Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the largest and most complex airports in North America. Four terminals, 199 gates, a physically separated international terminal, and a layout that has swallowed more than a few unprepared travelers whole. If you have ever landed at ORD for the first time without a plan, you already know what that feels like.
The good news: once you understand how O’Hare is built, it is genuinely manageable. And a few things about it (the lounges, the food, the train connection into the city) are legitimately great.
This guide covers the five things that actually matter when you are flying through ORD: connections, terminals, lounges, food, and getting into Chicago. No filler, no fluff, just the stuff you will actually use before, during, and after your flight.
Quick Reality Check
Short on time? Here is the whole guide in three lines.
- Terminals 1, 2, and 3 connect airside. Walk between them after security without re-screening, and a domestic connection inside those three terminals is manageable with 45 minutes or more.
- Terminal 5 needs more time than you think. Every international arrival lands here, connections in or out of it are more complicated, and food options are thin. Budget 75 to 120 minutes depending on your situation.
- The Blue Line is the easiest way downtown. About $5, 45 minutes, running 24 hours a day, with the station inside Terminal 2.
Everything else in this guide is detail. Those three facts are the main decisions.
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) at a Glance
Before we get into the details, here is a fast snapshot of everything you need to know about the airport itself.
- Airport Code: ORD (originally Orchard Field; renamed in 1949 for WWII hero Lt. Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare)
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Address: 10000 W. O’Hare Ave., Chicago, IL 60666
- Terminals: 4 (numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5)
- Gates: 199
- Runways: 8, the most of any civilian airport in the world
- Daily Departures: 1,150+
- Domestic Destinations: 170+
- International Destinations: 65+
- Primary Hub Airlines: United Airlines (main hub), American Airlines (third-largest hub)
- Annual Passengers: ~80 million (2025)
- Official Website: flychicago.com/ohare
O’Hare Airport Terminals
Chicago O’Hare has four terminals, and they are not created equal. Knowing which one you are in, what it offers, and where the traps are makes a real difference, whether you are departing, arriving, or connecting.
Which Terminal Is My Airline?
| Airline | Terminal |
|---|---|
| United Airlines (hub) | 1 |
| Lufthansa, ANA | 1 |
| Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada | 2 |
| American Airlines (hub) | 3 |
| British Airways, Japan Airlines, Iberia, Aer Lingus | 3 for departures |
| Delta Air Lines | 5 |
| Most other international carriers | 5 |
Nearly all international arrivals land in Terminal 5, even when the outbound flight departs from Terminal 1 or 3. Always check your arrival terminal separately from your departure terminal, and confirm your specific flight at flychicago.com/ohare, since assignments shift as construction moves forward.
Good to Know
Southwest Airlines does not fly from O’Hare. The airline ended all of its ORD service on June 4, 2026, and consolidated its entire Chicago schedule at Midway (MDW).
Terminal 1: The Home of United Airlines
Terminal 1 is where United Airlines runs the show, and it shows. This is the most polished domestic terminal at ORD, with the best lounge in the building and one of the strongest food lineups at any major U.S. airport.
- Who It Is For: United Airlines passengers, both domestic and international. Lufthansa and ANA also operate from here.
- What Matters Operationally: Terminal 1 has two concourses. Concourse B is connected directly to the main terminal building. Concourse C is a satellite terminal reached by an underground pedestrian walkway that holds “The Sky’s the Limit,” a neon light and sound installation by artist Michael Hayden that has run the length of the tunnel since 1987. Most people rush straight through it without looking up.
- Best Lounge: The United Polaris Lounge near gate C18. Hot food, a full bar, shower suites, and an atmosphere that feels genuinely removed from the rest of the airport. One of the best airport lounges in the country at time of writing.
- Best Food: Tortas Frontera in Concourses B and C. More on this in the food section, but the short version is: plan your arrival time around it.
- Navigation Warning: Concourse C is farther from the main building than it looks on the map. If your gate is deep in C, give yourself more time than you think you need.
Terminal 2: The Quiet One
Terminal 2 does not have the prestige of Terminal 1 or the size of Terminal 3, but it has something both of them lack: a calm, unhurried energy that makes it a genuinely pleasant place to depart from. It is also your gateway to downtown Chicago via the CTA Blue Line.
- Who It Is For: Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Air Canada, and regional carriers.
