# Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

> Chicago, US · 27 km (17 mi) northwest of downtown Chicago

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/ord
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/ord.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: ORD
- **ICAO**: KORD
- **Timezone**: America/Chicago
- **Runways**: 8
- **Terminals**: 4
- **Passengers**: 54.0M/yr
- **Worldwide rank**: #10
- **Hub for**: United Airlines, American Airlines
- **Official site**: https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx

## Overview

## 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.

## Terminals (4)

- **Terminal 1** — 54 gates · United Airlines, United Express, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways
- **Terminal 2** — United Airlines, United Express, Air Canada
- **Terminal 3** — American Airlines, American Eagle, Cape Air
- **Terminal 5** — Air India, All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, British Airways

## Dining (83)

- **Argo Tea** — 2
- **Auntie Anne’s** — Terminal 1 · Snack shop · $
- **Barbera's Bar** — Terminal 3 · bar · $$
- **Beaudevin** — Terminal 1 · Wine bar · $$$
- **Berghoff Cafe** — 1
- **Big Bowl** — 5
- **Billy Goat Tavern** — 1 · $$$$
- **Billy Goat Tavern** — 3
- **BJ’s Gourmet Market** — Terminal 1 · Market & deli · $$
- **BJ’s Market & Bakery** — Terminal 5 · Southern/Soul Food · $$
- **Brighton** — Terminal 5 · Bar · $$
- **Broken English Taco Pub** — Terminal 5 · Mexican · $$
- **Bubbles Wine Bar** — Terminal 1 · Wine bar · $$$
- **Burger Federation** — Terminal 2 · burger restaurant
- **Burger King** — Terminal 2 · quick-service restaurant
- **Burrito Beach** — Terminal 2 · Mexican quick-service restaurant
- **Cafe Descartes** — Terminal 3 · cafe · $
- **Canteen Healthy Food** — Terminal 2 · healthy dining
- **Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill** — Terminal 3 · sit-down · $$
- **Chili's Too** — Terminal 3 · sit-down · $$
- **Chipotle Mexican Grill** — 3
- **Concourse C Food Hall** — Terminal 1 · Food hall (multiple cuisines) · $$
- **Connect Bar** — Terminal 2 · bar
- **Dunkin'** — Terminal 3 · cafe · $
- **Dunkin’ (Arrivals/Baggage)** — Terminal 5 · Coffee & Bakery · $
- **Dunkin’ (Gate M16)** — Terminal 5 · Coffee & Bakery · $
- **Duty Free Store Café** — Terminal 5 · Coffee & Light Bites · $$
- **Earl of Sandwich** — Terminal 5 · Sandwiches · $$
- **Einstein Bros. Bagels** — Terminal 1 · Bagel & coffee shop · $
- **Evolve** — Terminal 5 · Grab & Go Market · $$
- **Falafel & Grill** — Terminal 5 · Middle Eastern · $$
- **Freshii** — Terminal 1 · Healthy fast casual · $$
- **Garrett Popcorn Shops** — 1
- **Garrett Popcorn Shops** — 3
- **Geneva** — Terminal 5 · Wine Bar · $$
- **Gino's East** — 5
- **Gold Coast Dogs** — Terminal 3 · fast food · $
- **Grab & Go Market (Concourse B)** — Terminal 1 · Grab-and-go market · $$
- **Grab & Go Market (Concourse C)** — Terminal 1 · Grab-and-go market · $$
- **Hampton Social** — Terminal 3 · sit-down · $$$
- **Harry Caray's Seventh Inning Stretch** — 3
- **Hudson Subs & Salads** — Terminal 5 · Sandwiches/Salads · $$
- **Hudson Vending / Pepsi Vending** — Terminal 3 · vending · $
- **Jamba** — Terminal 1 · Smoothies & juice · $$
- **Jazz Bar** — Terminal 1 · Bar · $$
- **Kofe by Intelligentsia** — Terminal 5 · Coffee Bar · $$
- **La Tapenade Mediterranean Café** — Terminal 1 · Mediterranean · $$
- **Larder Café & Bar** — Terminal 5 · Café/Bar · $$
- **M Burger** — Terminal 5 · Burgers · $$
- **Macaroni Grill** — Terminal 2 · Italian restaurant
- **Manchu Wok** — 5
- **McDonald's** — 3
- **Miller's Pub** — 2
- **O'Briens Restaurant & Bar** — Terminal 3 · sit-down · $$
- **Prairie Tap** — Terminal 1 · Bar · $$
- **Pre-Security Food Court** — Terminal 1 · Food court (multiple fast food) · $$
- **Pronto Sandwiches** — Terminal 1 · Sandwiches & salads · $$
- **Publican Tavern** — 3
- **Reggio's Pizza** — 3
- **Reilly’s Daughter** — Terminal 5 · Irish Pub · $$
- **RHUMBA** — 3
- **Sky Bridge Bar & Grill** — Terminal 1 · Bar & grill · $$
- **Smoothie King** — Terminal 3 · cafe · $
- **Squisito** — Terminal 5 · Gelato/Desserts · $$
- **Starbucks** — 1
- **Starbucks** — 2
- **Starbucks** — 3
- **Starbucks (Concourse B)** — Terminal 1 · Coffee shop · $$
- **Starbucks (Concourse C)** — Terminal 1 · Coffee shop · $$
- **Summer House Santa Monica** — Terminal 3 · sit-down · $$$
- **Tocco** — Terminal 5 · Italian · $$$
- **Tortas Frontera** — 1 · $$$$
- **Tortas Frontera** — 3 · $$$$
- **Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless** — Terminal 1 · Mexican · $$
- **Tuscany Cafe** — 5
- **Urban Olive** — Terminal 5 · Mediterranean · $$
- **Urban Olive (Landside)** — Terminal 5 · Mediterranean · $$
- **Vosges Haut-Chocolat Kiosk** — Terminal 3 · grab-and-go · $$$
- **Wicker Park Sushi** — 2
- **Wolfgang Puck Cafe** — 1
- **Wow Bao** — 2
- **XpressSpa Café** — Terminal 5 · Juice/Smoothies & Light Bites · $$
- **Yogen Früz** — Terminal 1 · Frozen yogurt · $

