Chicago O Hare Airport (ORD)

Overview: ORD's Layout and Inter-Terminal Transit

O'Hare has four numbered passenger terminals — 1, 2, 3, and 5 (there is no Terminal 4). Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are physically connected via airside walkways and share a common secure zone — passengers connecting between these terminals can stay post-security, though distances are substantial (15–30 minutes of walking between the far ends of T1 and T3). Terminal 5 is the international terminal and is not connected airside to Terminals 1–3; transfers between T5 and the domestic cluster require the free Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB) (airside, 11:30 AM–9:30 PM only) or the Airport Transit System (ATS) train (24/7, requires re-clearing security). The ATS is a free automated train connecting all terminals and the Multi-Modal Facility (car rental, economy parking) and runs every 3–8 minutes, 24/7.

Terminal 1 — United Airlines Hub

Terminal 1 is O'Hare's most architecturally celebrated terminal, designed by renowned architect Helmut Jahn (Murphy/Jahn) and opened in 1987. Its soaring glass-and-steel structure won multiple architectural awards and remains one of the most admired airport interiors in the United States. The terminal has 54 gates across two concourses:

• Concourse B (B1–B24): The main attached concourse with check-in, baggage claim, and a United Club lounge near Gates B6 and B18. Gates serve primarily domestic United flights.
• Concourse C (C1–C31): A satellite concourse connected by an iconic 750-foot underground pedestrian tunnel with a stunning neon light-and-sound installation ("Sky's the Limit") by artist Michael Hayden — a beloved ORD landmark and Instagram stop. The walk takes 10–15 minutes. Concourse C houses international United gates, a United Club (near C16), and the flagship United Polaris Lounge (near C18) — one of the best airline lounges in North America, offering full à la carte dining for United Polaris business class passengers.

Airlines: United Airlines (Star Alliance), Lufthansa (Star Alliance), All Nippon Airways / ANA (Star Alliance). Amenities include Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless (near B11), Garrett Popcorn (B8), The Field Museum Store (B8), Starbucks, Hudson News, Mamava lactation pods (C23 and C11), and children's play areas.

Terminal 2 — United Express, JetBlue, Air Canada

Terminal 2 is a mid-sized terminal with 41 gates across two concourses (E: E1–E17; F: F1–F28). It primarily handles United Express regional flights, as well as Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, Alaska Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The terminal includes a United Club lounge in Concourse F. A multifaith chapel is located on the mezzanine level above the ticketing counters — one of the few dedicated airport chapels in the US.

Terminal 2 is earmarked for complete replacement as part of the O'Hare Global Terminal (OGT) project — groundbreaking occurred in August 2025. The new world-class terminal, designed by architect Jeanne Gang (Studio Gang) in collaboration with SCB and Corgan, will replace T2 with a unified domestic-international facility featuring innovative biophilic design. Expected opening: early 2030s. The $8.5 billion total O'Hare 21 project is the largest aviation capital program in US history.

Terminal 3 — American Airlines Hub

Terminal 3 is O'Hare's largest terminal by gate count, with 76+ gates across four concourses (G, H, K, L), serving as the primary hub for American Airlines (oneworld). It also handles select international oneworld departures and Spirit Airlines. Each concourse has its own character:

• Concourse G: Admirals Club lounge near G8; mostly domestic AA flights.
• Concourse H & K: Connected via a rotunda with the American Airlines Flagship Lounge (between H and K) — one of only a handful of this premium class of AA lounge in the US, serving international first and business class passengers. Tortas Frontera at K4 is the most popular restaurant at ORD.
• Concourse L: Admirals Club near L, handling international AA departures including transatlantic routes. British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Japan Airlines also operate from Terminal 3.

Terminal 3 also has the best post-security pet relief area (in the Rotunda), a children's play area near K, Publican Tavern (upscale craft beer and food near K), and Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi. A 19-gate Concourse D expansion broke ground in August 2025, designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with striking tree-like columns inspired by O'Hare's "Orchard Field" origins. Expected completion: 2028.

Terminal 5 — International Terminal

Terminal 5 is O'Hare's dedicated international terminal, with 36 gates on a single sprawling Concourse M (M1–M40). All international arrivals clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at Terminal 5, regardless of which terminal the flight departed from. Terminal 5 was recently expanded and modernized, adding 10 new gates and upgraded customs facilities.

Key international airlines at Terminal 5 include: Air France, KLM, Turkish Airlines, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Aeromexico, LOT Polish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Copa Airlines, Avianca, Delta Air Lines (domestic and international from Terminal 5), and others. The terminal has expanded dining (including Tortas Frontera at M12) and duty-free shopping.

