Flights from Chicago to London

Nonstop flights from Chicago to London take about 8h, with 3 airlines flying the route.

Distance
3,948 mi
Nonstop flight
about 8h
Time difference
+6h
Nonstop airlines
3

Fares from Chicago to London

Checking today’s fares with the airlines.

About this route

Chicago and London, United Kingdom are about 3,948 miles apart. London is 6 hours ahead of Chicago. The scheduled nonstop takes around 8 hours.

All nonstops fly from O'Hare to Heathrow.

Nonstop airlines

AirlineFromTo
British AirwaysORD O'Hare International AirportLHR Heathrow Airport
American AirlinesORD O'Hare International AirportLHR Heathrow Airport
United AirlinesORD O'Hare International AirportLHR Heathrow Airport

Nonstop service as of October 2026. Airlines change schedules seasonally.

Getting from the airport into London

LHR

Heathrow Airport

14 miles (23 km) from the city centre. 83.9 million passengers in 2024

HowRouteTime
TrainHeathrow Express to Paddington (15 min from Terminals 2 and 3, 21 min from Terminal 5), every 15 minutesabout 15m
TrainElizabeth line into central London, six trains per hourabout 35m
MetroPiccadilly line Underground to central London (about 40-50 minutes)about 40m
LGW

Gatwick Airport

30 miles (48 km) from the city centre. 43.2 million passengers in 2024

HowRouteTime
TrainGatwick Express non-stop to London Victoria, twice hourlyabout 30m
TrainSouthern and Thameslink trains to Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars and St Pancras (30 to 45 minutes)about 45m
STN

Stansted Airport

31 miles (50 km) from the city centre. 29.7 million passengers in 2024

HowRouteTime
TrainStansted Express to Liverpool Street, every 15 minutesabout 48m

Travel essentials for London

Entry requirements for US citizens

US citizens need a passport and a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visits of up to 6 months.

The ETA costs 20 pounds, is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires (whichever is sooner), and allows multiple visits. Apply through the UK ETA app or gov.uk/eta/apply; decisions usually arrive within a day but can take up to 3 working days. The UK is outside the Schengen Area, so EES and ETIAS do not apply.

Check the official guidance

Currency
pound sterling (GBP)
Language
English
Plugs
Type G, 230 V
Time zone
Europe/London

When to visit London

Visit London's official tourism body describes June to September as peak season, with fewer crowds and lower prices in September to November and January to April. Rain falls year-round and October is statistically the wettest month.

Busiest: Jun-Sep. Quieter shoulder season: Jan-Apr, Sep-Nov.

Average temperatures in London (°F)

30°40°50°60°70°80°Jan: average high 47°F (8°C), low 37°F (3°C)37°JanFeb: average high 48°F (9°C), low 37°F (3°C)FebMar: average high 53°F (12°C), low 39°F (4°C)MarApr: average high 59°F (15°C), low 43°F (6°C)AprMay: average high 65°F (18°C), low 48°F (9°C)MayJun: average high 71°F (22°C), low 54°F (12°C)JunJul: average high 75°F (24°C), low 58°F (14°C)75°JulAug: average high 74°F (23°C), low 57°F (14°C)AugSep: average high 68°F (20°C), low 53°F (12°C)SepOct: average high 60°F (16°C), low 48°F (9°C)OctNov: average high 53°F (12°C), low 42°F (6°C)NovDec: average high 48°F (9°C), low 38°F (3°C)Dec
Show as a table
MonthAvg highAvg low
Jan47°F (8°C)37°F (3°C)
Feb48°F (9°C)37°F (3°C)
Mar53°F (12°C)39°F (4°C)
Apr59°F (15°C)43°F (6°C)
May65°F (18°C)48°F (9°C)
Jun71°F (22°C)54°F (12°C)
Jul75°F (24°C)58°F (14°C)
Aug74°F (23°C)57°F (14°C)
Sep68°F (20°C)53°F (12°C)
Oct60°F (16°C)48°F (9°C)
Nov53°F (12°C)42°F (6°C)
Dec48°F (9°C)38°F (3°C)

Tips for visiting London

  • Passport: you must have an approved ETA before boarding, and the US State Department says your passport must be valid for your whole stay.
  • Gatwick accepts contactless bank cards and Oyster cards on its trains, and booking a Gatwick Express ticket online earns a 10 percent discount.
  • Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street every 15 minutes, taking 45 to 53 minutes.
  • Bring an umbrella in any season; Visit London says rain is moderate all year.
  • Cash of 10,000 pounds or more must be declared on entry and exit.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the flight from Chicago to London?

A nonstop flight from Chicago to London is typically scheduled for about 8 hours. Flights with a connection take longer, depending on the layover.

Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to London?

As of October 2026, British Airways, American Airlines and United Airlines fly nonstop between Chicago and London.

Which airports do nonstop flights use?

Nonstop flights leave from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and arrive at Heathrow Airport (LHR).

How far is London from Chicago?

London is about 3,948 miles (6,353 km) from Chicago, measured between the city centres.

What is the time difference between Chicago and London?

London is 6 hours ahead of Chicago.

Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to London?

US citizens need a passport and a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visits of up to 6 months. This applies to US citizens; other nationalities should check their own requirements.

How do I get from Heathrow Airport to central London?

One option is heathrow Express to Paddington (15 min from Terminals 2 and 3, 21 min from Terminal 5), every 15 minutes, which takes about 15 minutes.

Related flights

Sources

Information checked in October 2026. Schedules, fares and entry rules change, so confirm with the airline or the official source before you travel.

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