- What Matters Operationally: The CTA Blue Line station is on the lower level of the main parking garage. If you are taking the train into Chicago, your journey starts here regardless of which terminal you flew into. Pre-security, the mezzanine above the Alaska and JetBlue ticket counters holds O’Hare’s chapel, open to all faiths. Past security in the main hall, near gate F1, there is a free family lounge with charging stations and stroller parking, plus a restored World War II fighter plane, the aircraft the airport’s namesake, Butch O’Hare, flew.
- Best Lounge: United Club near gates E7 and F9.
- Best Food: Goose Island Beer Co. A Chicago craft institution and the best option in the terminal if you want something worth stopping for.
- Navigation Warning: Options across the board are limited. Terminal 2 is functional and calm, but it is not a destination.
Terminal 3: The Kingdom of American Airlines
Terminal 3 is the biggest terminal at O’Hare, and it is American Airlines territory from top to bottom. If you are flying AA, this is where you will spend most of your time, and knowing your way around it before you arrive will save you from the most common connection mistake at the airport.
- Who It Is For: American Airlines; British Airways, Japan Airlines, Iberia, Aer Lingus, and other oneworld alliance partners departures.
- What Matters Operationally: Terminal 3 has four concourses (G, H, K, and L) and 76 gates, making it the largest terminal at ORD. Knowing your concourse before you arrive is not optional. Concourse L to Concourse G is a long walk, and Terminal 3’s size is the most common cause of missed domestic connections at the airport. The rotunda mezzanine also has a free Yoga Room, open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., with mats provided.
- Best Lounge: The American Flagship Lounge between gates H6 and K6 for eligible international business and first class passengers. The Admirals Club near gate G8 or L2A for everyone else.
- Best Food: Berghoff Cafe in Concourse K. A Chicago institution since 1898, with bratwurst, pretzels, and cold beer that are genuinely good. One of the better sit-down options in any domestic terminal at ORD.
- Navigation Warning: Give yourself more time than you think you need in Terminal 3. Its size catches a lot of travelers off guard, especially on the way to Concourse L.
Terminal 5: The International Terminal
Terminal 5 is the one that surprises people the most, and usually not in a good way. It is physically separated from the domestic terminals, its food options are the most limited of the four, and connections involving it require more time and planning than most travelers budget for. Understanding how it works before you land is important.
- Who It Is For: Most international carriers, plus Delta Air Lines. Terminal 5 handles nearly all international arrivals at ORD. One thing that catches travelers off guard: even if your international flight departs from a different terminal, you will likely be arriving into Terminal 5. Always check both your departure and arrival terminal on your boarding pass.
- What Matters Operationally: Terminal 5 has one concourse, Concourse M, with 36 gates. It is physically separated from the domestic terminals. See the connection section below for realistic time estimates.
- Best Lounge: The Delta Sky Club near gate M13. At more than 22,000 square feet with a full bar and made-to-order food, it is the closest thing Terminal 5 has to the Polaris or Flagship experience elsewhere in the airport. If you are relying on Priority Pass rather than a Delta ticket or a premium Amex, see the lounges section for the Wingtips Lounge instead.
- Best Food: Airside options in Terminal 5 are limited compared to the domestic terminals. If you have any flexibility, eat before clearing Terminal 5 security. Once you are airside, your choices narrow quickly.
- Navigation Warning: Terminal 5 is the farthest terminal from the domestic hub and has the tightest connection windows. It is also the terminal most likely to surprise you if you have not accounted for the extra time it requires.
Airline terminal assignments can shift. Check official maps and live departure information at flychicago.com/ohare before travel.
Connecting at Chicago O’Hare
If you remember only one thing at ORD: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 connect airside. Terminal 5 does not. That one fact explains most of what goes wrong for travelers at ORD. If you know it before you land, you are already ahead.
Domestic Connections (Terminals 1, 2, and 3)
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are linked by pedestrian walkways on the departures level, meaning you can walk between them after clearing security without re-screening. That makes domestic-to-domestic connections at ORD pretty straightforward, as long as you give yourself enough time.
Here is how the walking connections work:
- Terminal 1 to Terminal 2: Take the walkway on the departures level, opposite gates B5 and B6. It exits near gate E1 in Terminal 2.
- Terminal 2 to Terminal 3: Take the walkway near gate F1. It opens into the Terminal 3 rotunda.
The maximum walking time between the two farthest points, Terminal 1 Concourse C and Terminal 3 Concourse L, is about 20 to 25 minutes at a reasonable pace. The realistic minimum connection time for a comfortable domestic transfer is around 45 minutes. Under 30 minutes is a bit risky.