Lounges in Terminal 5: Air France Lounge (near M17, Priority Pass accessible); Delta Sky Club (near M13, Delta elite/Amex Platinum); LOT Polish Airlines Lounge (near M19/20); independent Swissport Lounge (near M13, Priority Pass/pay-per-use). Duty-free shops: near M14 and M20.

Getting To and From O'Hare: Complete Ground Transportation Guide

O'Hare is exceptionally well connected to Downtown Chicago (The Loop, approximately 27 km / 17 miles southeast). The CTA Blue Line train is widely regarded as the best option for most travelers — fast, reliable, not subject to road traffic, and extremely affordable. Allow 40–50 minutes from ORD to the city center. Traffic on the I-90/I-94 Expressway can add 30–60 minutes during rush hours, so car-based options require careful planning.

CTA Blue Line (O'Hare Branch)

The CTA Blue Line is the gold standard for ORD transit. The train station is located on the lower level of Terminals 1, 2, and 3 — follow signs for "CTA Train" from any baggage claim. The Blue Line runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year including holidays. Trains depart every 10 minutes during peak hours (6 AM–10 PM); every 15–30 minutes overnight.

• Journey time to Downtown (Clark/Lake Station): approximately 40–45 minutes
• Fare from O'Hare: $5.00 (airport premium; standard CTA fare is $2.50 but a $2.50 surcharge applies departing ORD). Return trip to ORD from downtown is $2.50.
• Payment: Ventra card (reloadable, purchase at vending machines in the station) or contactless bank card. Cash not accepted on trains.
• Key stops: O'Hare → Rosemont → Cumberland → Harlem (I-90/94 junction) → ... → Wicker Park → Chicago (River North) → Clark/Lake (The Loop) → UIC-Halsted → Midway transfer connections

Metra UP-NW Line (Commuter Rail)

The Metra Union Pacific Northwest Line serves O'Hare Transfer station — a 5–10 minute free ATS (Airport Transit System) shuttle ride from the terminals. Metra offers a connection into Chicago's Ogilvie Transportation Center (Greektown/West Loop), with a journey time of approximately 30–35 minutes. Fare approximately $5.50 one-way. Metra runs on a weekday-heavy schedule and does not operate 24 hours — not recommended for late-night arrivals. Best for travelers staying in the West Loop or Fulton Market area.

Coach/Express Bus

Several regional bus services connect ORD to downtown Chicago and suburban areas:

• CTA Bus Route 330 (Jefferson Park Express) — connects ORD to Jefferson Park Transit Center (Blue Line connection), operating limited hours.
• Pace Bus — suburban bus network with routes to Elk Grove Village, Rosemont, Schaumburg, and other northwest suburbs from the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF).
• Various charter and hotel shuttle buses operate from the lower level of each terminal under the orange/green overhead signs.

Taxi

Chicago taxis are metered (City of Chicago tariff) and available at the lower level (arrivals curb) of each terminal. Taxi stands are clearly signed. Typical fares to Downtown Chicago (The Loop):

• Downtown Chicago (The Loop): $50–$70, approximately 30–45 minutes off-peak, up to 75 minutes during rush hour. Base rate: $3.25 flag fall + $1.80/mile.
• Shared taxi (to same downtown neighborhood): flat-rate $15–$20 per person — ask the taxi dispatcher at the curb to be matched with others.
• Midway Airport (MDW): approximately $55–$75
• Nighttime surcharge (8 PM–6 AM): $1 extra. No additional luggage fee. Additional passengers: $1 each over 12 years old.

Ride-Sharing (Uber, Lyft)

Uber and Lyft are available at O'Hare. Pickup zones are designated at Terminal 2 (upper level, zones A–D color-coded outside doors 2A and 2E). Follow the rideshare signage from your terminal — all passengers use the Terminal 2 pickup point. Dropoff is permitted at any terminal's upper/departures curb. Typical fares:

• Downtown Chicago (UberX): $35–$60 off-peak; surge pricing can reach $80–$120 during rush hour or events.
• O'Hare to Midway: $40–$65

Note: The Terminal 2 rideshare hub is frequently criticized for being inconvenient — especially for passengers arriving at Terminals 1, 3, or 5. Consider the CTA Blue Line as a stress-free alternative.

