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United · Route guide

United Airlines: Chicago (ORD) to Toronto (YYZ) Flight Route

Everything you need to fly Chicago to Toronto: when to go, who flies it, what it costs, and how to land well.

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1 airline on this route · Year-Round Multiple Daily

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Airline

United

Aircraft

B737-800

Service

Year-Round Multiple Daily

Region

Canada

The route

This popular transborder route connects the Windy City with Canada's largest metropolis. United Airlines offers frequent daily service between Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Toronto Pearson International Airport, catering to both business travelers and tourists looking for a quick hop across the border.

Flying from the heart of the Midwest to Ontario, this route is a staple for United Airlines, bridging two major North American financial hubs with a typical flight time of approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.

It serves as a vital link for corporate travelers and provides easy connections for passengers flying from the Western United States through Chicago to reach Eastern Canada. It is one of the busiest international corridors from O'Hare.

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Airports

Taking off, touching down.

Check-in, security, connections and getting into town at both ends of the flight.

Departure

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

ORD

Check-in: Use Terminal 1 for most United flights and arrive at least 3 hours before departure to account for international processing.
Security: TSA PreCheck is available to speed up the process during morning and afternoon peak hours.
Connections: Easily accessible from downtown Chicago via the CTA Blue Line or the Kennedy Expressway.

Arrival

Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

YYZ

On arrival: United flights typically arrive at Terminal 1. Have your travel documents ready for Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) processing.
Ground transport: The UP Express train is the fastest way to reach Union Station in downtown Toronto, taking about 25 minutes.
Planning ahead: Ensure you have completed any required digital customs declarations via the ArriveCAN app or kiosks upon arrival.

Timing & fares

When it flies, what it costs.

Schedule & reliability

Schedule: Flights are spread throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening to accommodate connecting traffic.
Duration: The flight covers approximately 500 miles and usually spends less than 90 minutes in the air.
Seasonality: Service is stable year-round with slightly higher demand during summer and winter holiday periods.
Time zones: Chicago is in the Central Time Zone (CST/CDT) while Toronto is in the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT). Toronto is 1 hour ahead.

Fares & booking

Booking window: Optimal booking window for this route is typically between 21 and 45 days before departure.
Cabin advice: Consider Economy Plus for extra legroom, which is beneficial if you need to work during the flight.
Peak pricing: Prices tend to spike during major holidays like Thanksgiving (US) and Canada Day (July 1st).

Book at least 3 weeks in advance for the most competitive rates.
Mid-week flights on Tuesday or Wednesday are usually more affordable than weekend travel.
Use the United mobile app to track your inbound aircraft and receive real-time gate updates.

Peak season

June through August and late December

Shoulder season

May, September, and October

Off-peak season

January through March

Tours and experiences at either end

Vetted day trips and activities in Toronto and Chicago, through our travel partner.

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When to fly

Best Time to Fly Chicago to Toronto

01
Summer
Best weather for sightseeing and outdoor festivals in Toronto, though fares may be higher.
02
Fall
Beautiful foliage in the Ontario region and generally moderate temperatures during September and October.
03
Winter
Lowest fares are often found in January and February, but travelers should prepare for potential snow-related delays.

Trip planning

Who this route suits best.

Business Travelers

High frequency of flights and short travel time between major financial centers.

Leisure Travelers

Quick and easy access to Toronto's diverse culinary, cultural, and sporting attractions.

Connections & alternatives

Montreal

Easy connections available via YYZ for travelers heading further east into Quebec.

San Francisco

A common origin or destination for passengers connecting through the ORD hub.

Field notes

Travel Tips for the Chicago-Toronto Route

Visa & entry

US citizens need a valid passport or a NEXUS card for entry into Canada.
Most international travelers from visa-exempt countries require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA).
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

Airport transfers

The UP Express from YYZ to downtown departs every 15 minutes.
Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft have clearly marked designated pickup zones outside the terminal.
Public transit via GO Transit and the TTC is available for those traveling to the Greater Toronto Area suburbs.

Baggage & transit

Check United's baggage policy as it varies by fare class and MileagePlus status.
Label all checked bags clearly with your destination contact information.
Keep essential medications and travel documents in your carry-on bag at all times.

Checklist

Valid Passport or NEXUS card
Approved eTA for non-US/Canadian citizens
Travel insurance for international medical coverage
United Airlines mobile app installed for boarding passes

Carriers

Airlines Flying Chicago to Toronto

United

Multiple daily flights throughout the week

Primarily uses Boeing 737-800 and occasionally Embraer regional jets

FAQ

Common questions.

Straight answers about flying Chicago to Toronto.

How long is the flight from Chicago ORD to Toronto YYZ?

The flight typically takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes from gate to gate.

Which terminal does United use at Chicago O'Hare?

United Airlines primarily operates out of Terminal 1 at O'Hare International Airport.

Do I need a passport to fly from Chicago to Toronto?

Yes, a valid passport or a NEXUS card is required for international travel between the United States and Canada.

What aircraft is typically used on the United ORD to YYZ route?

United frequently operates this route using the Boeing 737-800, though regional jets like the Embraer 175 are also common.

Is there a time difference between Chicago and Toronto?

Yes, Toronto is in the Eastern Time Zone, which is one hour ahead of Chicago's Central Time Zone.

Keep exploring

Where to next.

Structured data verified

Airports

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)Chicago O'Hare International Airport Toronto Pearson International Airport

Countries & layovers

United States Canada Chicago layover guide Toronto layover guide

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Three steps

1Download the United Airlines mobile app for live flight tracking.
2Use the Borderly platform to check historical on-time performance for route UA-CHI-YYZ.
3Sign up for flight status SMS notifications during the check-in process.

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