$290 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Munich (MUC)

Chicago (ORD) to Munich (MUC) at a glance

Embark on an adventure from Chicago (ORD) to Munich (MUC) with a selection of airlines offering long-haul flights. Evaluate different options from various carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences. As you prepare to explore the iconic sights and vibrant neighborhoods of Munich, gather essential information about flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC).

• Fastest flight duration: around 8h 30m non-stop
• Route distance: roughly 4,500 miles (7,240 km)
• Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $295–$1045, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC)

Based on recent traveler selections, here are the top airlines flying from Chicago to Munich, often favored for non-stop and one-stop flights. Common layover options include Dublin Airport (DUB) with about a 2-hour stop and Keflavik International Airport (KEF) with a 40-minute layover. These choices allow you to customize your itinerary by balancing price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the perfect travel plan.

• United: This leading full-service airline provides both non-stop and one-stop options, with one-way ticket prices generally falling between $355 and $1115. United accounts for around 43% of the flights on this route, offering a non-stop flight duration of approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes.
• Lufthansa: Known for its full-service offerings, Lufthansa specializes in non-stop flights, with one-way fares usually ranging from $335 to $1890. This airline represents about 20% of departures along this route, with total travel time also around 8 hours and 30 minutes.
• Aer Lingus: As a full-service carrier, Aer Lingus provides one-stop services, with one-way ticket prices typically between $300 and $790. It accounts for roughly 7% of the route's departures, featuring an in-flight duration of 10 hours and a total travel time of about 12 hours and 30 minutes, including layovers.
• Icelandair: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares often ranging from $295 to $1615. Icelandair makes up about 7% of departures on this route, with in-flight times around 10 hours and a total journey time of approximately 12 hours and 30 minutes when factoring in layovers.
• SAS: A full-service airline, SAS provides one-stop service with one-way fares typically priced between $295 and $680. It accounts for roughly 6% of the departures on this route, offering an in-flight duration of 10 hours and a total travel time of about 12 hours and 30 minutes, including layover time.

Travelers flying from Chicago to Munich can enhance their experience by upgrading their flight. Lufthansa and United both provide business class and premium economy options, while Turkish Airlines features a business class service, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable journey across the Atlantic.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Munich (MUC)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Munich are March, July, and September, when peak temperatures in Munich reach up to 66°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 41°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $562). Flight availability peaks in September, with approximately 25 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 9 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: November usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $562, roughly 18% cheaper than the yearly average.
• Another budget-friendly time to fly: July typically offers an average one-way fare of around $601.
• Most flight options: September has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Munich, with approximately 25 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

Alternative route from Chicago (ORD) to Munich (MUC)

• Chicago to Nuremberg (ORD-NUE): Nuremberg Airport (NUE) is located approximately 85 miles from Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC). One-way economy tickets for this route generally fall within the range of $340 to $950, influenced by the time of year and how far in advance you book. Typically, travelers will find one-stop itineraries, with common layover points being Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) and Istanbul Airport (IST). Major airlines operating on this route include United and Turkish Airlines.

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Munich (MUC)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago to Munich is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually available when booking within two weeks, although most travelers tend to book at least two months in advance. Departures in the evening, between 6 PM and midnight, often offer lower prices and are the most popular times to fly. Additionally, flying on Sunday generally provides cheaper options, while Friday remains the busiest travel day.
2. Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
3. Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
4. Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
5. Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
6. Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.

*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.

Arriving at Franz Josef Strauss International Airport from O'Hare International Airport

Munich welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Munich city center is approximately a 30-minute drive (covering about 27 miles) from Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Munich efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Munich, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Franz Josef Strauss International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Franz Josef Strauss International Airport on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
• Public transportation: From Franz Josef Strauss International Airport, Munich Airport Station (a metro station) is located about 0.2 miles from the airport, easily reachable on foot, while the München-Flughafen Terminalbereich D/E Bus Stop (a bus station) is situated about 0.7 miles away and can be accessed by car.

Chicago to Munich Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chicago to Munich

On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Chicago to Munich are during the month of October. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chicago to Munich with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Munich

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago to Munich: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.

How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Chicago to Munich

Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Chicago to Munich in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $290 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Chicago to Munich flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.

You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Chicago to Munich airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.

*Terms apply.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.