Connecting to or From Terminal 5
Anything involving Terminal 5 deserves more buffer than you think. There are three ways to get between Terminal 5 and the domestic terminals, and which one applies to you depends entirely on your situation.
- The Terminal Transfer Bus is the post-security option, running every 15 minutes between 11:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. daily. It connects Terminal 1 (gate C18B), Terminal 3 (gates G17 and K20), and Terminal 5 (gate M13).
- The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a free light rail connecting all four terminals, parking facilities, and the Multi-Modal Facility. It runs every 3 to 5 minutes in both directions, 24 hours a day, but operates landside, outside the secure area, so you will need to re-clear security at your connecting terminal.
- Walking between Terminal 5 and the domestic terminals is not a practical option. They are not connected airside.
Good to Know
The Terminal Transfer Bus does not run overnight. Outside its 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. window, the ATS is your only option to reach Terminal 5, and that means exiting security and clearing it again on the other end. Factor that into any early-morning or late-night connection involving Terminal 5.
There is one critical caveat: the Terminal Transfer Bus is not available for international passengers arriving at Terminal 5 and connecting to a domestic flight. If that is you, you must clear customs, collect your bags, re-check them, and clear security again at the connecting terminal. Budget significantly more time.
Connection Time Quick Reference
| Connection Type | Minimum Realistic Time | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic T1 to T3 | 45 minutes | Airside walk, no re-screening |
| Domestic Terminal to T5 | 75 to 90 minutes | Transfer bus (11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) or the 24/7 ATS with a security re-clear |
| International Arrival at T5 to Domestic | 90 to 120 minutes | Customs, bag claim, re-check, and re-screening all required |
These are minimum realistic times, not guarantees. Longer connections are always more comfortable. Confirm terminal assignments and transfer options with your airline before travel.
Security and Customs at O’Hare
Security at Chicago O’Hare is straightforward once you know which checkpoints are open and when. The main thing to be aware of is that checkpoint hours vary significantly by terminal, and an early morning or late night flight from a domestic terminal requires a little more planning than usual.
The Basics
Here is how the checkpoints break down by terminal:
- Terminal 1 has 3 checkpoints, opening from around 4 a.m.
- Terminal 2 has 1 checkpoint, opening around 3:15 a.m.
- Terminal 3 has 5 checkpoints, with the earliest opening around 3:15 a.m.
- Terminal 5 has 2 checkpoints. One of them operates around the clock, making it the only 24/7 security option at ORD.
For flights before 4 a.m. or after 10 p.m. from a domestic terminal, verify your specific checkpoint hours directly with the airport before you travel.
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, Mobile Passport Control, and CLEAR
These four programs are worth understanding before you fly through a busy airport like Chicago O’Hare. Together, they represent the fastest possible path through security and customs at ORD, and having the right combination for your travel style is genuinely worth the effort to set up.
- TSA PreCheck expedited lanes are available at Terminals 1, 2, and 3. An enrollment center is in Terminal 1 baggage claim near door 1G, open on weekdays.
- Global Entry kiosks are in Terminal 5 for international arrivals, with an enrollment center also in Terminal 5, open on weekdays. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck. If you are getting one program, get Global Entry.
- Mobile Passport Control is a free app for eligible U.S. citizens and Canadian visitors that lets you submit passport details and customs declarations before arrival, reducing customs queue time at Terminal 5. It costs nothing and requires no enrollment interview.
- CLEAR biometric lanes are available at Terminals 1, 2, and 5. Combined with TSA PreCheck, it is the fastest security path at ORD.
The Best Airport Lounges at O’Hare
Chicago O’Hare has nearly 20 lounges spread across all four terminals. Most require elite status or a premium cabin ticket to get in. A handful are accessible to any traveler willing to pay for a day pass or hold the right credit card.
One important note before we get into the picks: lounge access rules, hours, and day-pass pricing change more frequently than almost anything else in this guide. The information below is accurate at time of writing, but confirm current details directly with the lounge.
Best Overall: United Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1, Near Gate C18)
The United Polaris Lounge is the best lounge at O’Hare, and it is not particularly close. Hot food that changes throughout the day, a full bar, private shower suites, and a level of quiet that feels truly rare in a building that handles tens of millions of passengers a year. If you have ever wondered what a great airport lounge feels like, this is the answer.
- Access: Polaris business class passengers on eligible United Airlines or Star Alliance international itineraries, subject to current program rules.
- The Catch: You cannot buy your way in with a day pass. You need the right ticket or the right status. But if your itinerary qualifies, build your schedule around it.
