The flight distance from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago, United States to Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa is 14,410 kilometers (8,954 miles / 7,781 nautical miles). The estimated flight time for this route is approximately 18h, flying east at a heading of 97°.

This is an ultra-long-haul route, one of the longest in aviation. It requires wide-body aircraft with extended range capability such as the Airbus A350-900ULR or Boeing 777-200LR. Passengers should prepare for an extended flight with multiple meal services.

This is an international route connecting United States with South Africa. It is an intercontinental flight between North America and Africa. Travelers should check visa requirements, customs regulations, and any travel advisories before booking.

Time zone information: When it's 03:19 in Chicago, it's 11:19 in Pietermaritzburg. With a 8-hour time difference, travelers should plan for significant jet lag. It typically takes one day per hour of time difference to fully adjust.

There is a significant elevation difference of 1,743 feet between the two airports. Pietermaritzburg Airport sits higher than Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

The return flight from Pietermaritzburg (PZB) to Chicago (ORD) follows a heading of 302° (west northwest). Actual flight times may vary depending on wind conditions, air traffic, and the specific aircraft used.

For more information about these airports, visit the Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Pietermaritzburg Airport (PZB) detail pages, or use our flight duration calculator to compare other routes.