Routes / London / London to Chicago

London Chicago

1 nonstop pairs · 3 nonstop airlines · 261 nonstop flights/week

Two of the three airlines flying Heathrow to O'Hare nonstop are joint venture partners who coordinate pricing. American and British Airways move in lockstep. United sets its own fares. Book whichever side is cheaper, but you have to check both sides to know.

Flights leave about every hour all day, so timing is never the issue on this route. Price is. The gap between the AA/BA pair and United can be real money in either direction.

If the plane matters to you, American flies a 787 and British Airways uses a mix of 777s and 787s. Both are comfortable widebodies for a nine-hour crossing. United flies a 767, a narrower cabin with 2-3-2 seating in economy. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable on a daytime flight.

At O'Hare, tap a card and take the Blue Line into the Loop. Forty-five minutes, a few dollars, no transfers.

Have a specific need? Use the decision guide below to filter by your airline, where you live, lounges, or where you're staying in Chicago.

Best Overall
LHR → ORD
3 airlines 261/wk 8h 50m
American Airlines, British Airways, United Airlines. British Airways from Terminal 5 for the smoothest Heathrow departure and newest cabin.
Explore LHR → ORD
Decision Guide

Pick What Matters to You

Show me the best pair for...

Best pair by where you're coming from

Your location determines which airport is closest and most convenient.
Westminster and the West End Best
Heathrow is the airport. The Elizabeth Line from Paddington takes around 30 minutes and runs frequently. The Piccadilly Line is slower at about 50 minutes but stops at more central stations along the way. From Soho, Covent Garden, or Mayfair, you are at Heathrow check-in in under an hour.
Kensington, Chelsea, and West London Best
Heathrow again. Piccadilly Line from Earl's Court or Gloucester Road in about 40 minutes. Paddington is one Tube stop from Bayswater and a short taxi from most of west London. The Elizabeth Line from Paddington is the fastest route to any terminal.
The City and Canary Wharf Best
London City Airport is six miles from the Square Mile and connected by DLR. Bank station to the terminal takes around 20 minutes. For other airports, the Elizabeth Line runs from Liverpool Street to Heathrow without changing trains.
Shoreditch, Hackney, and East London
Stansted Express from Liverpool Street in 47 minutes. Liverpool Street is a short bus or bike from most of east London. London City is also close on the DLR from Stratford or Limehouse. Heathrow is over an hour on the Elizabeth Line from here.
South London, Brixton, and Croydon Good
Gatwick is closer than Heathrow from anything south of the river. Gatwick Express from Victoria in 30 minutes, or Southern trains from Clapham Junction and London Bridge. East Croydon to Gatwick is 15 minutes by train.
Camden, Islington, and North London Good
Luton is the closest budget airport. Train from St Pancras takes around 25 minutes. King's Cross and St Pancras sit next to each other, with Piccadilly, Northern, Victoria, and Hammersmith lines all converging. The Piccadilly Line also runs to Heathrow from King's Cross in about 50 minutes.
Surrey and Outer Southeast Flexible
Gatwick is down the M23, around 20 to 30 minutes by car from most of Surrey. Southern rail connects East Croydon, Redhill, and the Gatwick corridor. Heathrow means crossing south London or looping the M25.
For most London-area travelers, LHR → ORD is the default.3 airlines, 261 flights/wk.
Explore LHR → ORD

Best pair by where you're staying in Chicago

Your Chicago airport matters as much as your London airport.
The Loop Best
Central business district. The Blue Line from O'Hare ends here. Hotels cluster around Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive. Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and the Riverwalk are walkable. Best base for trips mixing work and sightseeing.
River North Good
Just north of the Chicago River, with the highest density of hotels, restaurants, and bars outside the Loop. The Magnificent Mile runs through it. First-time visitors gravitate here because it is central, walkable, and has the widest range of lodging.
West Loop Good
Chicago's strongest dining neighborhood. Fulton Market and Randolph Street have more notable restaurants per block than anywhere else in the city. Boutique hotels have opened in recent years. A short ride from the Loop.
Lincoln Park Tradeoff
Residential lakefront neighborhood north of downtown. Quieter pace, with the zoo, conservatory, and lakefront trail. The Brown Line connects to the Loop in about 15 minutes. A good base for families or longer stays.
Wicker Park Value
Independent shops, bars, and restaurants on the northwest side. The Blue Line runs through it on the same line as O'Hare, making the airport trip direct. More of a local neighborhood than a tourist zone. Fewer hotels, more short-term rental options.
ORD is the right Chicago airport for most travelers.Check individual route pages for ground transport from ORD.
Explore LHR → ORD