Best on American Airlines: Flagship Lounge (Terminal 3, Between Gates H6 and K6)
The American Flagship Lounge at O’Hare is a clear step above the Admirals Club in every category that matters: better food, more space, and a noticeably calmer environment. If you are flying American Airlines business or first class internationally, this is where you want to spend your time before the flight.
- Access: Business and first class passengers on eligible American Airlines international itineraries. Day-pass access is available, though pricing and availability are subject to change. Confirm with American Airlines before travel.
Best in Terminal 5: Delta Sky Club (Near Gate M13)
For years, Terminal 5 was the weak link in O’Hare’s lounge scene: small, dated spaces with mediocre food. The Delta Sky Club changed that. At more than 22,000 square feet with a full bar, made-to-order food, and tarmac views, it consistently gets reviewed as the strongest lounge in the terminal, ahead of the well-regarded LOT Polish Business Lounge and every Priority Pass option.
- Access: Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and Delta One or Delta Premium Select passengers flying Delta same-day. American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders get 10 visits per program year, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders get 15, both on a same-day Delta or Delta-marketed flight. Basic Economy tickets are not eligible, and guests cost $50 per person.
Best for Priority Pass: Wingtips Lounge (Terminal 5, Near Gates M19 and M20)
The Wingtips Lounge opened in the old SAS Lounge space in January 2026 and has quietly become the easiest premium space to get into at ORD without airline status. It runs a hot and cold buffet, a self-serve bar, and open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and it takes both Priority Pass and LoungeKey.
That matters because the airport’s other Priority Pass option, the Air France Lounge, restricts Priority Pass entry to off-peak windows, roughly 5 a.m. to noon and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wingtips has no such restriction. If you are relying on Priority Pass rather than airline status, aim for Wingtips first and treat Air France as the backup.
- Access: Priority Pass and LoungeKey members with a same-day boarding pass. SkyTeam business and first class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members can also use the Air France Lounge at any hour.
What O’Hare Does Not Have
Two things worth knowing before you plan around a lounge that is not there. There is no Amex Centurion Lounge at ORD, so an Amex Platinum or Centurion card gets you in via its Priority Pass benefit rather than a dedicated Amex space. There is also no Capital One Lounge at O’Hare. Capital One’s airport lounges are currently at a short list of other hubs, not this one, so a Capital One Venture X card’s value here comes from its Priority Pass membership, not a branded lounge.
The Admirals Club and United Club
The Admirals Club has three locations in Terminal 3: near gate G8, near gates H6 and K6, and near gate L2A. Reliable and comfortable for American Airlines flyers who do not qualify for the Flagship Lounge. Access via membership, eligible AAdvantage elite status, or day pass.
The United Club has five locations across Terminals 1 and 2: near gates B6, B18, and C10 in Terminal 1, and near gates E7 and F9 in Terminal 2. Solid drinks, snacks, and seating. The C10 location tends to be the least crowded. Access via membership, eligible MileagePlus elite status, day pass, or eligible United co-branded credit card.
Full Lounge Quick Reference
| Lounge | Terminal | Gate | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Polaris Lounge | 1 | C18 | Eligible United/Star Alliance business class |
| United Club | 1 | B6, B18, C10 | Membership, status, day pass |
| United Club | 2 | E7, F9 | Membership, status, day pass |
| American Flagship Lounge | 3 | H6/K6 | Eligible AA business/first class, day pass |
| American Admirals Club | 3 | G8, H6/K6, L2A | Membership, status, day pass |
| Air France Lounge | 5 | M17 | Business class, Flying Blue elite, Priority Pass (off-peak hours) |
| Wingtips Lounge | 5 | M19/M20 | Priority Pass, LoungeKey |
| Swissport Lounge | 5 | M13 | Priority Pass, day pass |
| Delta Sky Club | 5 | M13 | Delta elite, eligible Amex cardholders |
| LOT Polish Business Lounge | 5 | M18 | LOT business class, eligible partners |
| USO Lounge | 2, 3 | T2 mezzanine, T3 Concourse G | Active military only |
Hours, access rules, and day-pass pricing are subject to change. Confirm current details with each lounge or at flychicago.com/ohare before travel.
Best Places to Eat at O’Hare
Chicago O’Hare has more than 130 food and drink options across all four terminals. Most of them are fine. A handful are potentially worth planning around. Here is the short list, organized by terminal so you can find what you need without hunting.
Terminal 1: The Best Terminal for Food at ORD
Terminal 1 has the best food at ORD and one of the strongest food lineups at any major U.S. airport. That is almost entirely because of one restaurant, but the supporting cast is solid too.
