$324 Cheap Flights from Chicago (ORD) to Bucharest (OTP)

Chicago (ORD) to Bucharest (OTP) at a glance

Embark on an international long-haul journey from Chicago (ORD) to Bucharest (OTP) with a choice of various airlines. Whether you prefer full-service or low-cost carriers, you can compare options to find the itinerary that best meets your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you visit Bucharest's renowned attractions and neighborhoods. Discover essential information for flights departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP).

• Fastest flight duration: around 11 hours in-flight, plus roughly 2h 15m layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 5,200 miles (8,370 km)
• Flights per week: around 11 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $275–$855, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP)

According to the latest traveler bookings, these are the top airlines favored for flights from Chicago to Bucharest, typically offering one-stop routes. Common layover spots include Istanbul Airport (IST) with around a 3-hour and 30-minute layover, Zürich Airport (ZRH) at approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, and Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC) with about a 2-hour and 30-minute layover. This variety allows you to customize your journey based on price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the optimal itinerary.

• United: This full-service airline provides one-stop flights, with one-way fares generally ranging from $285 to $845. It represents about 23% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 11 hours and a total travel time of approximately 13 hours, including layover.
• Turkish Airlines: As a full-service carrier offering one-stop journeys, Turkish Airlines has one-way fares that typically fall between $275 and $1065. It accounts for around 20% of the departures on this route, with an 11-hour flight time and a total journey time of about 13 hours, factoring in the layover.
• Lufthansa: This full-service airline provides one-stop services, with one-way ticket prices usually ranging from $275 to $870. It makes up roughly 15% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 11 hours and a total travel duration of about 13 hours, including layover time.
• Swiss International Air Lines: A full-service carrier, Swiss International Air Lines offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically between $285 and $615. It comprises approximately 11% of the route's departures, with an in-flight duration of 11 hours and a total travel time of around 13 hours, including the layover.
• LOT-Polish Airlines: This full-service airline offers one-stop services, with one-way fares generally ranging from $285 to $1155. It accounts for about 10% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 11 hours and a total journey time of roughly 13 hours, including layover.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Bucharest (OTP)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Bucharest are May, June, and July, when peak temperatures in Bucharest reach up to 76.5°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider January, the least busy time to visit with temperatures around 31.8°F and typically the lowest average one-way fare (around $361). Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 15 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times.

• Cheapest time to fly: January usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $361, roughly 26% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: November and March typically offer average one-way fares of around $394.
• Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Bucharest, with approximately 15 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 routes from Chicago (ORD) to Bucharest (OTP)

• Chicago to Bucharest (ORD-BBU): Aurel Vlaicu Airport (BBU) lies roughly 5 miles from Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP).
• Chicago to Bucharest (MDW-OTP): Midway International Airport (MDW) is located about 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Bucharest (OTP)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago to Bucharest 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 typically found when booking at least two months in advance, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures, from 6 PM to 12 AM, tend to offer lower prices and are also the most popular flight times. Additionally, flying on Sunday usually results in cheaper rates, although Tuesday remains the most popular 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 Henri Coanda International Airport from O'Hare International Airport

Bucharest welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Bucharest city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 12 miles) from Henri Coanda International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Bucharest efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Bucharest, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Henri Coanda International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Henri Coanda 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 Henri Coanda International Airport, several key transport links are conveniently located nearby. Baneasa Seaport, a seaport, is about 6.2 miles from the airport by car, while Străulești Station, a metro station, is approximately 7.1 miles away by car. Additionally, Bucharest Baneasa Station, a train station, is situated around 7.3 miles from the airport, also accessible by car.

Chicago to Bucharest Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Chicago to Bucharest

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 Bucharest are during the month of January. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Chicago to Bucharest with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.

The best time to book a flight from Chicago to Bucharest

Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Chicago to Bucharest: 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 Bucharest

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 Bucharest in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $324 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.