Chicago O’Hare Airport Guide ORD

Estimated reading time: approximately 7 minutes

This traveler guide explains terminals, parking areas, transportation choices, nearby hotels, and essential services available at Chicago O’Hare Airport to help visitors plan arrivals and departures smoothly.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport first opened for commercial passenger travel in 1955 after evolving from Orchard Field, an earlier aviation manufacturing site that later became one of the most important airport locations in the Midwest. The airport code ORD continues to reflect that original name today.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport now serves as one of the largest air travel hubs in North America, supporting domestic routes across the United States as well as long-distance international connections. Located northwest of downtown Chicago, it plays a central role in regional and national travel planning throughout the year.

Knowing how the airport is structured before arriving can help travelers move between terminals more efficiently and organize ground transportation with less stress.

Location of Chicago O’Hare Airport

Airport address

10000 W Balmoral Ave
Chicago, IL 60666

Airport contact number

+1 (800) 832-6352

Distance from downtown Chicago

About 17 miles northwest of the Loop
Average travel time: 35 to 60 minutes

Important airport details

Commercial operations began in 1955
Named after naval aviator Edward “Butch” O’Hare
Airport code comes from Orchard Field
One of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States

Ways to Reach Chicago O’Hare Airport

Travelers can select from multiple transportation options depending on location and travel schedule.

CTA Blue Line Routes

CTA Blue Line

connects downtown Chicago directly to the airport
operates 24 hours daily
travel time about 45 minutes
accepts contactless payment methods

Metra North Central Service

links northern suburbs with airport corridor
limited departure schedule
useful for suburban commuters

Pace Bus Service

Pace Bus

connects surrounding suburban communities
provides multiple airport access routes
practical option outside central Chicago

Shuttle Transportation

Shared shuttle services typically include:

hotel pickup coordination
group travel convenience
scheduled departure times
direct airport terminal access

Private Limo Transfers

Travelers carrying luggage, attending business meetings, or arriving late at night often prefer arranging airport transportation ahead of time for direct transfers between Chicago O’Hare Airport and nearby destinations without waiting after landing.

Parking Options at O’Hare Airport

Several parking choices are available depending on trip length.

Reserved Parking

covered parking inside terminal garage
advance booking available
located close to terminal entrances

Hourly Parking

Best suited for short visits

located inside main garage
easy access to terminals
up to 24-hour parking duration

Daily Parking

Recommended for overnight stays

positioned near terminal garages
suitable for multi-day trips

Economy Parking

Ideal for extended travel

located in Lots F, G, and H
lower daily rates
shuttle service available 24 hours

Valet Parking

Premium parking option

available near Terminals 1, 2, and 3
staff-assisted parking service
pricing varies depending on availability

Passenger Pickup Areas

Arrival pickup locations include

lower-level terminal curbside areas
short waiting time limits

Alternative waiting option

free cell-phone lot near Lot G

Terminal Layout at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Chicago O’Hare operates four main passenger terminals.

Terminal 1

United Airlines operations
Star Alliance partner airlines
Concourses B and C

Terminal 2

domestic carriers and select international flights
Concourses E and F
seating and traveler services available

Terminal 3

American Airlines operations
Concourses G, H, K, and L
additional international airline partners

Terminal 5

primary international arrival terminal
customs processing facilities
global airline departures

Important traveler note

Terminal 4 is no longer used for passenger flights
Airport Transit System connects terminals outside security
underground pedestrian connections link some terminals

Airlines Operating at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Airlines are grouped across terminals by alliance 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 airlines

Terminal 5

international carriers serving Europe, Asia, and Middle East regions

Travelers should confirm terminal information before arrival.

Lounges at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Passenger lounges are available throughout the airport.

Common lounge features include

complimentary refreshments
Wi-Fi access
charging stations
quiet seating environments
shower facilities in select lounges
workspace seating areas

Lounges operate across

Terminal 1
Terminal 2
Terminal 3
Terminal 5

Restaurants at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Dining options across terminals include both quick meals and sit-down restaurants.

Popular traveler choices include

Publican Tavern
Tortas Frontera
Berghoff Café
Beaudevin wine bar
Garrett Popcorn Shops

Passengers can also find

coffee shops
quick service dining
Chicago specialty foods
international cuisine selections

Shopping at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Retail stores throughout terminals provide travel essentials and luxury items.

Examples include

Terminal 1

Hudson News
Tech On The Go
Coach

Terminal 2

MAC Cosmetics
Barbara’s Bookstore
duty-free 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 hotels provide convenient overnight accommodation.

Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport

Key features

connected directly to terminals
sound-reduced rooms
fitness center access
business meeting facilities

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago

Highlights include

complimentary airport shuttle
large meeting spaces
nearby entertainment district access

Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel

Features include

upscale accommodations
access to Rosemont attractions
nearby shopping and dining

Getting from O’Hare Airport to Downtown Chicago and Nearby Suburbs

After arriving at Chicago O’Hare Airport, travelers can reach surrounding destinations depending on traffic conditions and final stop locations.

Common routes include

Downtown Chicago

approximately 35 to 60 minutes
direct highway access 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 a pickup ahead of arrival helps simplify transfers between terminals, hotels, business districts, and suburban destinations. Travelers can also arrange direct airport transfers through All Star Limo Service for planned pickup and drop-off coordination between Chicago O’Hare Airport and surrounding areas.

FAQs

How far is Chicago O’Hare Airport from downtown Chicago?

Chicago O’Hare Airport is located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Travel time usually ranges between 35 and 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.