$468 Cheap Flights from Bucharest (OTP) to Chicago (ORD)

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

Embark on an exciting international journey from Bucharest (OTP) to Chicago (ORD) with a selection of airlines providing diverse travel options. Explore a range of full-service carriers to find the flight that aligns with your budget, schedule, and travel plans as you prepare to uncover the iconic sights and neighborhoods of Chicago. Here are the essential details for flights departing from Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) to O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

• Fastest flight duration: around 12 hours in-flight, plus roughly 2 hours layover with one stop
• Route distance: roughly 5,200 miles (8,370 km)
• Flights per week: around 9 departures on average
• Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $320–$960, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book

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

According to recent traveler bookings, the top airlines flying from Bucharest to Chicago often feature one-stop services, with popular layovers at Franz Josef Strauss International Airport (MUC), which has an approximately 2-hour layover; Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) with a layover of about 1 hour and 45 minutes; and Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW), offering a 1 hour and 15 minutes layover. This allows you to mix and match options for price, total travel time, and cabin class to find the ideal itinerary.

• Lufthansa: This full-service airline provides one-stop service, with one-way ticket prices generally between $340 and $900. It represents around 29% of the flights on this route, featuring an in-flight duration of 12 hours and a total travel time of approximately 14 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• LOT-Polish Airlines: Another full-service option, LOT offers one-stop flights with one-way fares typically ranging from $320 to $970. It accounts for roughly 14% of departures on this route, with a flight time of 12 hours and an overall journey duration of about 14 hours and 15 minutes, factoring in layover.
• Turkish Airlines: Known for its full-service offerings, Turkish Airlines provides one-stop journeys with one-way fares usually between $320 and $1170. It makes up approximately 12% of the flights on this route, featuring a flight time of 12 hours and a total travel duration of around 14 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• Swiss International Air Lines: As a full-service carrier, Swiss International offers one-stop service, with one-way fares typically priced from $365 to $1120. It comprises about 8% of departures on this route, with an in-flight time of 12 hours and a total journey duration of roughly 14 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.
• KLM: This full-service airline offers one-stop connections, with one-way fares generally ranging from $365 to $540. KLM accounts for around 6% of the departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 12 hours and a total travel time of approximately 14 hours and 15 minutes, including layover.

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

The most popular months for travelers flying from Bucharest to Chicago are March, June, and August, when peak temperatures in Chicago reach up to 73°F in August. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 42.3°F. For better deals, April usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $495. Flight availability peaks in May and September, with approximately 11 flights per week, making it easier to find convenient departure times. January has the fewest flights, with approximately 7 flights per week.

• Cheapest time to fly: April usually offers good deals with average one-way fare around $495, roughly 15% cheaper than the yearly average.
• More budget-friendly months to fly: September, February, and May typically offer average one-way fares roughly ranging from $498 to $515.
• Most flight options: May and September have the highest number of flights from Bucharest to Chicago, with approximately 11 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 Bucharest (OTP) to Chicago (ORD)

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

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

Getting some of the best deals on flights from Bucharest to Chicago 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 found when booking at least two months in advance, which is when most travelers make their reservations. Afternoon departures from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. tend to be less expensive, while morning flights from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Wednesday offers both lower prices and popularity.
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 O'Hare International Airport from Henri Coanda International Airport

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

• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Chicago, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car from O'Hare International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at O'Hare 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 O'Hare International Airport, O'Hare Station, a metro station, is located about 0.1 miles away on foot, while Rosemont Station, a train station, is approximately 2.2 miles from the airport and is best reached by car.

Bucharest to Chicago Flights

The cheapest times to fly from Bucharest to Chicago

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

The best time to book a flight from Bucharest to Chicago

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

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 Bucharest to Chicago in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $468 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 Bucharest to Chicago 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 Bucharest to Chicago 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.