Traveling from Chicago to Bucharest: what you need to know
Chicago has two main airports where you can set off on your adventure. Explore your options for reserving a flight from Chicago to Bucharest departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Touch down at Bucharest's chief entry point, Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP).
Bucharest's timezone is UTC+2, making Bucharest seven hours ahead of Chicago.
Give yourself enough time to get on your Chicago to Bucharest flight. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak time like August? Public holidays and other popular seasons can lead to longer lines and delays at security. Play things extra safe and arrive up to four hours ahead of an international flight and two hours before a domestic departure.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Bucharest
Don't leave everything to the last minute. You're more likely to get cheap Chicago to Bucharest flights if you book ahead. Airlines often have some great early bird discounts.
The 'Whole month' tool shows you the cheapest plane tickets from Chicago to Bucharest throughout the entire month. It's a great way to find a bargain if your trip dates are flexible.
Getting a cheap flight from Chicago to Bucharest is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is set up one of these automatic alerts and we'll get in touch as soon as a better deal is available.
Lock in a cheap Chicago to Bucharest flight with the help of our filters. Choose your ideal times, number of stops and airlines, then sort the results by 'Cheapest' for the best deals.
Flying from Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Stopovers are the ideal opportunity to take a travel break — and perhaps even tour another city. When searching for Chicago to Bucharest flights departing from O'Hare International Airport, uncheck the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can visit along the way. Top options include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt Airport (FRA)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
ORD is about 16 miles from central Chicago. If you're catching a cab, ride-sharing or driving from the center, it'll take you 35 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the travel time to be around 55 minutes.
Booked an early flight from Chicago to Bucharest? Avoid the stress of rushing to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these hotels near O'Hare International Airport:
74.85% of flights departing from O'Hare International Airport make it to their destination on schedule.
ORD's address is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
MDW is around 9 miles from central Chicago. It'll take 20 minutes or so to get to the airport if you're driving from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 45 minutes.
Want to enjoy an extra night away before your flight from Chicago to Bucharest? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway International Airport before your trip officially begins. Stay at one of these accommodation options:
78% of flights departing Chicago Midway International Airport make it to their destination as expected.
You'll find MDW at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Bucharest
Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)
The distance from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) to central Bucharest is approximately 9 miles. It takes around 35 minutes to get to the center driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of around 1 hour 35 minutes.
Consider staying in a hotel close to OTP if you have a late flight from Chicago to Bucharest. Check in to one of these options and avoid the hassle of a long transfer:
Hit the road running by picking up a Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport rental car. Grab a set of wheels from Klass Wagen, Pricecarz or Surprice to explore Bucharest and beyond.
To lock in the lowest price, reserve your ride from Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport about one week in advance of your Chicago to Bucharest flight.
Best time to go to Bucharest
It's time to pick your trip dates for your flight from Chicago to Bucharest. July is the most popular month to visit Bucharest. If you like a more relaxed vibe, go in April.
The warmest month in Bucharest is August, with temperatures ranging between 63ºF and 91ºF. Book your Chicago to Bucharest ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Bucharest in January if you want to travel in cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between 16ºF and 46ºF on average.
More about Bucharest
After booking your flight from Chicago to Bucharest, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these options your base for exploring Bucharest:
There are so many things to discover in this city it can be hard to figure out where to begin. Museum of the Palace of the Parliament, Old Town and The Revolution Square Fountain are popular attractions which should feature on any good Bucharest itinerary.
Explore more of Romania
You've seen Bucharest, now it's time to discover more of Romania. Journey around 200 miles north to Iasi to check off its top attractions. From Palace of Culture to Saint Nicholas Church and Golia Monastery, there's plenty to keep you on the go.
Around 200 miles north-west of Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca is another essential stop in Romania. Start your sightseeing at St. Michael's Church, Hoia Baciu Forest and Banffy Palace.
