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This guide provides helpful information about terminals, parking, transportation options, services, and traveler amenities at Chicago O’Hare Airport to make arrival and departure planning easier.
Introduction to Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport began serving commercial passengers in 1955 after being developed from Orchard Field, a former military manufacturing site that later became one of the most important aviation hubs in the Midwest. Today, its airport code ORD still reflects that original name.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is now one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a primary gateway for travelers arriving in Chicago from across the country and around the world. Located northwest of downtown Chicago, the airport supports hundreds of daily flights and provides extensive domestic and international connections throughout the year.
Understanding how O’Hare Airport is organized before arrival helps travelers move through terminals efficiently and plan ground transportation with confidence.
Where Chicago O’Hare Airport Is Located
Airport address
- 10000 W Balmoral Ave
- Chicago, IL 60666
Airport phone number
- +1 (800) 832-6352
Distance from downtown Chicago
- Approximately 17 miles from the Loop
- Typical drive time: 35 to 60 minutes depending on traffic
Transportation Options to Reach O’Hare Airport
Travelers can choose several reliable transportation methods depending on schedule, budget, and destination.
CTA Blue Line Train
CTA Blue Line
- Direct connection between downtown Chicago and O’Hare Airport
- Travel time approximately 45 minutes
- Operates 24 hours daily
- Accepts contactless payments and Ventra cards
- One of the most economical travel options
Metra North Central Service Routes
- Connects northern suburban communities
- Limited service schedule compared with CTA trains
- Recommended to confirm departure times before travel
Pace Bus Routes
- Serves surrounding suburban areas
- Provides access to airport terminals
- Useful option for travelers staying outside downtown Chicago
Airport Shuttle Services
Shared shuttle services typically include:
- hotel pickup availability
- scheduled group transfers
- door-to-door routing
- travel time averaging about one hour from downtown
Private Limo and Car Service Transfers
Travelers arriving with luggage, business equipment, or group travel plans often prefer arranging airport Limo transportation ahead of time for a smoother transfer between Chicago O’Hare Airport and their destination.
Pre-scheduled limo service helps reduce waiting time after arrival and provides direct transportation to hotels, corporate offices, convention centers, and surrounding suburbs.
Parking Options at Chicago O’Hare Airport
ORD provides several parking solutions depending on travel duration.
Reserved Parking
- Covered garage parking spaces
- Advance reservations available
- Located close to terminal entrances
- Reservation fee applies
Hourly Parking
Best suited for short visits
- Located inside main terminal garage
- Maximum stay up to 24 hours
- Convenient terminal access
Daily Parking
Recommended for overnight travel
- Located near terminal garages
- Suitable for multi-day trips
- Easy terminal connections
Economy Parking
Ideal for longer trips
- Located in Lots F, G, and H
- Lower daily rates than terminal garages
- Free shuttle service operates 24 hours
Valet Parking
Premium parking option
- Available near Terminals 1, 2, and 3
- Staff-assisted vehicle handling
- Pricing varies by demand
Passenger Pickup Areas
Arrival pickup options include:
- curbside lower-level terminal entrances
- short waiting time limits
Alternative waiting area
- free cell-phone waiting lot near Lot G
Terminal Overview at O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare currently operates four active passenger terminals.
Terminal 1
- United Airlines hub operations
- Star Alliance partner carriers
- Concourses B and C
Terminal 2
- Domestic and select international carriers
- Concourses E and F
- Includes seating areas and passenger services
Terminal 3
- American Airlines operations
- Concourses G, H, K, and L
- Serves multiple international airline partners
Terminal 5
- Primary international arrivals terminal
- Customs processing location
- Global airline departures and arrivals
Important notes for travelers
- Terminal 4 is no longer used for passenger service
- Airport Transit System connects terminals outside security
- Some terminals connect via underground walkways
Airlines Operating at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Airlines are grouped by terminal and alliance partnerships.
Typical terminal assignments include
Terminal 1
- United Airlines
- Star Alliance carriers
Terminal 2
- Delta Airlines
- Air Canada
- additional domestic carriers
Terminal 3
- American Airlines
- oneworld alliance partners
Terminal 5
- international airlines serving Europe, Asia, and the Middle East
Travelers should always confirm terminal information before departure.
Airport Lounges at Chicago O’Hare
Premium travelers may access lounges across multiple terminals.
Common lounge features include
- complimentary refreshments
- Wi-Fi access
- charging stations
- quiet seating areas
- shower facilities in select lounges
- workspace seating in business lounges
Lounges are available in
- Terminal 1
- Terminal 2
- Terminal 3
- Terminal 5
Restaurants at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Dining options across terminals include both quick meals and full-service restaurants.
Popular traveler favorites include
- Publican Tavern
- Tortas Frontera
- Berghoff Café
- Beaudevin wine bar
- Garrett Popcorn Shops
Passengers can also find
- coffee shops
- grab-and-go food
- Chicago specialty dining options
- international cuisine selections
Shopping at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Retail stores throughout the airport provide travel essentials and luxury brands.
Examples include
Terminal 1
- Hudson News
- Tech On The Go
- Coach
Terminal 2
- MAC Cosmetics
- Barbara’s Bookstore
- duty-free retail
Terminal 3
- Johnston & Murphy
- L’Occitane
- InMotion Electronics
Terminal 5
- Michael Kors
- Emporio Armani
- Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Hotels Near Chicago O’Hare Airport
Nearby hotels provide convenient overnight accommodation for travelers.
Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport
Key benefits include
- direct terminal walkway access
- sound-reduced guest rooms
- fitness center and pool
- meeting facilities
- on-site restaurants
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago
Highlights include
- complimentary airport shuttle
- large conference facilities
- nearby entertainment district access
- 24-hour fitness center
Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel
Features include
- luxury accommodations
- close access to Rosemont attractions
- nearby shopping and theaters
- event and meeting spaces
Passenger Amenities at Chicago O’Hare Airport
ORD provides extensive traveler services across all terminals.
Available amenities include
Connectivity
- free airport-wide Wi-Fi
Charging access
- device charging stations
- workstation seating areas
Wellness services
- spa treatments
- massage services
- relaxation areas
Family support
- nursing rooms
- baby-care facilities
Additional conveniences
- ATMs and currency exchange
- public art displays
- water refill stations
- prayer chapel
- designated outdoor smoking areas
Getting From Chicago O’Hare Airport to Downtown Chicago and Nearby Areas
After landing at Chicago O’Hare Airport, travelers have several transportation options depending on destination, luggage needs, and arrival time.
Common destinations include
Downtown Chicago (The Loop)
- approximately 35 to 60 minutes by vehicle
- direct highway access via I-90
- convenient for hotels and business travel
Rosemont
- approximately 5 to 10 minutes from the airport
- close to convention centers and entertainment venues
Schaumburg
- approximately 20 to 30 minutes from the airport
- major corporate and retail destination
Naperville
- approximately 40 to 50 minutes travel time
- popular suburban business location
Oak Brook
- approximately 25 to 35 minutes from the airport
- home to corporate campuses and executive offices