Car Rental

All major car rental companies operate from the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), connected to all terminals via the free Airport Transit System (ATS) train. Rental counters are located on Level 1 of the MMF. Companies include: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Dollar, Thrifty, Sixt, and Fox. Daily rates typically range $40–$100/day economy. Book online in advance for the best rates.

Hotel Shuttles

Numerous hotels within 5–10 km of ORD offer free 24/7 shuttle service. Look for hotel-branded signs on the lower/arrivals level outside each terminal. Call your hotel upon landing — most respond within 10–20 minutes. Particularly convenient for the Rosemont, Elk Grove Village, and Des Plaines hotel clusters just north and east of the airport.

Hotel Inside the Airport

Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport — ★★★★ — The only hotel physically connected to the terminal complex, accessible via a skywalk from Terminal 2. This 860-room full-service hotel is the premier choice for layover passengers and business travelers. Rates typically $150–$280/night. Features: fitness center, heated indoor pool, spa, multiple restaurants and bars (including Andiamo restaurant open until midnight), and 24-hour room service. The direct terminal connection is invaluable during harsh Chicago winters. Request a room on an upper floor facing away from the runway for the quietest stay.

Hotels Within 5 km

Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago — ★★★★ — Located in Rosemont directly adjacent to the airport complex with a 24/7 free shuttle. Rates from $130–$220/night. 1,096 rooms with convention facilities, multiple restaurants, and a fitness center. Popular for business events.

Marriott Chicago O'Hare — ★★★★ — On Mannheim Road, 5 minutes by free shuttle. Rates from $120–$200/night. 681 rooms, outdoor pool, fitness center, The Terrace Restaurant. Good value for a full-service brand at ORD.

Sheraton Grand Chicago O'Hare — ★★★★ — In Rosemont, 5 minutes from ORD. Rates from $120–$210/night. Free airport shuttle, fitness center, Club Lounge access for SPG members.

Aloft Chicago O'Hare — ★★★ — In Rosemont, contemporary boutique-style hotel with free shuttle. Rates $90–$160/night. Good gym, rooftop pool, W XYZ bar. Popular with younger travelers.

Hampton Inn Chicago O'Hare International Airport — ★★★ — Budget-friendly option in Rosemont with free airport shuttle and breakfast. Rates $85–$140/night. Reliable choice for early departures.

Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conf. Center — ★★★★ — In Rosemont, excellent convention facilities. Free 24/7 shuttle. Rates $110–$185/night.

Budget Options

Several budget motels cluster along Mannheim Road and Lee Street in Des Plaines and Elk Grove Village, 3–8 km from ORD, offering rates from $55–$95/night. Most offer free airport shuttle service. Look for Super 8, Red Roof Inn O'Hare, and Days Inn in these areas. Elk Grove Village has the densest budget hotel cluster east of the airport.

Airside Accommodation

The Hilton O'Hare's direct terminal connection (Terminal 2 skywalk) effectively functions as the closest thing to an airside hotel — you can reach it without going through security. For short naps and rest without checking into a hotel, Terminal 1's United Polaris Lounge offers day beds for business class passengers, and the Terminal 5 Air France Lounge has reclining chairs accessible to Priority Pass members.

O'Hare On-Airport Parking Options

O'Hare International Airport offers a range of parking options from short-term hourly to economy long-term. All rates include applicable taxes. Online reservations are strongly recommended during peak travel periods (summer, Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break) to guarantee availability.

Short-Term Parking

Level 1 of the Main Garage is designed for stays under 3 hours — perfect for drop-offs and quick pickups. The 15-minute grace period allows very brief stops without charge. After 3 hours, rates escalate rapidly; for stays over 8 hours, economy lots represent dramatically better value.

Long-Term / Economy Parking

Economy Lot F is located on Levels 4–5 of the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd — covered parking with direct ATS train access to all terminals 24/7. At $22/day, it's more expensive than Lot G but far more convenient and protected from weather. Economy Lot G at $15/day is the cheapest on-airport option but is open-air and relies on a shuttle bus to the MMF. For a week's parking at Lot G vs the Main Garage: $105 vs $294 — significant savings. Off-airport lots in Elk Grove Village offer rates from $6–$10/day with free shuttle service, providing further savings of 30–50%.

Cell Phone Waiting Lot

Free waiting for drivers picking up passengers. Located on Zemke Boulevard — follow brown "Cell Phone Lot" signs from the I-190 airport access road. Free for up to 2 hours; drivers must remain in their vehicles. A digital arrivals board is posted at the lot.

