How long should I plan for a layover in Chicago?

The best layover in Chicago is 3–36 hours. This gives you enough time to reach the city, see the highlights, and return to the airport with buffer time.

Do I need a visa for a layover in Chicago?

Chicago is visa-free for US passport holders. No visa is required for a layover.

Is Chicago a good layover city?

Yes. Chicago scores 86/100 on the LayoverScore™, making it one of the top-rated layover cities. Deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's or Pequod's

Chicago layover (MDW). 36h. LayoverScore™ 86.

ChicagoMDW6h on the groundScore 86

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Chicago

35 minutes to city center. 3–36 hours of layover time.

Visa-free (US passport)Transit hubPartially verified

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🌡 24°C · clearAir: good (AQI 20)

One perfect thing

Deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's or Pequod's

Layover plan

How long at Chicago?

YOUR 36H LAYOVER

What 36 hours in Chicago gets you.

Deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's or Pequod's. The Art Institute of Chicago's Impressionist collection. Millennium Park and Cloud Gate (The Bean).

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Planning guides

How to plan a long layover How to save money with layovers Best layover cities ranked

More North America layovers

VancouverYVR · 82/100Canada Line to Stanley Park in 25 minutes. Old-growth forest and Pacific mountain views, right at sea level.AtlantaATL · 78/100Ponce City Market in 3 hours: rooftop, biscuits, the BeltLine trail.San FranciscoSFO · 78/100Ferry Building in 3 hours: sourdough, Hog Island oysters, Bay Bridge at lunch.ChicagoORD · 76/100Chicago Riverwalk in 4 hours: architecture boat tour, deep dish, Blue Line back.

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Chicago

How long at Chicago?

What 36 hours in Chicago gets you.

Orange Line to the Loop in 25 minutes. Cloud Gate, deep dish pizza, and Chicago-style everything.

Getting around

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Logistics

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