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This guide outlines terminals, parking options, travel connections, nearby hotels, and essential passenger services at Chicago O’Hare Airport to help travelers prepare before arriving or departing from ORD.
Overview of Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare International Airport began operating as a commercial airport in 1955 after developing from Orchard Field, a manufacturing airfield that supported aviation production during World War II. The airport code ORD still reflects its original Orchard Field name today.
O’Hare Airport has since grown into one of the busiest aviation centers in the United States, connecting travelers to major cities across North America as well as international destinations worldwide. Located northwest of downtown Chicago, the airport serves millions of passengers annually and functions as a central transportation gateway for the Midwest region.
Understanding the layout and services available at O’Hare Airport before traveling helps passengers navigate terminals efficiently and organize ground transfers more comfortably.
Location of Chicago O’Hare Airport
Airport address
10000 W Balmoral Ave
Chicago, IL 60666
Airport phone number
+1 (800) 832-6352
Distance from downtown Chicago
- Approximately 17 miles northwest of the Loop
- Average driving time ranges from 35 to 60 minutes
Quick airport highlights
- Opened to passenger travel in 1955
- Named after Medal of Honor recipient Edward “Butch” O’Hare
- Airport code originates from Orchard Field
- One of the largest airport hubs in North America
Transportation Options to Chicago O’Hare Airport
Passengers can reach O’Hare Airport using several dependable travel methods depending on their location and schedule.
CTA Blue Line Route
- connects downtown Chicago directly with O’Hare Airport
- operates 24 hours daily
- travel time averages about 45 minutes
- accepts contactless payment and Ventra transit cards
Metra North Central Service
- serves northern suburban communities
- limited schedule compared with CTA rail service
- useful for commuters traveling toward airport corridor areas
Pace Suburban Bus Network
- connects outer suburban locations
- provides additional airport access routes
- practical option outside central Chicago
Airport Shuttle Transfers
Shared shuttle transportation typically offers:
- hotel pickup availability
- scheduled group travel service
- direct terminal drop-off coordination
- travel time near one hour from downtown Chicago
Private Limo Transfers
Travelers carrying luggage, arriving late at night, or coordinating group travel often arrange airport transportation in advance for direct connections between Chicago O’Hare Airport and surrounding destinations.
Parking Facilities at O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare Airport provides multiple parking choices depending on trip length.
Reserved Garage Parking
- covered parking spaces near terminals
- advance reservation available
- convenient terminal proximity
Hourly Parking Garage
Recommended for short visits
- located inside main terminal garage
- accessible to domestic terminals
- maximum stay up to 24 hours
Daily Parking Areas
Suitable for overnight trips
- located adjacent to terminal garages
- easy shuttle and walking access
Economy Parking Lots
Best option for extended travel
- located in Lots F, G, and H
- lower daily pricing
- shuttle service available throughout the day
Valet Parking Service
Premium parking option
- available near Terminals 1, 2, and 3
- staff-assisted vehicle handling
- pricing varies depending on availability
Passenger Pickup Zones
Arrival pickup areas include:
- curbside lower-level terminal entrances
- short waiting time limits
Alternative waiting location:
- free cell-phone waiting lot near Lot G
Terminal Layout at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare currently operates four primary passenger terminals.
Terminal 1
- United Airlines hub operations
- Star Alliance airline partners
- Concourses B and C
Terminal 2
- domestic airlines and select international carriers
- Concourses E and F
- passenger seating and services available
Terminal 3
- American Airlines operations
- Concourses G, H, K, and L
- additional partner airline connections
Terminal 5
- international arrival terminal
- customs processing services
- global airline departures
Important traveler note:
- Terminal 4 is no longer used for passenger flights
- Airport Transit System connects terminals outside security
- underground pedestrian walkways link select terminals
Airline Operations at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Airlines are grouped by terminal and alliance network partnerships.
Typical assignments include:
Terminal 1
- United Airlines
- Star Alliance partners
Terminal 2
- Delta Airlines
- Air Canada
- additional domestic carriers
Terminal 3
- American Airlines
- oneworld alliance partners
Terminal 5
- international carriers serving Europe, Asia, and Middle East destinations
Passengers should confirm terminal assignments before arriving.
Lounges Available at O’Hare Airport
Airport lounges operate across several terminals.
Common lounge features include:
- complimentary refreshments
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- charging stations
- quiet seating areas
- shower facilities in select lounges
- workspace seating areas
Lounges operate in:
- Terminal 1
- Terminal 2
- Terminal 3
- Terminal 5
Dining Options at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Passengers can find a wide range of restaurants across terminals.
Popular locations include:
- Publican Tavern
- Tortas Frontera
- Berghoff Café
- Beaudevin wine bar
- Garrett Popcorn Shops
Additional dining choices include:
- coffee shops
- grab-and-go meals
- Chicago specialty cuisine
- international menu selections
Shopping at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Retail stores across terminals 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 shops
Terminal 3
- Johnston & Murphy
- L’Occitane
- InMotion Electronics
Terminal 5
- Michael Kors
- Emporio Armani
- Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Hotels Near Chicago O’Hare Airport
Nearby accommodations provide convenient overnight travel options.
Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport
- connected directly to terminals
- sound-reduced guest rooms
- fitness center and meeting facilities
Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago
- complimentary airport shuttle service
- conference and event spaces
- nearby entertainment district access
Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel
- upscale accommodations
- access to Rosemont attractions
- nearby dining and shopping areas
Traveling from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Downtown Chicago and Nearby Areas
After landing at Chicago O’Hare Airport, travelers can reach major business districts and surrounding suburbs depending on destination distance and traffic conditions.
Common travel routes include:
Downtown Chicago
- approximately 35 to 60 minutes via I-90
Rosemont
- approximately 5 to 10 minutes
Schaumburg
- approximately 20 to 30 minutes
Naperville
- approximately 40 to 50 minutes
Oak Brook
- approximately 25 to 35 minutes
Scheduling pickup service before arrival helps simplify transfers between terminals, hotels, corporate offices, and suburban destinations. Travelers can also arrange direct transfers between Chicago O’Hare Airport and surrounding locations through Super Limo Service for scheduled airport pickup coordination.
FAQs
How far is Chicago O’Hare Airport from downtown Chicago?
Chicago O’Hare Airport is about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Travel time typically ranges between 35 and 60 minutes depending on traffic.
Which terminal handles international flights at O’Hare Airport?
Terminal 5 serves most international arrivals and departures, although some partner airlines operate from other terminals.
Is there a train from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport?
Yes. The CTA Blue Line provides a direct rail connection between downtown Chicago and Chicago O’Hare Airport and operates 24 hours daily.
How early should passengers arrive before flights at O’Hare Airport?
Travelers should arrive about two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international departures.
Are there hotels near Chicago O’Hare Airport terminals?
Yes. Several hotels operate within the airport area or a short drive away, including accommodations connected directly to terminal walkways.
Can travelers arrange limo pickup from O’Hare Airport before arrival?
Yes. Many travelers schedule pickup service ahead of arrival to ensure smoother transfers after landing, especially during busy travel periods.