All holiday destinations

Holiday destination

Chicago

Chicago is a great American city of striking architecture, lakefront parks and jazz and blues. It is also the start of the famous Route 66, which runs through St Louis, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Santa Fe and Flagstaff to Los Angeles. Many trips also detour to Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans for music.

Region: Usa

Trip types on sale: Fly Drive.

Show every Chicago holiday

Places

Best time to go

May to September for city sights and road trips; spring and autumn are comfortable for driving.

Who it suits

Road trippers, music lovers, couples and city-break fans.

Getting there

Non-stop flights from London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) take about 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours.

Practical

  • Time: 6 hours behind the UK most of the year; places further west along the route are 7 or 8 hours behind.
  • Currency: US dollar
  • Language: English.

Typical daytime highs

  • Spring (March to May). Typical daytime highs around 13 to 21°C in spring (March to May).
  • Summer (June to August). Typical daytime highs around 27 to 29°C in summer (June to August).
  • Autumn (September to November). Typical daytime highs around 16 to 23°C in autumn (September to November).
  • Winter (December to February). Typical daytime highs around 0 to 4°C in winter (December to February).

These are typical ranges, not a forecast.

Things to do

  • See the city from the Skydeck at Willis Tower
  • Take an architecture boat tour
  • Visit the Art Institute of Chicago
  • Drive Route 66
  • Hear live music in Nashville and Memphis
  • Explore New Orleans' French Quarter

Questions

How long is the flight to Chicago?

About 9 hours non-stop from London.

How long does Route 66 take to drive?

Around two to three weeks to travel at a relaxed pace.

Where does Route 66 start?

In downtown Chicago.

UK passport holders should check the latest entry requirements on GOV.UK foreign travel advice before booking.