Ohare Airport

How to Survive Chicago O'Hare International (ORD)

Introduction

Chicago O'Hare International (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in terms of flights, and you can get direct connections to every continent. Located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the airport boasts nonstop service to 249 destinations on six different continents.

Once a Douglas manufacturing plant during the Second World War, O'Hare has transformed into a state-of-the-art facility, marrying modern design with amenities that cater to global travelers. This ultimate ORD Airport guide will give both the seasoned traveler and those embarking on their first journey through O'Hare International all you need to know about traveling through one of the busiest hubs around.

Airlines and Destinations

This is O'Hare, a significant hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines that forms the main entrance to an enormous range of domestic and long-haul flights. The airport is served by nearly 50 airlines that fly passengers to 249 nonstop destinations, including 117 international cities in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Asia (total routes are subject to change seasonally).

Leading airlines flying to ORD

• American Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Frontier Airlines

Passenger and Flight Numbers

Being one of the top-rated airports in the world, O'Hare sees a large number of passenger traffic and aircraft movements every year. A record 83 million passengers passed through the airport in 2019, with almost a million aircraft movements -- an average of around 2,520 flights per day (also more than any other) throughout last year.

The COVID-19 pandemic temporarily decreased air travel, but ORD has since returned to its prior levels and is set for ongoing expansion. By 2024, the airport is expected to host around 85 million passengers and handle more than 900,000 aircraft movements, making it one of the key transportation centers.

How to Get Here

Only 17 miles from the Chicago Loop, O'Hare International Airport is easily reached by car or public transportation.

CTA Blue Line Train

The Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Blue Line offers direct rail service from the airport to downtown, with a travel time of around 45 minutes.

Shuttle Buses

A number of shuttle services, including Airport Express and GO Airport Express, provide door-to-door connection between ORD and the various towns within Chicagoland.

Taxis and Rideshare

At the airport, simply wave down one of the numerous taxis or connect your phone with local ride-sharing behemoths like Uber or Lyft for non-stop service to where you're headed.

Rental Cars

Travelers can rent cars from many on-site car rental agencies housed in the Multi-Modal Facility next to the terminals.

Parking

There are various parking lots for travelers at O'Hare International Airport.

Hourly/Daily Parking

The Hourly/Daily parking (located just feet from the terminals) provides Hourly/Daily parking, with rates starting at $3/hour ($42 a day).

Economy Lots

The Economy Lots will provide budget-friendly parking at a daily rate of $17, as well as complimentary shuttle service to the terminals.

Valet Parking

Premium service that offers passengers the option to drop off their vehicle at the terminal and have it waiting upon return.

Transportation Pricing

General transportation expenses for traveling to and from O'Hare Airport:

• CTA Blue Line Train: $2.25 per ride
• Rolling Chair Bicycles: $25-$35 per person / one-way trip
• Taxis — $40 flat rate from downtown Chicago, plus additional fees for luggage and time/distance
• Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): ~$35 from downtown Chicago, prices surge during peak hours
• Rental Cars: Typically range from $50 to $100 per day (price depends on the size of the vehicle and rental company)

Terminal Layout

CHICAGO — Here at O'Hare International Airport, the layout and amenities of the four main terminals vary so widely from one to another that where you spend time will affect what types of services are available.

Terminal 1

This is the largest terminal, housing gates B and C (like Terminal A) with a total of about 55 gates; it functions as the primary hub for American Airlines.

Terminal 2

United Airlines — Terminal 2 has the three concourses (E, F, and G) that are home to United, which totals about 40 gates.

Terminal 3

The airport's largest terminal, Terminal 3 offers passengers a choice of both domestic and international flights out of its three concourses (Gates K1-K24, Parkway N/A Gates L1-L10, and G/H Concourse S).

Terminal 5

Dedicated to international arrivals and departures, Terminal 5 provides global airliners with a total of 24 gates.

Navigate the Airport

O'Hare Airport is huge, but there are ways to efficiently get through the terminals. Key tips include:

• Learn the terminal layout and gate locations ahead of your arrival.
• The airport has teamed up with Smartrestroom to direct passengers to the washrooms, using digital signs -- guiding you to your terminal and gate!
• Use the free Airport Transit System (ATS) shuttle, which makes it easy to travel between all four terminals.
• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at your gate as the O'Hare airport is large, and it may take some time to get from one side of the airport.