Which pair your airline flies nonstop

Loyalty programs drive airport choice for frequent flyers. Here's where each airline operates.
AirlineLHR–ORD
American Airlines ✓
British Airways ✓
United Airlines ✓
Most airlines fly LHR → ORD.0 airlines serve multiple pairs.
Explore LHR → ORD

Ranked by on-time performance

On-time = departing within 15 min of schedule. Higher competition tends to keep airlines punctual.
LHR → ORD
Insufficient data — 261/wk doesn't generate meaningful OTP stats.
LHR → ORD has the most schedule depth.High competition keeps airlines punctual.
Explore LHR → ORD

Lounge access by airport and terminal

Premium lounge access varies dramatically by terminal. This alone can determine airport choice for some travelers.
LGW South Terminal No1 Lounge Good
Priority Pass and pay-per-entry. Decent food, bar, and seating. Gets crowded during holiday departures. The best lounge option in South Terminal if you do not have airline status.
LGW North Terminal Lounges Value
Smaller selection. A No1 Lounge and a couple of carrier-specific options. Quality is average. Gatwick does not have the lounge depth of Heathrow, which reflects its budget and leisure focus.
LHR T5 British Airways Galleries Top Tier
BA business class and oneworld Emerald or Sapphire. The Galleries First has a champagne bar and showers. The Club lounge is larger but more crowded. T5 is BA's home terminal and the lounge reflects it.
LHR T3 Virgin Clubhouse Good
Upper Class passengers on Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse or the BA Galleries for character. Shower access is available.
LHR Priority Pass / Amex Lounges Value
Plaza Premium and No1 Lounges accept Priority Pass and Amex Platinum across multiple terminals. Quality is hit or miss and they get crowded, especially during the morning departure wave. Better than nothing if your carrier does not have its own lounge.
STN Escape Lounge Value
Pay-per-entry and Priority Pass. Basic food, drinks, and seating. Stansted is a budget airport and the lounge options reflect that. Fine for a quiet hour before departure, but do not expect Heathrow-level quality.
LTN Aspire Lounge Value
Pay-per-entry and Priority Pass. Small, basic, and often crowded during peak travel periods. Luton is a budget airport and lounge expectations should match. Hot food, drinks, and a quiet corner if you get there early.
No lounge facility
Southend does not have an airside lounge. The terminal past security has a small bar and cafe. If lounge access matters to you, this is not the airport for it.
British Airways Lounge Top Tier
Open to Club Europe passengers and qualifying British Airways Executive Club members. Compact but clean, with food, drinks, and runway views. The terminal is small enough that you can leave the lounge 10 minutes before boarding and make your gate.
General Departures Area Good
If you do not have lounge access, the departures area has coffee shops and a few restaurants airside. The terminal is modern and the wait is rarely uncomfortable. Quick security processing means you do not need to arrive early.
Terminal 1 - United Polaris Lounge Top Tier
A la carte dining, showers, and a calm pre-flight atmosphere. One of the best airline lounges in the country. Open to United Polaris business class passengers and top-tier Star Alliance status holders. No paid walk-in access.
Terminal 1 - United Club Good
Multiple locations across Terminal 1 concourses. Standard airline lounge with drinks, light food, and Wi-Fi. Access via United Club membership, certain credit cards, or Star Alliance Gold status. Gets busy during peak afternoon hours.
Terminal 3 - Admirals Club Good
American Airlines lounge with locations in Terminal 3. Access for AAdvantage Executive Platinum and above, oneworld Emerald status, or Admirals Club membership. Standard food and drink selection.
Terminal 5 - International Lounges Flexible
The international terminal has Priority Pass options and airline-operated lounges. They tend to be smaller and busier than the domestic terminal lounges, especially during afternoon departure waves. Arrive early if you want a seat.
Your airline and cabin class determine which lounges you can access.Check route pages for terminal assignments.
Explore LHR → ORD