- Tortas Frontera (Concourses B and C). Chef Rick Bayless built his reputation on authentic Mexican food in Chicago, and Tortas Frontera brings that same standard into the airport. The tortas are made on freshly baked telera rolls, the guacamole is made to order, and the menu has clear thought behind it. Lines get long during peak hours. If you are departing from Terminal 1 and you have not eaten here, you have made a mistake.
- O’Hare Brewing Company (Concourse C). Local craft beer and bar food that actually tastes like bar food. A good option before boarding without feeling like you are in a generic airport sports bar.
- Big Bowl Express (Concourse B). A lighter, Asian-inspired option with noodles and stir fry. A solid choice before a long flight.
- Garrett Popcorn (Concourse B and C). The Chicago caramel corn chain has locations across the airport and is the classic take-home souvenir. Grab a bag on your way to the gate if you have not tried it.
Terminal 2: Functional, Not Memorable
The options are mostly chains, and none of them are going to make you want to arrive early. The one exception is Goose Island Beer Co., a genuine Chicago craft brewery with cold beer and decent bar food. For everything else, eat before you arrive if the meal matters.
Terminal 3: Better Than You Would Expect
For an airline hub this large, Terminal 3 has a surprisingly good food lineup. It is not Terminal 1, but there are two options here that are worth seeking out.
- Berghoff Cafe (Concourse K). A Chicago institution since 1898. The bratwurst, pretzels, and German-American classics are legitimately good, the beer is cold, and the atmosphere is about as close to a real restaurant as you will find in a domestic terminal.
- Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar (Concourse K). Sushi at an airport is usually a gamble not worth taking. Wicker Park is the exception. Quality is notably better than most airport fish situations.
Terminal 5: Plan Ahead
Terminal 5 has a food court and a few sit-down options airside, but the selection is noticeably thinner than what you will find in the domestic terminals. Nothing here is going to make you want to arrive early, and a couple of the options will make you wish you had eaten before clearing security.
The practical advice is simple: if you have any flexibility at all, eat before you go through the Terminal 5 security checkpoint. The pre-security options near Terminal 5 are better stocked, and once you are airside your choices narrow quickly.
What to Do During a Layover at O’Hare
A layover at Chicago O’Hare can be a lot of things depending on how long you have. With the right amount of time and a little bit of a plan, it can actually be one of the better layover experiences at a major U.S. hub. Here is how to make the most of it, broken down by how much time you are actually working with.
Short Layover: Under 90 Minutes
Go directly to your connection. That is the entire strategy.
Check your connecting terminal before you deplane. If Terminal 5 is involved, re-read the connection section before assuming you have time for anything else. Under 90 minutes at ORD is not a lot of runway, especially if your connection involves re-clearing security.
Food: if you are in Terminal 1 and your gate is nearby, Tortas Frontera is worth a 10-minute stop. Everywhere else, grab something at the gate and keep moving.
Lounge: skip it. You do not have time to settle in, eat, and get back to your gate comfortably.
Medium Layover: 90 Minutes to 4 Hours
This is the sweet spot at Chicago O’Hare.
If you have lounge access, use it. The United Polaris Lounge in Terminal 1 and the American Flagship Lounge in Terminal 3 are both worth a proper visit in this window. These are not just places to sit and wait. They are genuinely good experiences.
No Lounge Access: Berghoff Cafe in Terminal 3 or Tortas Frontera in Terminal 1. Eat a real meal, get a drink, sit somewhere that does not feel like a gate waiting area.
Two things worth doing that most people miss. First, walk the underground tunnel between Concourses B and C in Terminal 1 and take in “The Sky’s the Limit,” the neon light installation that has run there since 1987. Second, if your connection routes you through the Terminal 3 rotunda, the free Yoga Room on the mezzanine is open until 10 p.m. and takes about 20 minutes to actually feel the benefit of.
Long Layover: 4 to 6 Hours
With 4 to 6 hours, you have enough time to actually use the airport rather than just survive it.
If your itinerary qualifies for the United Polaris Lounge, book a shower suite near gate C18 in Terminal 1 as soon as you land. Slots fill up. Do not wait.
The full Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 to Terminal 3 walking loop takes about 30 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace. O’Hare is more interesting than most people give it credit for when they are not racing to a gate. Duty-free shopping is available near gates B9, C17, F5, K5, M14, and M20 if you need Chicago-specific gifts or last-minute spirits.
Very Long Layover: 6 or More Hours
Leave the airport and go into Chicago.
