Chicago (ORD) to Zagreb (ZAG) at a glance

Embark on an exciting journey from Chicago (ORD) to Zagreb (ZAG) with a selection of airlines catering to this long-haul international route. Compare various options from full-service carriers to discover the itinerary that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel preferences as you prepare to explore the iconic attractions and neighborhoods of Zagreb. Here are the essential details for flights departing from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Zagreb Airport (ZAG).

• Fastest flight duration: around 10 hours in-flight, plus roughly 2 hours layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 4,800 miles (7,720 km)
• Flights per week: around 12 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $280–$865, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

Flights from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Zagreb Airport (ZAG)

According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Chicago to Zagreb, particularly those featuring one-stop and multi-stop options. Common layover points include Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC) with a layover of about 4 hours and 30 minutes, Vienna International Airport (VIE) at approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, and Istanbul Airport (IST) with a 2-hour and 30-minute layover. This variety allows you to mix and match price, total travel time, and cabin class to find your ideal itinerary.

• United: As a comprehensive service airline, United provides both one-stop and multi-stop options. It represents around 31% of departures on this route, with one-way fares generally between $280 and $910. Expect about 10 hours of flight time and a total journey of approximately 12 hours and 45 minutes.
• Turkish Airlines: This full-service airline offers convenient one-stop travel, accounting for nearly 20% of departures on the route. One-way fares typically range from $300 to $965, with an in-flight duration of 10 hours and a total travel time of around 12 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• Lufthansa: A full-service carrier providing one-stop service, Lufthansa makes up about 16% of departures on this route. One-way fares usually vary from $280 to $820, with a flight time of 10 hours and a total journey duration of roughly 12 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in the layover.
• Austrian Airlines: This comprehensive airline features one-stop service and holds around 13% of departures for this route. One-way fares generally range from $330 to $775, with approximately 10 hours of in-flight time and a total journey time of about 12 hours and 45 minutes, including layover.
• LOT-Polish Airlines: Offering one-stop service, LOT accounts for about 11% of departures on this route. One-way fares typically range from $290 to $1525. Travelers can expect 10 hours in the air, with a total journey time close to 12 hours and 45 minutes, factoring in layover.

Best time to fly from Chicago (ORD) to Zagreb (ZAG)

The most popular months for travelers flying from Chicago to Zagreb are June, July, and August, when peak temperatures in Zagreb reach up to 72.7°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider February, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 36.9°F. For better deals, January usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $404. Flight availability peaks in July, with approximately 21 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 $404, roughly 20% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: February, September, and March typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $421 to $437.
• Most flight options: July has the highest number of flights from Chicago to Zagreb, with approximately 21 flights per week, giving you more flexibility in scheduling your trip.

Month	Temperature	Demand	Weekly Flights	Average one-way Fare
January	34.3°F (1.3°C)	Average	8	$404
February	36.9°F (2.7°C)	Low	8	$421
March	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Average	9	$437
April	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Average	10	$471
May	59.7°F (15.4°C)	Average	9	$578
June	68.5°F (20.3°C)	High	13	$785
July	72.7°F (22.6°C)	High	21	$533
August	72.3°F (22.4°C)	High	13	$483
September	63.1°F (17.3°C)	Average	10	$428
October	53.8°F (12.1°C)	Low	9	$474
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	Low	9	$441
December	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Average	10	$650

*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 Zagreb (ZAG)

• Chicago to Zagreb (MDW-ZAG): Midway International Airport (MDW) lies approximately 16 miles from O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

How to find the best prices for flights from Chicago (ORD) to Zagreb (ZAG)

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Chicago to Zagreb 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 ahead, which coincides with when most travelers make their reservations. Evening departures, from 6 PM to 12 AM, tend to offer lower prices, although afternoon flights from 12 PM to 6 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Monday provides both affordable rates and high demand among travelers.
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.* Find Zagreb hotel and flight deals.
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 Zagreb Airport from O'Hare International Airport

Zagreb welcomes travelers from Chicago with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Zagreb city center is approximately a 20-minute drive (covering about 11 miles) from Zagreb Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Zagreb efficiently:

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Zagreb, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance with your hotel.
• Car rental: Renting a car from Zagreb Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Zagreb 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 Zagreb Airport, Velika Gorica Station, a train station, is located about 2.2 miles away by car, providing convenient access for travelers.