The route from Chicago O'Hare to Copenhagen Kastrup connects the heart of the American Midwest with one of Scandinavia's most charming capitals. Covering roughly 4,250 miles, the journey typically takes between eight and nine hours on a nonstop flight, making it one of the more comfortable transatlantic crossings to northern Europe. Travelers leaving in the evening usually arrive in Denmark by mid-morning, ready to step into the cobblestoned streets of Nyhavn or grab a coffee at one of the city's countless cafés.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has long operated this corridor, often offering seasonal nonstop service, while United Airlines also maintains a presence depending on the time of year. When direct options are limited, travelers frequently connect through major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, or Reykjavik, with Icelandair providing a particularly scenic alternative via Keflavik. Connection times vary, but a one-stop itinerary generally adds three to five hours to the total travel time.
The best time to fly from Chicago to Copenhagen depends on what kind of trip you're after. Late spring through early autumn brings long daylight hours, mild temperatures, and a city alive with outdoor dining, harbor swimming, and music festivals like Roskilde. June and July are peak season, with prices climbing accordingly. Shoulder months such as May and September offer pleasant weather with thinner crowds. Winter trips can be magical, especially around Christmas when Tivoli Gardens transforms into a glowing market, though daylight is short and fares to Scandinavia tend to dip after the holidays.
Seasoned travelers on this route recommend a few practical tips. Try to sleep on the eastbound leg, since you'll lose seven hours and arrive in the morning local time. Pack layers regardless of season, as Danish weather shifts quickly. Copenhagen Airport is famously efficient, and the metro into the city center takes only about 15 minutes, so there's no need to overpay for a taxi. Pre-ordering Danish kroner isn't necessary either; cards are accepted almost everywhere, including for small purchases.
What makes this particular route interesting is the contrast it offers. You leave behind the sprawling skyline and deep-dish energy of Chicago and land in a compact, design-forward city built around bicycles, water, and centuries of maritime history. For business travelers, Copenhagen is a gateway to the wider Nordic region, while leisure visitors often use it as a launching point for trips to Sweden, Norway, or the Danish coast. Either way, the flight bridges two distinctly different worlds in a single overnight hop.