Ranked by flights per week

More flights = more flexibility. Miss your flight, catch the next one. Schedule depth is insurance.
LHR → ORD #1
261/wk (~37/day) — 3 airlines. A departure roughly every 39 minutes at peak.
LHR → ORD: 261 flights/week.Miss one flight, wait 39 min for the next.
Explore LHR → ORD

Getting to the airport

Cost and time vary by mode. Train is more predictable than driving.
Gatwick Express Best
30 minutes to Victoria station, nonstop. Runs every 15 minutes during the day. Victoria connects to the Victoria, District, and Circle lines. Fast and reliable.
Southern / Thameslink Trains Good
Cheaper than the Gatwick Express and run to more stations including London Bridge, Blackfriars, and St Pancras. Takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on route and stops. Good if your hotel is south of the river or near King's Cross.
National Express Coach Value
Budget bus to Victoria Coach Station. Takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Very cheap but very slow. Only worth it if you are watching every pound.
Taxi Flexible
Expect around 70 to 120 pounds into central London. The drive is longer than from Heathrow and the M23/A23 can be slow. Not recommended unless you are headed to south London or have a lot of luggage.
Elizabeth Line Best
Contactless payment, 30 minutes to Paddington, and the line continues east through the West End to Liverpool Street and Canary Wharf without changing. Runs frequently from early morning. This is the default way into London for anyone not in a rush.
Heathrow Express Good
15 minutes nonstop to Paddington. Around 25 pounds. Faster than the Elizabeth Line but only saves you 15 minutes and costs significantly more. Worth it if your meeting starts in an hour.
Piccadilly Line Value
Cheapest option. 50 to 60 minutes into central London with stops at Hammersmith, Earl's Court, South Kensington, and King's Cross. Gets crowded during rush hour and there is no luggage space. Fine for budget travelers with a backpack.
Taxi / Minicab Flexible
Black cab from Heathrow to central London costs around 50 to 90 pounds depending on destination and traffic. Minicab apps are cheaper. The M4 motorway can be slow during morning rush. Takes 45 to 75 minutes.
Stansted Express Best
47 minutes to Liverpool Street station, nonstop. Runs every 15 to 30 minutes. Liverpool Street connects to the Central, Circle, Hammersmith, Metropolitan, and Elizabeth lines. The best option unless you are going north.
National Express Coach Value
Budget bus to Stratford, Liverpool Street, and Victoria. Takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic and stops. Significantly cheaper than the train.
Taxi Flexible
Expect around 100 to 150 pounds into central London. The M11 can be slow. Only sensible if you are sharing the cost or heading to north London or Cambridge.
DART + Thameslink Best
The Luton DART connects the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station in under 4 minutes. From there, Thameslink trains run to St Pancras, Farringdon, City Thameslink, and London Bridge. Total journey to St Pancras is around 35 to 45 minutes.
National Express / easyBus Value
Coach services to Victoria, Baker Street, and other London stops. Takes 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Budget option.
Taxi Flexible
Expect around 80 to 130 pounds into central London. The M1 motorway can slow to a crawl near the city. Only practical if you are heading north of London or splitting the fare.
Greater Anglia train Best
Southend Airport station is attached to the terminal. Direct trains run to London Liverpool Street in around 55 minutes. Trains run every 15 to 20 minutes during the day.
Taxi or car Good
The airport is next to the A127 road. Taxis to Southend town center cost around 10 pounds. On-site parking is cheap compared to other London airports. If you live within driving distance, parking and driving is often the simplest option.
DLR (Docklands Light Railway) Best
London City Airport station is attached to the terminal. Trains run every few minutes to Bank station in about 20 minutes and to Canary Wharf in about 10. The cheapest and fastest way into the city.
Elizabeth Line from Custom House Good
Custom House station is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal. The Elizabeth line reaches Liverpool Street in about 12 minutes and Paddington in about 25. Useful if your destination sits along the Elizabeth line.
Taxi or Rideshare Flexible
A taxi to the City of London takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. To the West End, allow 30 to 40 minutes. The DLR is faster and cheaper for destinations along its line.
Weigh transit time against schedule flexibility.A faster airport with fewer flights may not save you time overall.
Explore LHR → ORD

