Flying from Chicago to Bucharest: what you need to know
Begin planning your vacation by considering where you'll catch your flight from Chicago to Bucharest. Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) are Chicago's main airports.
Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) and Bucharest Baneasa Airport (BBU) are Bucharest's primary gateways.
Bucharest's timezone is UTC+2, which makes Bucharest eight hours ahead of Chicago.
Give yourself enough time to make your Chicago to Bucharest flight. As a general rule, arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
During popular months such as July, it's a good idea to get to the airport even earlier. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for an international flight whenever you're flying during a peak period in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Chicago to Bucharest
To find cheap Chicago to Bucharest flights, book ahead. Airlines usually offer lower prices when flights are first released.
If you can be flexible with your travel plans, try using the 'Whole month' tool. It'll show you the lowest price in each month when looking for your plane ticket from Chicago to Bucharest.
You don't need to check back in every day to see if prices have dropped when you set up a Price Alert. We'll let you know the moment there's a better deal on cheap flights from Chicago to Bucharest.
Pick your ideal arrival and departure times, number of stops and airlines with the filters. Or sort your Chicago to Bucharest flight results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest.'
Flying from Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
We make it a cinch to find a Chicago to Bucharest flight with a stopover. To see all the options leaving from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, deselect 'Direct flights only.' Then, simply choose a flight that has a stop long enough to explore the city of your choice. Major stopovers include:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Frankfurt am Main Airport (FRA)
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
ORD is around 16 miles from central Chicago. If you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab from the center, it'll take you 30 minutes or so to get there, depending on the traffic. If you're taking public transport, expect the trip time to be around 45 minutes.
Have an early flight from Chicago to Bucharest? Avoid the last-minute rush to the airport (and enjoy a little extra shut-eye) by choosing one of these stays near Chicago O'Hare International Airport:
When it comes to the on-time performance of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 70% of flights meet their scheduled arrival time.
ORD is located at 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)
MDW is around 9 miles from central Chicago. It takes 25 minutes or so to get to the airport in a car from the city center. Public transport takes roughly 30 minutes.
Want to treat yourself to an extra night away before catching your flight from Chicago to Bucharest? Unwind in a hotel near Chicago Midway Airport before your trip officially begins. These stays are calling your name:
76% of all departures from Chicago Midway Airport meet their expected arrival time.
MDW is located at 5700 South Cicero.
Arriving in Bucharest
Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP)
Bucharest Otopeni Airport (OTP) is approximately 10 miles from central Bucharest. If you're catching a cab or a ride-share, the drive will take around 30 minutes.
Getting to the center by public transport will take you around 35 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Chicago to Bucharest, nothing beats the convenience of staying close to the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and snoozing soon after at one of these accommodation options near OTP:
Pick up a Bucharest Otopeni Airport rental car and discover Bucharest and beyond with your own wheels. Klass Wagen, Pricecarz and Surprice are well-known companies you can book with here.
To get the best deal, reserve your vehicle from Bucharest Otopeni Airport around one week in advance of your Chicago to Bucharest flight.
Bucharest Baneasa Airport (BBU)
Central Bucharest is around 5 miles from Bucharest Baneasa Airport (BBU). Once your flight from Chicago to Bucharest has touched down and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of about 20 minutes.
If you choose to travel on public transport, the journey will take you 35 minutes or so.
You'll find some great places ready to welcome you near BBU. Tuck yourself in after your Chicago to Bucharest flight at one of these well-located options:
Forget about public transport timetables or cab lines. Grab a Bucharest Baneasa Airport rental car and take your trip in whatever direction you choose. Compare availability and rates from Wheego, Abbycar and ecovia.
Get the lowest price by securing your ride from BBU two weeks ahead of time. You'll also have access to a greater selection of vehicles.
Best time to go to Bucharest
July is the most popular month for flights from Chicago to Bucharest. To steer clear of the crowds, head to Bucharest in March.
When booking your Chicago to Bucharest tickets, consider the weather you're most comfortable in. August is the warmest month in Bucharest, with temperatures ranging from 63ºF to 93ºF.
January sees average temperatures of between 16ºF and 46ºF. Search for cheap flights from Chicago to Bucharest around that time if you want to travel when it's cooler.
More about Bucharest
Once you've booked your flight from Chicago to Bucharest, find a hotel that keeps you close to what you want to see. Make one of these accommodation options your base for exploring Bucharest:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be difficult to know where to begin. Caru' cu Bere, Museum of the Palace of the Parliament and National Bank of Romania Museum are highlights which should be on any good Bucharest itinerary.
Explore more of Romania
Bucharest has loads to offer, but there are so many other corners of Romania waiting to be explored. Around 200 miles north of Bucharest, a trip to Iasi will keep you busy. Start with attractions like Galata Monastery, The Catholic Cathedral Saint Mary and Monastery of the Three Holy Hierarchs.
If you're looking to explore another side of Romania, consider Cluj-Napoca, about 200 miles northwest of Bucharest. Saint Michael’s Church, Museum Square and Romanian Orthodox Church of Transfiguration are key reasons to visit.