The CTA Blue Line station is on the lower level of Terminal 2. Trains run 24 hours a day, the journey to the Loop takes about 45 minutes, and the fare is approximately $5. Worth the trip: the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park and the Cloud Gate sculpture, and a proper deep-dish pizza near the Loop. None of these require a car or more than a couple of hours.
One Honest Caveat: if you have checked bags and a tight international connection on the return, leaving the airport adds real risk. Only head into the city with 6-plus hours and a clean re-entry plan.
For an overnight layover, the Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago is 2.3 miles away with a free shuttle and starts at around 6,000 World of Hyatt points per night at time of writing.
How to Get From O’Hare to Downtown Chicago
Getting from Chicago O’Hare into the city is one of the easier airport-to-downtown journeys in the United States, mostly because of one very good train line. Here is how every option breaks down, starting with the one that works best for most travelers.
CTA Blue Line: The Right Answer for Most Travelers
The CTA Blue Line is cheap, reliable, and completely indifferent to rush hour traffic. The station is on the lower level of Terminal 2’s main parking garage. Follow the signs marked “Trains to City.” Ventra cards are available at vending machines in the station. The journey to the Loop takes about 40 to 45 minutes and costs approximately $5.
The Blue Line runs 24 hours a day, but trains are less frequent between midnight and 4 a.m. If you are arriving on a red-eye, budget an extra 15 to 20 minutes. The station entrance is in Terminal 2 regardless of which terminal you arrived in. The ATS can get you to Terminal 2 from any terminal without re-clearing security.
For the vast majority of travelers heading downtown, the CTA is the right answer. The exceptions: significant luggage, a destination far from the Blue Line, or a very late arrival when a direct door-to-door option makes more sense.
Rideshare: Uber and Lyft
Pickup locations are outside Terminal 2 between doors 2A and 2D, and on the upper level of Terminal 3 at poles 3G, 3H, 3J, and 3K. Typical cost to downtown: $35 to $60, rising significantly during surge pricing. Travel time is 30 to 45 minutes in light traffic and 60 to 75 minutes or more during peak hours.
Rideshare makes sense for late-night arrivals, heavy luggage, or destinations far from the Blue Line. During rush hour, the train wins every time.
Rideshare pickup locations can change. Confirm current instructions in the app or at flychicago.com/ohare.
Taxi
Available at the lower level outside baggage claim at every terminal. Typical metered fare to downtown: $40 to $50. More predictable than rideshare during surge pricing events.
Metra
Metra is mainly useful for suburban trips, not downtown Chicago. To use it, take the ATS to the Multi-Modal Facility and walk to the O’Hare Transfer Station. For most travelers going downtown, the Blue Line is easier and faster.
Getting From O’Hare (ORD) to Midway Airport (MDW)
Take the Blue Line to the Loop (about 45 minutes), then transfer to the Orange Line to Chicago Midway (about 30 minutes). Total: around 90 minutes for approximately $5. A shared rideshare runs roughly $37 and is faster in light traffic. Budget at least 2 hours curb to curb between ORD and MDW. It is not a quick transfer, and if you are connecting to a Southwest flight, remember that Southwest only flies from Midway now, not O’Hare.
Driving To ORD
If you are driving to Chicago O’Hare rather than departing from it, here are the two most common routes.
- From downtown Chicago, take I-90 W to the airport.
- From Midway Airport, take I-55 S to I-294 N, then take the exit toward I-190 W and follow the signs for O’Hare.
One Advisory Worth Taking Seriously: the expressways into O’Hare, particularly I-90/94 and I-190, are consistently among the most congested roads in the Chicago area during morning rush hour (roughly 7 to 9 a.m.) and evening rush hour (roughly 4 to 7 p.m.).
O’Hare Airport Parking
Parking at Chicago O’Hare is one of those things that can get expensive very quickly if you end up in the wrong lot. The airport has a range of options at different price points and distances from the terminals, and the difference between the most and least expensive official options is significant enough to be worth thinking about before you arrive.
All parking rates are subject to change. Confirm current pricing at flychicago.com/ohare before travel.
Short-Term Parking: Garage Lots A and D
Adjacent to the domestic terminals (A) and Terminal 5 (D). Designed for drop-offs, pickups, and very short stays. Rates climb fast. Expect around $43 for 8 to 24 hours. Use these lots for what they are designed for. For anything longer, keep reading.