Getting Between Terminals

Luckily, O'Hare Airport provides for easy terminal-to-terminal access via the ATS (Airport Transit System), an underground pedestrian passageway with complimentary 24/7 shuttle service that services all four terminals as well as running between US/European International Flights and Economy Lot F / Multi-Modal Facility free of charge. A train in each direction typically arrives every 3-5 minutes during peak hours on its continuous loop around, so even if you miss one, there's never a long wait before your transit buddy shows up.

To help passengers with limited mobility navigate terminal connections and gates, the airport also provides complimentary wheelchair or electric cart support.

Services and Amenities

As well, O'Hare International Airport also features a variety of passenger services and amenities to cater to most passengers, such as the following:

• Lounges — A number of relaxing lounges for eligible passengers, available from airline-operated ones like the American Airlines Admirals Club and United Club to the Delta Sky Club.
• Free Wi-Fi: High-speed wireless internet throughout the airport terminals so you can stay connected while on the move.
• Currency Exchange: Passengers can find foreign exchange counters in Terminals 1, 3, and 5 for those who are looking to convert their money into local cash.
• Medical Facilities: The airport operates a medical station at Terminal 2 which offers general health and first aid services.
• Pet Relief Areas: A pet relief area is available in every terminal to accommodate passengers flying with furry friends.

Restaurants and Shops

An airport as important and busy as the O'Hare International Airport has no shortage of dining establishments or shopping options to cater to all tastes and needs that its passengers may have. With quick-service eateries to gourmet cafes and high-end retail stores as well as duty-free shops, there's something here for everyone.

It has a number of popular eateries like:

• Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless (Terminal 1)
• Publican Tavern (Terminal 3)
• Wicker Park Sushi (Terminal 5)

Popular Retail Outlets

• The Chicago Sports Authority (Terminals 1, 3, and the Rotunda in Terminal 5)
• Marshall's (Terminal 3)
• Terminal 5 — Duty-Free Americas

Security and Customs

Security and customs at O'Hare Airport are pretty easy to navigate, so here are some key information:

Security Checkpoints

• The four terminals each house 10 separate security checkpoints for faster checkpoint access, including TSA PreCheck lanes.
• The checkpoints will be open from 4 a.m. to noon, and the average wait time at security is about 15 minutes during busy times but may rise to as long as 40 minutes during peak travel hours.

Customs and Immigration

• For Global Entry arrival options, passengers arriving on international flights will clear customs and immigration in Terminal 5 - the airport's dedicated international terminal.
• Terminal 5 has Global Entry kiosks for faster customs processing of eligible travelers.

Accessibility

O'Hare International Airport strives to make every aspect of your traveling experience as welcoming and accessible as possible for all passengers, including travelers with disabilities or special needs. Key accessibility features:

• Wheelchair and electric cart access with notice
• Terminal-wide relief areas for service dogs
• Braille and audio guidance for passengers
• Quiet rooms and sensory-friendly spaces for travelers needing a break
• Guidance for passengers with hidden disabilities, including those with cognitive issues, mobility challenges, and more.

Travel Tips

Follow these tips to make your trip before traveling through O'Hare Airport:

• Leave plenty of time to get through the airport, including busy travel periods.
• Learn how the terminal is set up and where your gates are (for once, not when you arrive).
• If you connect, charge up and stay connected via the free Wi-Fi and charge plugs available at the airport.
• Enjoy the extensive shopping and restaurant options, so you can shop or dine until it's time for your flight.
• Find direct routes to your gate or use wayfinding tools and amenities -- like on-property digital displays, directory screens, and mobile-wayfinding apps to find restaurants/food concessions.
• If you have an exhaustive layover, consider opting for any airport lounges for a calm and refreshed stay.
• Utilize the detailed guide and extensive O'Hare International Airport resources to fly with confidence through one of aviation's busiest hubs, allowing you a seamless and pleasurable travel experience.