Red-eye vs daytime departures

Departure timing affects jet lag, hotel costs, and how you spend your first day.
Chicago to London overnight Best
This is the natural overnight direction. Evening departures from O'Hare land at Heathrow between 7am and 10am London time. The roughly 8-hour eastbound crossing gives enough time to eat, sleep, and land. All three carriers offer evening departures. Sleeping on the plane saves a hotel night and gives you a full day in London.
London to Chicago Good
Westbound flights are daytime. Morning and early afternoon departures from Heathrow arrive at O'Hare the same afternoon or early evening Chicago time. The time zones work in your favor heading west, so you land with hours of usable daylight. There is no overnight option that makes sense in this direction.
Early morning arrival at O'Hare Tradeoff
If a connection routes you into O'Hare before dawn, the Blue Line runs 24 hours. Terminal restaurants begin opening around 5am. The airport functions at that hour but is not a place to wait around. Head to your hotel or the Loop.
LHR → ORD has the most departure options.Check the route page for schedule details.
Explore LHR → ORD

Premium cabin options

Business and first class products on this route, ranked by value and quality.
British Airways Club World Top
BA flies both 777s and 787-9 Dreamliners on this route. The 787-9 has the newer Club Suite with a closing door and direct aisle access. Older 777 layouts have less privacy and some seats face backward. Check the aircraft before booking if the cabin matters. Terminal 5 at Heathrow gives access to the Galleries lounges before departure.
American Airlines business class Top
American uses the 787-9 Dreamliner exclusively on this route, so the cabin is predictable every time. Business class has a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access. Because American and BA are joint venture partners, you can sometimes rebook between them if schedules shift, adding flexibility that United cannot offer.
United Polaris Good
United flies the 767-300ER, the narrowest widebody of the three carriers. Polaris seats have direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 layout, but the fuselage is tighter than on a 787 or 777. The trade: United's Polaris Lounge at O'Hare Terminal 1 has sit-down dining and shower suites, and it is one of the better airline lounges in the country.
Premium economy Value
All three airlines sell a premium economy cabin. On a flight just under 9 hours, the extra legroom, wider seat, and better meal service make the middle cabin worth checking. Prices sit well below business class while covering most of the comfort difference that matters on a long daytime crossing.
Check route pages for cabin details per airline.Business class products vary significantly between carriers.
Explore LHR → ORD

Connecting through London from a domestic flight

Three carriers fly Heathrow to O'Hare nonstop multiple times daily. That level of competition keeps fares honest, and routing through a third city is hard to justify on time or price for travelers starting in London.

The exception is if you are starting from somewhere other than London. A connection through Dublin offers US customs preclearance, so you arrive at O'Hare as a domestic passenger and skip the immigration queue. Connections through Amsterdam, Frankfurt, or a Gulf hub also work if your starting city has better direct service to those points than to Heathrow.

