Chicago O’Hare Airport Guide (ORD) Transportation & Travel Tips

1 May, 2026

Estimated reading time: approximately 7 minutes

This guide explains Chicago O’Hare Airport terminals, parking options, transportation access, nearby hotels, and traveler services to help make arrivals and departures easier at ORD.

Introduction to Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport opened to commercial travelers in 1955 after evolving from Orchard Field, a former aviation manufacturing location that later became one of the Midwest’s primary air travel hubs. The airport’s code ORD still reflects that earlier Orchard Field name today.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport now serves as one of the busiest airports in North America, supporting extensive domestic routes and global airline connections. Located northwest of downtown Chicago, the airport plays a major role in business travel, tourism arrivals, and international connections throughout the region.

Understanding how O’Hare Airport is organized before arrival helps travelers move efficiently between terminals and coordinate ground travel more comfortably.

Where Chicago O’Hare Airport Is Located

Airport address

10000 W Balmoral Ave
Chicago, IL 60666

Airport phone number

+1 (800) 832-6352

Distance from downtown Chicago

approximately 17 miles northwest of the Loop
typical travel time ranges between 35 and 60 minutes

Important airport details

opened for passenger operations in 1955
named after WWII naval aviator Edward “Butch” O’Hare
airport code derived from Orchard Field
one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States

Transportation Options to Chicago O’Hare Airport

Travelers can reach Chicago O’Hare Airport using several dependable travel methods depending on their location and schedule.

CTA Blue Line Train

CTA Blue Line

direct connection between downtown Chicago and O’Hare Airport
operates 24 hours daily
average travel time approximately 45 minutes
supports contactless and Ventra card payments

Metra North Central Service

connects northern suburban areas
limited service schedule compared with CTA rail service
helpful for travelers outside the city center

Pace Suburban Bus Service

Pace Bus

connects surrounding suburban communities
offers multiple access routes to airport terminals
practical option for regional travelers

Shared Airport Shuttle Transfers

Typical features include:

hotel pickup coordination
group travel routing
scheduled departure times
direct terminal drop-off service

Scheduled Limo Transfers

Travelers arriving with luggage, coordinating meetings, or managing structured travel schedules often arrange airport transportation before arrival for direct connections between Chicago O’Hare Airport and nearby destinations.

Parking Options at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Chicago O’Hare provides several parking solutions depending on trip duration.

Reserved Garage Parking

covered parking spaces near terminals
advance reservations available
convenient terminal proximity

Hourly Parking Garage

Recommended for short visits

located inside main terminal garage
accessible to domestic terminals
maximum stay up to 24 hours

Daily Parking Areas

Suitable for overnight travel

located adjacent to terminal garages
easy access to terminal entrances

Economy Parking Facilities

Ideal for longer trips

located in Lots F, G, and H
lower daily parking rates
shuttle service available throughout the day

Valet Parking Services

Premium parking option

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

Passenger Pickup Locations

Arrival pickup areas include

curbside lower-level terminal entrances
short waiting time limits

Alternative waiting option

free cell-phone waiting lot near Lot G

Terminal Overview at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Chicago O’Hare operates four primary passenger terminals.

Terminal 1

United Airlines hub operations
Star Alliance partner airlines
Concourses B and C

Terminal 2

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

Terminal 3

American Airlines operations
Concourses G, H, K, and L
additional partner airline connections

Terminal 5

primary international arrivals terminal
customs processing facilities
global airline departures

Important traveler note

Terminal 4 no longer handles passenger flights
Airport Transit System connects terminals outside security
pedestrian walkways connect select terminals

Airlines Operating at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Airlines are organized by terminal and alliance partnerships.

Typical assignments include

Terminal 1

United Airlines
Star Alliance partner airlines

Terminal 2

Delta Airlines
Air Canada
additional domestic carriers

Terminal 3

American Airlines
oneworld alliance partner airlines

Terminal 5

international airlines serving Europe, Asia, and the Middle East

Travelers should confirm terminal assignments before arrival.

Lounges at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Passenger lounges operate throughout the airport.

Common lounge features include

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

Lounges are available in

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 selections include

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

Passengers can also find

coffee shops
quick service meals
Chicago specialty dining
international cuisine selections

Shopping at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Retail stores throughout terminals provide travel essentials and luxury brands.

Examples include

Terminal 1

Hudson News
Tech On The Go
Coach

Terminal 2

MAC Cosmetics
Barbara’s Bookstore
duty-free retail 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 accommodations provide convenient overnight options for travelers.

Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport

connected directly to terminals
sound-reduced guest rooms
fitness center and meeting facilities

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago

complimentary airport shuttle service
conference and event spaces
nearby entertainment district access

Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel

upscale accommodations
access to Rosemont attractions
nearby shopping and dining areas

Getting from Chicago O’Hare Airport to Downtown Chicago and Nearby Business Areas

After landing at Chicago O’Hare Airport, travelers can reach surrounding destinations depending on distance and traffic conditions.

Common routes include

Downtown Chicago

approximately 35 to 60 minutes 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 pickup service before arrival helps simplify transfers between terminals, hotels, corporate locations, and surrounding suburbs. Travelers can also coordinate direct transfers between Chicago O’Hare Airport and nearby destinations through Level Up Limo for structured airport pickup and drop-off planning.

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 typically ranges between 35 and 60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.