Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago, US · 27 km (17 mi) northwest of downtown Chicago
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Transit System ATS People mover · Every ~3–5 min · 24/7 | About 10–15 min end-to-end Terminals–Multi-Modal Facility | $0 |
| CTA Blue Line Metro train · Every 2–8 min daytime · Every ~20–30 min overnight · 24/7 | 40–45 min in-vehicle O’Hare–Loop | $2.50–5.00 |
| GO Airport Shuttle Shared shuttle · Operates daily with on-demand/slot-based departures; exact headways vary | Typically 45–90+ min including shared stops | $25–40 per person to downtown (varies by destination and promo) |
| Greyhound Intercity coach · Route-dependent; no dedicated ORD terminal frequency | Depends on route; no dedicated ORD–Greyhound through service | Varies widely by route; no fixed ORD-specific fare |
Insider notes
The neon ‘Sky’s the Limit’ tunnel between Terminals 1 B and C is a must-see. Walk on the left side near the moving walkways to save time.
Tortas Frontera, in Terminals 1 and 3, is a favorite for authentic Chicago flavors. Avoid the long lines by ordering through the airport app.
For some peace, head to the far ends of Terminal 2 near F gates away from the crowded central concourses.
Welcome
At Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), you can seamlessly merge nostalgia with modern-day amenities. You’ll find yourself strolling through a neon-lit underground passageway, reminiscent of the 1980s, which connects Terminals 1 B and C. This hub isn’t just about connections; it's about Chicago itself, offering authentic local foods like deep dish pizza and Mexican tortas right within its terminals. As you navigate the terminals filled with gateway art, you might forget you’re in an airport and not a small city.
At a glance
Chicago O'Hare handles a whopping 54 million passengers annually and sits 27 km (17 miles) northwest of downtown Chicago. It's a central hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, with four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5, each serving different airlines and flight needs. The airport's eight runways keep aircraft moving smoothly to various corners of the world.
Terminals & layout
ORD is divided into four terminals. Terminal 1 hosts United Airlines, United Express, and Lufthansa with a total of 54 gates. Terminal 2 accommodates United Airlines, United Express, and Air Canada. Head to Terminal 3 for American Airlines and its partner Cape Air. Make your way to Terminal 5 for international airlines like Air India and All Nippon Airways. Don't miss the luminous underground tunnel connecting Terminals 1 B and C, featuring the ‘Sky’s the Limit’ art installation. Each terminal is linked by the Airport Transit System (ATS), a people mover that's free to board and operates every 10-15 minutes.
Getting to and from the city
Travelers heading downtown can hop on the CTA Blue Line for $2.50-$5.00, offering a predictable 40-45 minute ride, even during rush hours. Metra's North Central Service whisks passengers to Union Station in about 30-35 minutes for $3-$6. Rideshares like Uber and Lyft typically cost $35-$60 and can take anywhere from 25 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. If time allows, the GO Airport Shuttle provides shared rides downtown for $25-$40, although it can take 45-90 minutes, subject to stops.
Traveller essentials
Parking in ORD has various options: Main Garages A, B, and C charge $42 per day, while Economy Lots F, G, and H are more budget-friendly at $15-$22 per day. Need a quicker exit? Consider valet parking at $64 per day. The Cell Phone Lot is a handy, free alternative if you’re just there to pick someone up. The uninterrupted walkway system and airside connectivity between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 make movement easy, although moving to Terminal 5 will require re-clearing security upon arrival.
Dining & shopping highlights
ORD offers exquisite local eats that reflect Chicago's culinary scene. Rick Bayless's Tortas Frontera in Terminals 1 and 3 is highly recommended for tortas and guacamole. Terminal 3's Publican Tavern provides an enjoyable gastropub experience with Midwest dishes and local brews. Sushi fans can find Wicker Park Sushi in Terminal 2, while travelers in Terminal 5 can enjoy Gino's East for a slice of deep dish pizza.
Shopping is a breeze with options like Hudson News available across Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and specialized stores like Barbara’s Bookstore in Terminals 2 and 3.
Lounges
ORD has a variety of lounges to relax. United travelers can unwind in the United Club lounges in Terminals 1 and 2. Terminal 3 hosts the American Airlines Admirals Club, where a day's access costs $79, while the American Airlines Flagship Lounge caters to international travelers. Terminal 5 hosts several international lounges, including Delta Sky Club and the SAS Lounge. For military members, the USO Lounge is available in both Terminals 2 and 3.
Insider tips
- Insider: The neon ‘Sky’s the Limit’ tunnel between Terminals 1 B and C is a must-see. Walk on the left side near the moving walkways to save time.
- Local: Tortas Frontera, in Terminals 1 and 3, is a favorite for authentic Chicago flavors. Avoid the long lines by ordering through the airport app.
- Quiet: For some peace, head to the far ends of Terminal 2 near F gates away from the crowded central concourses.
- Time: United flyers can avoid long security lines by exiting Terminal 1 and re-clearing at faster Terminal 2 or 3 lines, walking back airside.
- Money: Save on transport with the CTA Blue Line to downtown, costing just $2.50-$5.00 with consistent travel times.
- Avoid: Receptive road warriors dodge crowded rideshare pickup zones by walking to less busy Terminal 2 from the main United doors in Terminal 1.
- Quiet: The Yoga Room in Terminal 3 offers a peaceful retreat if you're dealing with a long layover.
- Time: Connecting to Terminal 5? Allocate extra time for security and the ATS ride.