Chicago to Zurich (ORD–ZRH) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
ORD–ZRH is served by 2 airlines with nonstop service. Swiss and United Airlines lead the route. The flight covers 4,431 miles in approximately 8h 45m. Beyond nonstop, 60 hubs offer 1-stop connections.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LX Swiss | 7 | 333 | 8h50 | Star Alliance | – | |
| UA United Airlines | 7 | 763 | 8h45 | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
On-Time Performance
Travel Essentials
ORD: CDT · ZRH: CET
When it's 6:00 PM in Chicago, it's 12:00 AM (next day) in Zurich.
US passport holders enter Switzerland visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This falls under the Schengen area rules, so the 90-day limit is shared across all Schengen countries. No advance application is needed. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from the Schengen area.
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.
SBB trains from the airport station (below Check-in 2) to Zurich HB take 10 minutes and run every 10–15 minutes. Long-distance intercity trains to Geneva, Basel, Bern, and Lucerne depart directly from the airport station; Zurich Airport is one of the best-connected airports in Europe for onward rail travel. Taxis queue outside arrivals; fares to the city centre are CHF 55–75.Rental car desks are located in the arrivals area. Swiss customs exit is prompt for EU/Schengen arrivals. The Meet & Greet area is directly adjacent to baggage reclaim.
Temperate continental climate. Winters (November–February) are cold and frequently foggy on the Swiss Plateau; fog (Hochnebel) can persist for days and is the most common cause of delays, with the airport above the fog layer on clearer days but below it on others. Snow does occur but is well managed. Temperatures range from −2 to 5°C.
Summers (June–August) are warm at 22–28°C with afternoon thunderstorms that can be intense but brief. Spring and autumn are mild and variable. Hochnebel fog season (October–January) is the primary operational risk to plan around.
ORD–ZRH Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Flights from ORD to ZRH
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Zürich Airport (ZRH) are connected by nonstop service from Swiss and United Airlines. With 14 weekly departures, this is a well served route.
ORD to ZRH Flight Duration and Schedule
Nonstop flight time from ORD to ZRH ranges from 8 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 50 minutes. The route covers a distance of 4,431 miles (7,131 km). There are approximately 14 weekly flights outbound and 21 return, totaling 35 flights per week in both directions.
Connecting Options and Alternatives
60 one-stop connections are available, with the fastest taking approximately 8 hours via TEB. Two-stop connections are also available via intermediate hubs.