Arriving LGW
LGW has no Chicago nonstops. Your airline may offer a single-ticket connection through a hub. Otherwise, ground transport to a nonstop airport.
Arriving LHR Best
Book LHR → ORD. Same airport, no ground transport needed. 3 airlines, 261/wk.
Arriving STN
STN has no Chicago nonstops. Your airline may offer a single-ticket connection through a hub. Otherwise, ground transport to a nonstop airport.
Arriving LTN
LTN has no Chicago nonstops. Your airline may offer a single-ticket connection through a hub. Otherwise, ground transport to a nonstop airport.
Arriving SEN
SEN has no Chicago nonstops. Your airline may offer a single-ticket connection through a hub. Otherwise, ground transport to a nonstop airport.
Arriving LCY
LCY has no Chicago nonstops. Your airline may offer a single-ticket connection through a hub. Otherwise, ground transport to a nonstop airport.
Self-connecting
Avoid cross-airport transfers. No direct transit links between most metro airports. Budget 4+ hours minimum if you must.
Check which London airport your domestic flight arrives at, then book Chicago from that same airport.LHR arrivals → LHR–ORD
LHR → ORD
Know Your Airports

London & Chicago Airport Profiles

Each airport has a personality. Terminal quality, transit access, lounge scene, and crowd levels vary dramatically — sometimes more than the flight itself.

London Metro

LHR London Heathrow Airport Primary

Heathrow has four active terminals and your airline determines which one you use. Terminal 5 is British Airways territory, the newest and most polished. Terminal 2, the Queen's Terminal, handles Star Alliance carriers. Terminal 3 has Virgin Atlantic and several US carriers. Terminal 4 is smaller and serves a mix of international airlines.

The terminals are not walkable between each other. Free inter-terminal transfers run on the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express between T2/T3 (which share a central area) and T5. T4 requires a separate bus. Build in 60 minutes if you need to change terminals for a connection.

Immigration at 6 to 8 AM is slow. The morning wave of transatlantic red-eyes all land in the same window, and queues back up. E-gates work for US passport holders, which helps, but the volume is real. The airport is well-signed and functional, not beautiful. Shopping is extensive if you clear customs early.

Chicago Pairs
1
ORD
Airlines
3
Flights/Week
261
LGW London Gatwick Airport No Nonstop
Closest nonstop airport LHR (London Heathrow Airport) · 25mi from LGW
Or connect through LHR London Heathrow Airport · 261/wk onward CDG Charles de Gaulle Internationa... · 99/wk onward MCO Orlando International Airport · 63/wk onward
STN London Stansted Airport No Nonstop
Closest nonstop airport LHR (London Heathrow Airport) · 41mi from STN
Or connect through DUB Dublin Airport · 76/wk onward LHR London Heathrow Airport · 261/wk onward BCN Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El... · 35/wk onward
LTN London Luton Airport No Nonstop
Closest nonstop airport LHR (London Heathrow Airport) · 28mi from LTN
Or connect through LHR London Heathrow Airport · 261/wk onward BCN Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El... · 35/wk onward AMS Amsterdam Airport Schiphol · 47/wk onward
SEN London Southend Airport No Nonstop
Closest nonstop airport LHR (London Heathrow Airport) · 50mi from SEN
Limited connections through CDG Charles de Gaulle Internationa... · 99/wk onward
LCY London City Airport No Nonstop
Closest nonstop airport LHR (London Heathrow Airport) · 22mi from LCY
Or connect through DUB Dublin Airport · 76/wk onward AMS Amsterdam Airport Schiphol · 47/wk onward ZRH Zürich Airport · 42/wk onward

Chicago Metro

ORD Chicago O'Hare International Airport Primary

O'Hare has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and the international Terminal 5. There is no Terminal 4. The terminals spread across a wide footprint connected by the ATS train and underground walkways. Allow 15 to 20 minutes to move between them.

Terminal 5 sits apart from the domestic terminals and handles most international flights. The ATS train connects it to the rest of the airport. Afternoon peaks bring longer security and immigration lines. The terminal is functional and recently updated, but smaller than the domestic concourses.

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 form the domestic core, with more dining and lounge options. The Blue Line train to downtown stops under Terminal 2, accessible from any terminal via the ATS.

London Pairs
1
LHR
Nonstop from London
261/wk
Into Chicago
45 min
Blue Line to Loop
MDW Chicago Midway International Airport No Nonstop

Midway is a single-terminal airport on Chicago's southwest side, compact enough to walk end to end in around 10 minutes. One central security checkpoint feeds all concourses. Lines move faster than at larger airports, though holiday weekends and spring break mornings back up. The terminal is older but functional, with food and shops on both sides of security.