## Lounges (24)

- **Air France KLM Lounge** — 5 · Terminal 5
- **Air France Lounge** — Terminal 5 · Air France and KLM business class passengers, SkyTeam Elite Plus on same-day SkyTeam flights, Priority Pass and similar membership programs (during designated hours), Paid entry for eligible walk-up guests during non-peak times · Priority Pass and similar memberships; limited paid walk-in access when not used exclusively for airline passengers
- **American Airlines Admirals Club** — 3 · Terminal 3, Concourse H · $79
- **American Airlines Admirals Club – G8** — Terminal 3 · Admirals Club membership, Qualifying oneworld elite status, Premium cabin on American or oneworld, Eligible day pass · Available to eligible passengers for a fee
- **American Airlines Admirals Club – H/K Corridor** — Terminal 3 · Admirals Club membership, Qualifying oneworld elite status, Premium cabin on American or oneworld, Eligible day pass · Available to eligible passengers for a fee
- **American Airlines Flagship Lounge** — 3 · Terminal 3, near H
- **British Airways Terraces Lounge** — 5 · Terminal 5
- **Delta Sky Club** — 5 · Terminal 5 · $79
- **Lufthansa Senator Lounge** — 1 · Terminal 1, Concourse B
- **Lufthansa Senator Lounge – ORD** — Terminal 1 · Lufthansa and Star Alliance Business/First Class, Star Alliance Gold on same-day Star Alliance flight
- **SAS Lounge** — 5 · Terminal 5
- **Swissport Lounge** — 5 · Terminal 5
- **Swissport Lounge (Swissport Lounge / Aspire)** — Terminal 5 · Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass, Eligible premium-cabin and elite passengers on partner airlines, Paid entry at the door when space allows · Paid entry available to walk-up passengers when capacity allows
- **The Terraces** — Terminal 2 · business-class passengers
- **United Club** — 1 · Terminal 1, Concourse B
- **United Club** — 2 · Terminal 2, Concourse F
- **United Club – B18** — Terminal 1 · United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold on United/Star Alliance same-day flight, Business/First Class on Star Alliance international, One-time pass purchase subject to capacity · Available for purchase subject to capacity
- **United Club – B6** — Terminal 1 · United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold on United/Star Alliance same-day flight, Business/First Class on Star Alliance international, One-time pass purchase subject to capacity · Available for purchase subject to capacity
- **United Club – C16** — Terminal 1 · United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold on United/Star Alliance same-day flight, Business/First Class on Star Alliance international, One-time pass purchase subject to capacity · Available for purchase subject to capacity
- **United Polaris Lounge** — 1 · Terminal 1, Concourse C
- **United Polaris Lounge – Terminal 1** — Terminal 1 · United Polaris business class on long-haul international, Eligible Star Alliance long-haul international business/first
- **USO Center (Terminal 5)** — Terminal 5 · Active duty U.S. military, Guard and Reserve, Retired military and eligible dependents with valid military ID
- **USO Lounge** — 2 · Terminal 2
- **USO Lounge** — 3 · Terminal 3