EV Charging

32 Level 2 EV charging stations are available at ORD — six on Level 1 of the Main Garage (free, first-come-first-served) and additional stations in the Multi-Modal Facility (Economy Lot F, Level 4). 14 Level 3 DC fast chargers are at the Chicago Travel Plaza near the airport. Charging in the Main Garage is currently free beyond the parking fee.

Payment

All parking facilities accept: Cash, MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Discover, Diners Club. Contact the parking garage office at (773) 686-7530 for assistance. Online reservations available at flychicago.com/ohare.

WiFi at O'Hare

Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals and concourses. Connect to the network "_Free_ORD_Wi-Fi" or "Boingo Hotspot" — no registration required, no time limit. Speeds are generally adequate for streaming and video calls. Premium speeds are available through a paid Boingo subscription or within airline lounges via their own networks.

Airline Lounges

• United Polaris Lounge (T1, Concourse C) — World-class business class lounge with full à la carte dining, private day suites for rest, and a spa. Accessible to United Polaris/Business and Star Alliance Business partners.
• United Club (T1 Concourse B near B6/B18; T1 Concourse C near C16; T2 Concourse E; T2 Concourse F) — Multiple locations throughout the United terminal complex. Membership or day pass ($59) required.
• American Airlines Flagship Lounge (T3, between H and K) — Premium lounge with dining for international first/business class passengers. One of AA's best.
• American Airlines Admirals Club (T3 near G8; T3 near H/K junction; T3 Concourse L) — Three locations. Membership or day pass ($79) required.
• Air France Lounge (T5, near M17) — Priority Pass accepted; also open to AF/KLM/Delta SkyTeam premium passengers.
• Delta Sky Club (T5, near M13) — Delta elite members and Amex Platinum cardholders.
• Swissport Lounge (T5, near M13) — Priority Pass and pay-per-use ($35–$45); decent international option.
• LOT Polish Airlines Lounge (T5, near M19/20) — Accessible to LOT Business and Star Alliance partners.

Shopping

Duty-free shopping (DFS Group) is available post-security in all terminals — near gates B9, C17, F5, K5, M14, and M20. ORD's retail highlights include: The Field Museum Store (T1, B8) — excellent Chicago-themed gifts and natural history items; Garrett Popcorn (multiple terminals) — Chicago's famous Chicago Mix (cheese + caramel) popcorn is an ORD institution worth the wait; Brooks Brothers and other fashion in Terminal 3; various newsstand/tech shops (Hudson News, InMotion) across all terminals. Be aware that many shops close by 8–10 PM.

Dining

O'Hare has significantly elevated its food and beverage offerings. Must-try options:

• Tortas Frontera (T1 near B11; T3 near K4; T5 near M12) — Created by James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill fame. The chipotle chicken torta and Cubana sandwich are legendary. Open 5 AM–9 PM. Order ahead on ChowNow to skip the line.
• Publican Tavern (T3, near Concourse K) — Upscale pub fare: bone-in pork chop, roasted salmon, excellent craft beer selection. Open 5:30 AM–8:30 PM.
• Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi (T3) — Surprisingly high-quality sushi for an airport setting.
• Cibo Express Gourmet Markets (multiple terminals) — Grab-and-go fresh options.
• National chains throughout: Starbucks, McDonald's, Subway, Dunkin', Jamba Juice, Potbelly.

Warning: Most ORD restaurants close by 8–10 PM. Late-night options are very limited — stock up before 9 PM if you have a red-eye flight.

Medical Facilities

First aid stations are available in all terminals. A pharmacy/medical kiosk is located post-security in Terminal 3. For emergencies, call Chicago Police (Airport Detail): 312-686-2385. Automated Extern Defibrillators (AEDs) are mounted throughout all terminals and concourses.

Family Facilities

• Mamava Lactation Pods — Located in Terminal 1 (C23, C11), Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Private, lockable pods with outlets and USB ports.
• Nursing Rooms — Available throughout all terminals and in the Multi-Modal Facility.
• Children's Play Areas — Located in Terminal 3 (near K concourse).
• Pet Relief Areas — Post-security in Terminal 3 Rotunda (most convenient), and pre-security outside each terminal. Service animal relief is available throughout.
• Family Security Lanes — Available at TSA checkpoints — ask officers for assistance.

Accessibility (PRM Services)

O'Hare is fully ADA-compliant. Wheelchair assistance must be requested at least 48 hours before departure through your airline. Accessible restrooms are in all terminals. The ATS train and all terminal shuttles are wheelchair accessible. Travelers Aid volunteers assist at all terminals — look for the blue "Travelers Aid" desk.

