Chicago to Nanjing (ORD–NKG) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

US passport holders can enter China visa-free for stays up to 30 days under a temporary policy running through December 31, 2026. This covers tourism, business visits, and transit. No advance application is needed. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry.

For stays beyond 30 days, a standard visa from a Chinese embassy or consulate is required before departure. Separate 144-hour and 72-hour visa-free transit programs exist at select airports for travelers continuing to a third country.

CTA Blue Line runs 24/7 from downtown Loop stations to O'Hare (45 min, $5). Pace buses serve suburbs. Ride-shares cost $35–55 from downtown depending on traffic; add 30+ minutes during rush hour on the Kennedy Expressway.Economy parking lots E/F connect via ATS people mover. Terminal 5 (international) is separate from Terminals 1–3; allow extra time for inter-terminal transfers.

The S9 metro line connects Lukou directly to Nanjing South Railway Station in 30 minutes (¥29). Trains depart every 20–30 minutes, making it the straightforward connection for onward high-speed rail.

Taxis to the city center cost ¥80–120 and take 40–60 minutes. Metered cabs are widely available at the designated rank outside arrivals. Airport buses serve major hotels and railway stations for ¥20–25.

Humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, regularly reaching 35–38°C with frequent thunderstorms that can cause delays. Winters (December–February) are cold (−3–7°C) with occasional freezing rain and light snow. Ice events are the main disruption risk.

Spring and autumn (March–May, September–November) are the most comfortable periods with mild temperatures of 15–25°C. Typhoon remnants occasionally bring heavy rain in late summer and early autumn.