Parking Overview
Economy Parking at Chicago O’Hare (ORD) refers to the airport’s budget-friendly long-term options, primarily Economy Lots F, G, and H. These lots are designed for travelers who want to keep costs down and don’t mind taking a shuttle to the terminals.
This option is best for multi-day and week-long trips, budget travelers, and anyone comfortable building in extra time for a shuttle ride. It’s generally a straightforward, no-frills experience: park, note your location, and ride the airport shuttle to your terminal. For short visits or tight schedules, the Main Garage is usually more convenient but substantially more expensive.
Pricing
- Economy Lot F: about $16/day (official data).
- Economy Lot G: about $16/day (official data).
- Economy Lot H: about $30/day (official data).
- Estimated weekly cost: Lot F/G ~ $112/week; Lot H ~ $210/week (multiply the daily rate by 7).
How it compares: The Main Garage Daily rate is around $43/day, while Main Garage Hourly quickly becomes costly for longer stays (up to ~$42 for 8–24 hours). If you’re willing to park off-airport, third-party lots around O’Hare can run roughly $4–$10/day with shuttles, but you’ll trade some convenience and predictability for savings.
Discounts: ORD economy lots may not always offer the deep discounts you’ll see off-site, but you can often find lower prepaid rates through reputable reservation platforms (e.g., SpotHero and similar services), especially during slower periods. Off-site operators may also offer loyalty programs and extended-stay discounts.
Payment methods: Expect standard airport parking payment options (major credit/debit). If booking through a reservation platform, you typically pay online at booking time rather than at exit.
Getting to Your Terminal
Shuttle service is the norm for Economy Lots F, G, and H. Shuttles typically run 24/7 and arrive about every 5–15 minutes, though frequency can vary with demand and traffic.
- Lot F location: along Bessie Coleman Dr near the southeast corner of Mannheim and Zemke Rd.
- Lot H location: along Bessie Coleman Drive near Coffey Road.
Plan on roughly 10–25 minutes from parking to terminal depending on how quickly a shuttle arrives, the route, and terminal congestion. These lots are more exposed to weather than the Main Garage, so pack accordingly in winter and during rain.
Features & Security
- Covered vs. uncovered: Economy Lots F/G/H are generally uncovered (official data indicates uncovered for F and H).
- Security: Expect standard airport-lot lighting and patrols; still, leave valuables out of sight and lock up.
- EV charging: EV charging is available at ORD in the Main Garage and at the Multi-Modal Facility (associated with Lot F) in designated areas; availability can be limited, so have a backup plan.
- Accessibility: Airport shuttles and lots typically provide accessible loading and designated parking; allow extra time if you need a lift-equipped shuttle.
Booking Tips
- Reserve online when possible: Prebooking (especially off-site) can lock in lower rates and reduce the risk of arriving to a full lot.
- Peak periods fill up: Holidays, summer weekends, and major events can tighten availability—arrive earlier than usual.
- Know cancellation rules: Reservation platforms and off-site lots often have cutoffs (e.g., several hours to 24 hours before entry). Confirm before paying.
- If economy is full: Check Main Garage Daily (most convenient, highest cost) or compare nearby off-site shuttle lots for the best backup value.