## Shops (63)

- **America! (America the Beautiful)** — Terminal 3 · gift shop
- **Apex News** — Terminal 5 · News & Convenience
- **Apex News (Gate M21)** — Terminal 5 · News & Convenience
- **Auntie Anne’s** — Terminal 5 · Snacks
- **Barbara's Bookstore** — 2
- **Barbara's Bookstore** — 3
- **Brighton Collectibles** — Terminal 1 · Accessories & jewelry
- **Brooks Brothers** — 1
- **Brookstone** — 3
- **Chicago Cubs Clubhouse** — 3
- **Chicago Sports** — 3
- **Chicago Style / Chicago Marketplace** — Terminal 1 · Local gifts & apparel
- **DFS Beauty Boutique** — Terminal 1 · Beauty & fragrance
- **Discover Chicago** — Terminal 1 · Souvenirs & gifts
- **Dufry Duty Free (M11)** — Terminal 5 · Duty Free
- **Dufry Duty Free (M13)** — Terminal 5 · Duty Free
- **Dufry Duty Free (M18)** — Terminal 5 · Duty Free
- **Duty Free Shop** — 5
- **Duty Free Store (Concourse C)** — Terminal 1 · Duty free
- **Duty Free Store – Terminal 3** — Terminal 3 · duty free
- **EJE Traveler** — Terminal 5 · Travel Accessories
- **FAO Schwarz** — 1
- **Field Museum Store** — 1
- **Garrett Popcorn Shops (Retail)** — Terminal 1 · Specialty food
- **Hudson** — Terminal 3 · news & convenience
- **Hudson Booksellers** — Terminal 1 · Bookstore
- **Hudson News** — 1
- **Hudson News** — 2
- **Hudson News** — 3
- **Hudson News (Concourse B)** — Terminal 1 · News & convenience
- **Hudson News (Concourse C)** — Terminal 1 · News & convenience
- **InMotion Entertainment** — 1
- **InMotion Entertainment** — 3
- **InMotion Entertainment (M7)** — Terminal 5 · Electronics
- **Johnston & Murphy** — 3
- **Kidsworks** — Terminal 1 · Toys & children’s gifts
- **L'Occitane** — Terminal 3 · beauty & skincare
- **Life is Good** — 1
- **MAC Cosmetics** — 5
- **Michael Kors** — Terminal 5 · Fashion & Accessories
- **Michael Kors Accessory Shop** — Terminal 3 · fashion & accessories
- **Montblanc** — Terminal 5 · Luxury Goods
- **Music Store / Airport Wireless** — Terminal 1 · Wireless & accessories
- **Pre-Security Hudson / Convenience** — Terminal 1 · News & convenience
- **Relay** — Terminal 5 · News & Books
- **Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory** — 3
- **Sarah's Candies / Candy Shop** — Terminal 3 · confectionery
- **Sim Local** — Terminal 5 · Mobile & SIM Cards
- **Soundbalance** — Terminal 5 · Electronics
- **Spectacles** — Terminal 5 · Eyewear
- **Spirit of the Red Horse** — Terminal 2 · gift shop
- **Sunglass Hut** — Terminal 1 · Sunglasses & accessories
- **Sunglass Icon** — Terminal 5 · Eyewear
- **Swatch** — Terminal 5 · Watches & Accessories
- **Tech on the Go** — Terminal 1 · Electronics & accessories
- **TUMI** — Terminal 1 · Luggage & travel gear
- **U.S. Postal Service** — 2
- **Vosges Haut-Chocolat** — 1
- **Vosges Haut-Chocolat Boutique** — Terminal 3 · confectionery
- **Watch Station** — Terminal 1 · Watches & accessories
- **WH Smith (Formerly Hudson Booksellers)** — Terminal 3 · bookstore
- **XpresSpa** — Terminal 5 · Spa & Wellness
- **XpressSpa (Retail Component)** — Terminal 3 · health & wellness retail