Currency Exchange

Travelex operates currency exchange counters in the international arrivals area of Terminal 5 and in Terminal 1. Airport rates carry a significant premium (5–10% worse than mid-market). Better alternative: use ATMs available in all terminals — located both pre- and post-security. Fee-free cards (Charles Schwab, Capital One) are recommended for best rates.

Luggage Storage

O'Hare does not operate a centralized left-luggage facility. Use app-based services Bounce or Stasher, which partner with nearby hotels and businesses in Rosemont and O'Hare area for short-term storage ($6–$12/day per bag). Alternatively, the Hilton O'Hare hotel (Terminal 2 connected) typically accommodates luggage storage for a fee.

Smoking Policy

ORD is a 100% smoke-free airport, including e-cigarettes and vaping. No smoking is permitted inside any terminal, concourse, or the ATS train. Designated outdoor smoking areas exist outside the terminal buildings, pre-security only. Violations are subject to fines.

Prayer/Chapel

A multifaith chapel is located on the mezzanine level of Terminal 2, above the JetBlue and Alaska Airlines ticket counters — accessible pre-security. Open to passengers of all faiths. Additionally, quiet meditation spaces can be found throughout Terminal 5.

Showers

Public shower facilities are not widely available at ORD outside airline lounges. The United Polaris Lounge (T1, Concourse C) offers premium shower suites with full amenities for United Polaris passengers. The Admirals Club Flagship Lounge (T3) offers showers for AA international first/business passengers. For non-lounge passengers, the Hilton O'Hare hotel (T2 connected) offers day-rate rooms and shower access.

Hub Airlines at ORD

O'Hare is North America's only airport operating as a dual hub for two competing mega-carriers simultaneously — an arrangement that has existed since the 1970s and drives intense competition and route diversity.

• United Airlines (Star Alliance) — Market leader with 46.3% share (37.08M passengers, Feb 2024–Jan 2025). Terminal 1. Extensive domestic, Pacific, Atlantic, and Latin American network.
• American Airlines (oneworld) — Second carrier with 29.2% share (23.4M passengers). Terminal 3. Major transatlantic hub and domestic connector.

Star Alliance Carriers (Terminal 1 / Terminal 5)

• United Airlines, Lufthansa (T1), All Nippon Airways/ANA (T1), Swiss International Air Lines (T5), TAP Air Portugal (T5), Avianca (T5), Copa Airlines (T5), Air Canada (T2), LOT Polish Airlines (T5), Ethiopian Airlines (T5), Turkish Airlines (T5)

oneworld Carriers (Terminal 3)

• American Airlines, British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Finnair, Alaska Airlines (T2), Royal Jordanian

SkyTeam Carriers (Terminal 5)

• Delta Air Lines (T5 for domestic and international), Air France (T5), KLM (T5), Aeromexico (T5)

Low-Cost & Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers

• Spirit Airlines (T3), JetBlue Airways (T2), Frontier Airlines (T3), Volaris (T5)

Top Busiest Routes from ORD (2024)

Key long-haul destinations from ORD include: Tokyo (NRT/HND via United/ANA), Frankfurt, London, Paris CDG, Amsterdam, Zurich, Warsaw, Dubai, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Sydney. United alone operates more than 175 routes from ORD, including 15 European routes in summer 2025.

Distances from O'Hare International Airport

O'Hare International Airport — Passenger Traffic Statistics

O'Hare International Airport was the world's busiest airport by passenger volume from 1963 to 1998 — a reign of 35 years. After ceding the top spot to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, it has remained consistently among the world's top five. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a historic collapse in 2020, but recovery at ORD has been exceptionally strong, with 2025 on pace to surpass the 2019 all-time record of 84.65 million passengers.

Aircraft movements in 2024 totaled approximately 760,000+, and 2025 FAA data confirmed 857,392 total takeoffs and landings — placing ORD ahead of Atlanta as the world's busiest airport by aircraft movements, reclaiming a distinction last held in 2019 (919,704 movements). O'Hare holds the world record for most runways (8 active) and historically operated more than 2,400 flights daily. Cargo volume exceeds 2 million metric tons annually, ranking ORD #1 in North America by cargo value (pharmaceuticals, electronics, financial instruments). United Airlines alone set a record of 1.8 million passengers at ORD in July 2025.

The busiest month historically is July; the busiest individual days fall around the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, and the Friday before Independence Day. The all-time single-day record was set on July 20, 2025: 115,962 passengers screened by TSA — the highest ever for any single day at ORD.