Gates are close together and boarding areas are small. Delays mean crowded gate areas with limited seating. The airport handles a high volume of traffic relative to its size. Expect an efficient, basic terminal where everything is a short walk.

Closest nonstop airport ORD (Chicago O'Hare International Airport) · 15mi from MDW
Connect through ATL Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta Int... · 168/wk onward MCO Orlando International Airport · 63/wk onward PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor Internation... · 56/wk onward
RFD Chicago Rockford International Airport No Nonstop

Rockford is a small regional airport about 63 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. One terminal with a handful of gates. Security lines are short, and the walk from the parking lot to any gate takes a few minutes. The terminal is quiet outside of departure times, with limited food options.

Parking is close to the building and inexpensive. The trade-off is the drive from the Chicago metro area, which runs 60 to 90 minutes on I-90 depending on traffic and weather.

Closest nonstop airport ORD (Chicago O'Hare International Airport) · 63mi from RFD
Connect through ORD Chicago O'Hare International A... · 28/wk onward
All Pairs

Full Comparison

Every airport combination ranked by schedule depth. LHR–ORD carries 100% of weekly flights with the best on-time record.

RouteAirlinesFlights/WkShareDurationOTP
LHR → ORD 3 261
8h 50m — Explore →
Coverage Matrix

Which Airlines Fly Which Pairs

Not all planes are the same size. The aircraft type below each checkmark tells you whether you are getting a widebody (777, 787, A350) with wider seats and a quieter ride, or a narrowbody (737, A321) with a single aisle. On flights over five hours, the difference is significant.

LHR–ORD
American Airlines
✓
787-9
British Airways
✓
777, 777-300ER
United Airlines
✓
767-300
Quick Reference

Route Facts

Total Nonstops
261/wk
Across 1 pairs
Airlines
3
3 on LHR–ORD
Fastest Pair
8h 50m
LHR → ORD
Distance
3,966 mi
6,381 km
London
6 airports
LGW, LHR, STN, LTN, SEN, LCY
Chicago
3 airports
MDW, ORD, RFD
No Nonstop
LGW, STN, LTN, SEN, LCY
No Chicago nonstops
LHR → ORD LGW Routes LHR Routes LGW Delays LHR Delays
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about London to Chicago flights.
Not on a nonstop. Every direct London-Chicago flight operates between Heathrow and O'Hare. Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend have no Chicago service. If you want to avoid Heathrow, you need to connect through another European or US hub, which adds several hours.
Compare the aircraft and lounge, not the fare. Their transatlantic joint venture means pricing is coordinated. British Airways flies 777s and 787-9s out of Heathrow Terminal 5 with access to the Galleries lounges. American flies the 787-9 from Terminal 3. The cabin product differs more than the ticket price.
Yes. The CTA Blue Line runs from inside the terminal to the Loop in about 45 minutes for around $5. Trains run every few minutes during the day and every 10 to 15 minutes at night. During weekday rush hours, the train is both faster and more predictable than sitting on the Kennedy Expressway.
Yes, and this is the natural direction for an overnight flight. Evening departures from O'Hare land at Heathrow between 7am and 10am London time. The roughly 8-hour eastbound crossing gives enough time to sleep. Westbound flights from London are daytime departures that arrive same-afternoon in Chicago.
United operates independently from the American-BA joint venture and sometimes undercuts both, particularly in economy. In business class, United flies the 767-300ER while American and BA both use wider 787s and 777s. Pricing varies by season and demand, but United has more room to compete on price because it is not coordinating with a partner.
Occasionally, but the nonstop route has enough three-way competition that direct fares drop regularly. Check the nonstop price before building a connecting itinerary. A one-stop routing adds 3 to 5 hours each way. Dublin connections offer US customs preclearance, which saves time on arrival, but the fare savings over the direct flight are not guaranteed.