## Parking (10)

- **Cell Phone Lot** — Short-stay waiting · $0/day
- **Economy Lot F** — Long-term economy · $22/day
- **Economy Lot G** — Long-term economy · $15/day
- **Economy Lot H** — Long-term economy · $15/day
- **Electric Vehicle Charging Area** — Garage EV
- **Hilton O'Hare Parking** — Hotel garage
- **Lot D** — Short-term hourly
- **Main Parking Garages A B C** — Daily garage · $42/day
- **Reserved Parking** — Pre-booked covered
- **Valet Parking** — Terminal 1–3 valet · $64/day

## Ground transport (14)

- **Airport Transit System ATS** — People mover · About 10–15 min end-to-end Terminals–Multi-Modal Facility · $0 · Every ~3–5 min · 24/7
- **CTA Blue Line** — Metro train · 40–45 min in-vehicle O’Hare–Loop · $2.50–5.00 · Every 2–8 min daytime · Every ~20–30 min overnight · 24/7
- **GO Airport Shuttle** — Shared shuttle · Typically 45–90+ min including shared stops · $25–40 per person to downtown (varies by destination and promo) · Operates daily with on-demand/slot-based departures; exact headways vary
- **Greyhound** — Intercity coach · Depends on route; no dedicated ORD–Greyhound through service · Varies widely by route; no fixed ORD-specific fare · Route-dependent; no dedicated ORD terminal frequency
- **Lyft** — Rideshare · About 25–35 min off‑peak · 60–90+ min in heavy traffic · $35–60+ ORD–downtown (varies, excluding extreme surges) · On-demand · 24/7
- **Metra North Central Service** — Commuter rail · About 30–35 min O’Hare Transfer–Union Station (train only) · $3–6 · Roughly every 60–120 min · Weekdays only
- **Pace Route 250** — Suburban bus · Varies widely; often 30+ min to Des Plaines Transit Center · $2.25 · Roughly every 15–30 min most of day · Reduced evenings/weekends
- **Pace Route 330** — Suburban bus · Often 40–60+ min to Elmhurst depending on traffic · $2.25 · Roughly every 20–40 min weekdays · Reduced evenings/weekends
- **Pace Route 600 series** — Suburban express bus · Highly route-dependent; often 45–70+ min to far suburbs · $2.25 · Limited trips tied to commuter shifts · Mostly weekdays
- **Peoria Charter Coach** — Intercity coach · Roughly 2.5–3.5 hours to most downstate university towns · $35–60 one-way ORD–downstate (route-dependent) · A few departures per day on main university routes; more around breaks
- **Rental Car Shuttle** — On-airport bus · Roughly 10–15 min terminal–MMF via ATS plus rental counter time · Included in rental; ATS segment is free · ATS every ~3–5 min · 24/7; some off-airport shuttles every 10–20 min
- **Taxi Cab** — Metered taxi · About 25–35 min off‑peak · 60–90+ min in heavy traffic · $30–50+ ORD–downtown (metered, excludes heavy-traffic extremes) · On-demand · 24/7
- **UberX** — Rideshare · About 25–35 min off‑peak · 60–90+ min in heavy traffic · $35–60+ ORD–downtown (varies, excluding extreme surges) · On-demand · 24/7
- **Van Galder Bus** — Intercity coach · About 2–3 hours to most southern Wisconsin destinations · $30–50 one-way ORD–Madison/Rockford area (route-dependent) · A few departures per day on main routes

## 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.