Daily Parking: Garages A, B, and C
Also adjacent to the domestic terminals, with the daily rate running around $43 for 8 to 24 hours. Covered parking in Garage A, uncovered in B and C. Reserved parking is available in Garage A, Level 4, for an additional fee.
Economy Parking: The Smart Choice for Longer Trips
For any trip longer than a day or two, the economy lots are where the real value lives.
- Economy Lot F is the most convenient of the economy options. It is accessible via the free Airport Transit System from any terminal, which means you do not need a separate shuttle. The daily rate runs around $30 at current pricing.
- Economy Lots G and H are the cheapest official on-site parking option at ORD, currently running around $16 per day. The tradeoff is that they require a remote parking shuttle from the upper level of the terminals rather than the ATS.
To put it in concrete terms: parking for 5 days in the daily lots near the terminal costs around $215 at current rates. The same 5 days in Economy Lots G or H costs around $80. The savings are hard to argue with.
Cell Phone Lot
Free temporary parking at 560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive. Wait here for your passenger to call from baggage claim, then drive to the curb. Do not circle the terminal. It wastes time and accomplishes nothing a 5-minute wait would not solve.
Off-Site Parking
Third-party lots near ORD start at approximately $6 to $10 per day, all with courtesy shuttle service. The best overall value for trips of 4 or more days. Book in advance around holidays.
Parking Quick Reference
| Lot | Location | Best For | Approx. Daily Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garage Lots A and D (short-term) | Adjacent to terminals | Drop-offs and pickups | Up to $77 |
| Garages A, B, and C (daily) | Adjacent to terminals | Short trips, 1 to 2 nights | Around $43 |
| Economy Lot F | ATS accessible | Multi-day trips | Around $30 |
| Economy Lots G and H | Shuttle required | Best official on-site value | Around $16 |
| Off-site lots | Near airport, shuttle included | Best overall value | Around $6 to $10 |
Rates are subject to change. Confirm current pricing at flychicago.com/ohare before travel.
Car Rental
All rental companies operate from the Multi-Modal Facility, accessible via the free ATS from any terminal. Renting a car for a trip into downtown Chicago is usually the wrong move. Traffic is heavy and parking in the Loop is expensive. Car rental makes more sense for suburban destinations or road trips out of the city.
Essential Services at O’Hare
This section covers the practical odds and ends that do not fit neatly into any of the categories above but are genuinely useful to know about, particularly if something goes wrong during your trip.
- Lost and Found. Contact depends on where you lost the item. Items at the gate or on the plane: contact your airline. General terminal areas: Chicago Police Department, 773-686-2385. Security screening: tsa.gov/form/lost-and-found. Airport Transit System: [email protected] or 773-462-0400. Terminal 5 customs area: 773-686-3157.
- Pet Relief Areas. Every terminal has at least one pet relief area. Terminal 5 has airside options near gates M8 and M28, useful for anyone with a long international departure and an animal in the cabin.
- Nursing Rooms. Available in every terminal and at the Multi-Modal Facility. Check the official terminal map at flychicago.com for the nearest location.
- Luggage Storage. No on-site luggage storage at ORD. Third-party storage services in downtown Chicago are the most practical option for long layovers.
- Smoking Policy. O’Hare is fully smoke-free, including e-cigarettes. All designated smoking areas are outside the terminal buildings. You will need to exit the secure area and re-clear security to use them during a layover.
Best Hotels Near O’Hare Airport
Most hotels near Chicago O’Hare sit between 1.7 and 2.5 miles from the terminals and offer free shuttle service, which means proximity is rarely a dealbreaker once you get past the one hotel that is actually connected to the building. The more useful way to choose is by what you are optimizing for: convenience, points value, brand preference, or budget.
Hotel points rates and cash prices are subject to change. Confirm current award rates and availability directly with the hotel or loyalty program before booking.
Best for Zero Commute: Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport
The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport is the only hotel directly connected to the domestic terminals. The obvious choice for early morning departures or overnight layovers when proximity is everything. A four-star property with a location premium that is worth it for the right trip.
Best Points Value: Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago
The Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago is the strongest points redemption near ORD. As a Category 2 property, it runs 6,000 to 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night under the five-tier award chart that replaced Hyatt’s old off-peak, standard, and peak system on May 20, 2026, for a hotel that regularly runs $150 to $250 cash per night. Free airport shuttle, CTA L access, and Regency Club lounge for Globalist members.
Best Marriott Option: The Westin O’Hare
The Westin O’Hare typically costs between 20,000 to 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night at time of writing. Free shuttle, fitness center, on-site restaurant, and Starbucks. Conveniently located near the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and the Allstate Arena.
