Flying from Shanghai to Chicago: what you need to know
Start your travel planning by considering where you'll take off for your flight from Shanghai to Chicago. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) are the main airports in Shanghai.
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are Chicago's major gateways.
Hop on a direct Shanghai to Chicago flight and you'll be flying for an average of 13 hours 40 minutes.
Chicago's timezone is UTC-5, which makes Chicago 13 hours behind Shanghai.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is the most traveled route that connects these two cities. There are three flights a week to choose from. If you have things to do before leaving, the last flight from Shanghai to Chicago is with United Airlines at 15:25. Go for the first PVG to ORD departure operated by United Airlines at 15:25 to make the most of your first day in Chicago.
For stress-free travel, arrive at the airport two hours ahead of international flights and one hour before domestic departures. That way, you can comfortably board your Shanghai to Chicago flight.
During popular months such as April, you'll want to get to the airport earlier than normal. Arrive two hours before domestic departures and four hours ahead for international flights when you travel during peak periods in general.
How to find the cheapest flights from Shanghai to Chicago
Get cheap Shanghai to Chicago flights by booking two months ahead. According to our research, that's the ideal time frame for bagging a bargain.
The best month for scoring cheap plane tickets from Shanghai to Chicago is May. Use the 'Whole month' tool to compare prices, then select the dates offering the lowest fares.
Finding a cheap flight from Shanghai to Chicago is a piece of cake with Price Alerts. All you need to do is create one of these automatic alerts and we'll let you know as soon as the price has dropped.
Tailor your travel plans using filters. Pick your preferred arrival and departure times, total journey duration and airlines. You can also sort your results by 'Best,' 'Fastest' or 'Cheapest' Shanghai to Chicago flights.
Flying from Shanghai
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
You can book a direct flight from Shanghai to Chicago jetting off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Start your journey at PVG and touch down at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Reserve your Shanghai to Chicago plane tickets with United Airlines. This airline is a top choice for direct flights from PVG.
Consider adding a stopover to potentially save money on your Shanghai to Chicago flight. Simply uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for departures from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Take a break (and maybe save some cash) by stopping at one of these airports:
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
PVG is about 20 miles from central Shanghai. If you're driving, catching a cab or ride-sharing from the center, it'll take you 50 minutes or so to arrive, depending on traffic conditions.
Want a leisurely start to your travels? Stay near Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Whether you're boarding an early flight from Shanghai to Chicago or want to avoid feeling rushed, these hotels are just the thing:
Of all flights departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, 78.11% touch down on time at their destination.
PVG is located at No.300 Qihang Road.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Break up your Shanghai to Chicago flight with a stop so you can freshen up or tick a new place off your list. Some popular stopovers between Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Chicago are:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Haneda Airport (HND)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
SHA is about 8 miles from central Shanghai. It'll take 20 minutes or so to reach the terminal when driving from the city center.
It's your vacation, so why not enjoy an additional night away? Consider checking in to one of these hotels near Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport the day before your flight from Shanghai to Chicago:
Flights from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport have a proven record for punctuality, with 85.58% of them landing within the expected time frame.
SHA is located at 700 Yingbin 1st Rd.
Arriving in Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
The distance from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to central Chicago is roughly 16 miles. It takes around 35 minutes to reach the center driving.
If you're taking public transport, expect a journey time of roughly 55 minutes.
If you have a late flight from Shanghai to Chicago, few things beat the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your luggage from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing soon after at one of these accommodation options near ORD:
Fast-track your adventure by picking up an O'Hare International Airport rental car. Grab your wheels from Routes Car Rentals, Dollar or Budget and experience the lesser-explored corners of Chicago and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from O'Hare International Airport around four weeks in advance can help you get the lowest rate.
The street address for ORD is 10000 West O'Hare.
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Central Chicago is approximately 9 miles from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). As soon as your flight from Shanghai to Chicago has hit the runway and you've made your way to arrivals, expect a drive of around 20 minutes.
If you're traveling on public transport, it'll take around 45 minutes.
Hang up the 'Do not disturb' sign and rest at a hotel near MDW. Here are a few options where you can check in after your flight from Shanghai to Chicago:
The quickest way to get to where you're going is with a Chicago Midway International Airport rental car. Collect your wheels from Dollar, Hertz or Budget and make a speedy getaway.
Call dibs on the best options. Reserving your ride from MDW four weeks in advance often means better prices and a greater range of vehicles.
The address for Chicago Midway International Airport is 5700 South Cicero.
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)
Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is around 80 miles from the center of Chicago. It takes about 1 hour 25 minutes to get to the city center by cab or ride-share once you've stepped off your flight from Shanghai to Chicago.
The journey takes roughly 4 hours 15 minutes on public transport.
Start your trip without stressing about how to arrive at your destination with a Chicago Rockford International Airport rental car. You can book with reliable suppliers here like Budget, Alamo and National.
Rental providers sometimes offer promotions on early bookings, so reserve your vehicle from RFD in advance of your flight from Shanghai to Chicago. A little prep work can make a big difference in cost.
Chicago Rockford International Airport can be found at 2 Airport Cir.
Best time to go to Chicago
August is the busiest month for flights from Shanghai to Chicago. To avoid the crowds, head to Chicago in January.
The warmest month in Chicago is July, with temperatures ranging between 59ºF and 84ºF. Lock in your Shanghai to Chicago ticket then if that's your definition of good weather.
If you want cooler conditions, search for a cheap flight from Shanghai to Chicago in January when temperatures average between 10ºF and 37ºF.
More about Chicago
When it comes to looking for somewhere to rest your head, you'll find the most popular stays in Chicago right here. Explore these options after you've booked your flight from Shanghai to Chicago:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be hard to know where to start. Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago and LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier are major attractions which should feature on any good Chicago itinerary.
Explore more of United States
Chicago has its own special appeal, but there are so many other corners of United States just waiting to be discovered. About 280 miles south-east of Chicago, a trip to Columbus will fill your itinerary to the brim. Start with popular sights like Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Ohio Statehouse and German Village.
If you're ready to explore another well-known destination in United States, head for Indianapolis, about 160 miles south-east of Chicago. The Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Museum of Art and Indianapolis Zoo are the start of reasons to visit.
