Direct (nonstop) flights from Chicago to Frankfurt

2 airlines fly nonstop from Chicago O Hare International (ORD) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA). It's 4,343 miles (6,989 km), about 8h 20m in the air. Operated by Lufthansa, United Airlines.

ORD
Chicago O Hare International
🇺🇸 Chicago, USA
FRA
Frankfurt Airport
🇩🇪 Frankfurt, Germany
Flight Time
8h 20m
Distance
4,343 mi
6,989 km
CO₂/pax
664 kg
−32 kg vs. layover
Airlines
2
Lufthansa +1
Time Diff
+7h
Operated by Lufthansa Lufthansa United Airlines United Airlines

Route data last updated: May 27, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

Lufthansa LH Lufthansa
Route
ORD → FRA
Flight Time
8h 20m
Distance
4,343 mi
United Airlines UA United Airlines
Route
ORD → FRA
Flight Time
8h 20m
Distance
4,343 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from Chicago to Frankfurt with one stop · direct emits 664 kg CO₂ per passenger

ORD BRU (Brussels) FRA
Leg 1: 8h (4,159 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (190 mi) Total: ~9h 10m 🍃 696 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → BRU
8h · 4,159 mi
View ORD to BRU flights →
Leg 2
BRU → FRA
1h 10m · 190 mi
View BRU to FRA flights →
ORD CDG (Paris) FRA
Leg 1: 8h 5m (4,153 mi) Leg 2: 1h 15m (280 mi) Total: ~9h 20m 🍃 712 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → CDG
8h 5m · 4,153 mi
View ORD to CDG flights →
Leg 2
CDG → FRA
1h 15m · 280 mi
View CDG to FRA flights →
ORD AMS (Amsterdam) FRA
Leg 1: 8h 13m (4,120 mi) Leg 2: 1h 10m (227 mi) Total: ~9h 23m 🍃 697 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → AMS
8h 13m · 4,120 mi
View ORD to AMS flights →
Leg 2
AMS → FRA
1h 10m · 227 mi
View AMS to FRA flights →
ORD SNN (Shannon) FRA
Leg 1: 7h 25m (3,590 mi) Leg 2: 1h 58m (776 mi) Total: ~9h 23m 🍃 718 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → SNN
7h 25m · 3,590 mi
View ORD to SNN flights →
Leg 2
SNN → FRA
1h 58m · 776 mi
View SNN to FRA flights →
ORD DTW (Detroit) FRA
Leg 1: 1h 27m (234 mi) Leg 2: 7h 58m (4,161 mi) Total: ~9h 25m 🍃 704 kg CO₂ (+6% vs. direct)
Leg 1
ORD → DTW
1h 27m · 234 mi
View ORD to DTW flights →
Leg 2
DTW → FRA
7h 58m · 4,161 mi
View DTW to FRA flights →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from Chicago to Frankfurt?

A nonstop flight from Chicago (ORD) to Frankfurt (FRA) takes approximately 8 hours and 20 minutes. The distance is 4,343 miles (6,989 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from Chicago to Frankfurt?

2 airlines: Lufthansa, United Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from Chicago to Frankfurt?

Yes. 2 airlines: Lufthansa, United Airlines.

How far is Chicago from Frankfurt?

The flight distance from Chicago to Frankfurt is 4,343 miles (6,989 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as New York to Rome.

What is the time difference between Chicago and Frankfurt?

Frankfurt is 7 hours ahead of Chicago. (America/Chicago vs Europe/Berlin.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from Chicago to Frankfurt?

Probably — 7-hour time difference means moderate jet lag. Expect about 1 day of adjustment per hour of shift. Flying eastward is generally harder to adjust to.

What type of aircraft flies from Chicago to Frankfurt?

At 8h 20m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from USA to Germany?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Germany embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from Chicago to Frankfurt?

Roughly 664 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 3,320 km.

Is the return flight from Frankfurt to Chicago also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from Chicago to Frankfurt?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Chicago O Hare International for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.