
More about Brussels
When it comes to looking for somewhere to lay your head, you'll find the best places to stay in Brussels right here. Browse these hotels as soon as you've booked your flight from Chicago to Brussels:
Grand Place and Atomium are just a couple of the top attractions to add to your Brussels travel itinerary. Continue your sightseeing adventures at Manneken Pis.
Explore more of Belgium
Charleroi is just one of the many places in Belgium waiting to be explored after you've experienced Brussels. Around 30 miles to the south, its top attractions include Parc Gobbe, Maison Dermine (art déco — 1921) and Parc Ligny.
Around 55 miles east of Brussels, Liege is another favorite stop in Belgium. Start your sightseeing at Gare de Liege-Guillemins, Curtius Museum and Montagne de Bueren.