Best Budget Pick: Hyatt Place Chicago O’Hare Airport
The Hyatt Place Chicago O’Hare Airport is a clean, consistent mid-range option about 2 miles from the terminals with a free airport shuttle. A step above the budget chains in the area in terms of reliability, at competitive rates.
More Hotel Options Near ORD
For travelers who want a broader view of what is available near the airport, here is a reference table covering additional properties across different brands and price points. All of the hotels listed offer shuttle service to and from the terminals.
| Hotel | Distance from ORD | Star Rating | Points Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport | Connected | 4 | Hilton Honors |
| Hyatt Regency O’Hare | 2.3 miles | 4 | World of Hyatt |
| The Westin O’Hare | 2.3 miles | 4 | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Loews Chicago O’Hare | 2.1 miles | 4 | None |
| Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare | 2 miles | 4 | IHG One Rewards |
| DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O’Hare | 2.1 miles | 4 | Hilton Honors |
| Hyatt Place Chicago O’Hare | 2 miles | 3 | World of Hyatt |
| Aloft Chicago O’Hare | 2 miles | 3 | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Sheraton Suites Chicago O’Hare | 1.7 miles | 4 | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Hampton Inn Chicago O’Hare | 2.3 miles | 3 | Hilton Honors |
| Residence Inn Chicago O’Hare | 2.2 miles | 3 | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Courtyard Chicago O’Hare | 2.5 miles | 3 | Marriott Bonvoy |
| Comfort Suites O’Hare | 2.7 miles | 3 | Choice Privileges |
| Quality Inn O’Hare | 2.3 miles | 2 | Choice Privileges |
| Motel 6 Chicago O’Hare | 2.3 miles | 2 | None |
Distances are approximate. Confirm shuttle availability and current rates directly with each property before booking.
What’s Changing at O’Hare
O’Hare is in the middle of ORDNext, a modernization program that has grown to roughly $8.8 billion since it was first announced in 2018. The centerpiece is a new Global Terminal that will replace the current Terminal 2, giving United and American a shared international arrivals hall with its own customs checkpoint. That is the fix for the airport’s biggest structural problem: the physical separation between the domestic terminals and Terminal 5.
The build order changed in late 2025. The original plan was to build one new satellite concourse, then the Global Terminal, then a second satellite concourse only if money allowed. Passenger growth outpaced that plan. Closing Terminal 2 for years without both replacement concourses ready would have choked gate capacity at an airport already running near its limit, so the city is now building both satellite concourses first.
Concourse D, the first of the two, began vertical construction in April 2026 and is on track to open in late 2028. It adds 19 gates and will be the first landing spot for flights currently based in Terminal 2, which have to move out before demolition can start. Concourse E, the second satellite, broke ground in 2026 as well. Its first phase of 14 gates is targeted for around 2030, with a second phase of 10 more gates arriving after the Global Terminal opens.
The Global Terminal itself is now targeted to open in 2033, with construction starting once both satellite concourses are handling enough gate capacity for Terminal 2 to close. The full ORDNext program, satellites and Global Terminal together, is scheduled to wrap up in 2034, eight years past the 2026 completion date the city originally promised.
One thing that has not moved: the Terminal 5 expansion is done. It wrapped up in 2023, added 10 widebody gates, and increased the terminal’s international capacity by about 25 percent. That upgrade is already reflected in how Terminal 5 operates today.
What It Means Right Now: none of this changes how you fly through O’Hare in 2026 or 2027. Terminal 5 stays the most complicated part of the airport, and it will stay that way for years. Plan around O’Hare as it exists today, not the version in the renderings.
Final Thoughts
Chicago O’Hare has earned its reputation for turning an unprepared traveler’s day sideways. But it also has things going for it that most massive airports do not. One of the best airport lounges in the country. One of the best airport restaurants in the country. A $5 train into one of the great American cities. And a multi-billion-dollar overhaul that will make it better still.
If you take nothing else from this guide, take these three things:
- Terminals 1, 2, and 3 connect airside. Walk between them after security without re-screening. Domestic connections within those three terminals are manageable with enough time.
- Terminal 5 needs more time than you think. Almost every international arrival comes in here, connections are more complicated, and food options airside are limited. Plan accordingly.
- The Blue Line is the easiest way downtown for most travelers. 24 hours a day, about $5, about 45 minutes, completely indifferent to traffic. The station is in Terminal 2. Follow the signs.
Go in with those three things, and O’Hare becomes a very manageable airport.
… maybe even a good one.
