Chicago Airport: A Sprawling Transportation Hub

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is huge. It covers 7,627 acres, or 30.86 square kilometres, which is enough space for 12,000 football fields. It's the biggest airport in Chicago and the seventh-largest in the US. It's also the fourth busiest airport in the world. O'Hare has four terminals and nine concourses, and offers roughly 568 daily non-stop flights to 154 US cities and 45 international destinations.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport's size in acres

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a major international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. Located on the city's Northwest Side, it is approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district in downtown Chicago. O'Hare Airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and has four terminals and nine concourses. That's enough land to fit 12,000 football fields or 12.16 million parking spots for cars!

O'Hare is the largest airport in Chicago and the seventh-largest airport in the United States. It is also the fourth busiest airport in the country and the ninth busiest airport in the world, handling over 73 million passengers and 720,582 aircraft movements in 2023. The airport offers roughly 568 daily non-stop flights to 154 U.S. cities and 45 daily non-stop flights to international destinations.

O'Hare Airport was built in 1942 as a factory for planes during World War II. The airport is now one of the world's busiest and has become a major hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines. The airport features various amenities, including top-class restaurants, snack bars, an aeroponic garden, unlimited free Wi-Fi access, and an impressive Airport Public Art Program.

How many football fields can fit inside

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a sprawling 7,627 acres. That's enough space to fit 12,000 football fields, assuming they are regulation-sized fields. The football fields would cover 91,440,000 square feet of the airport's land, or 1,728,000 yards.

The rectangular field of play used for American football games measures 100 yards (91.44 m) long between the goal lines, and 160 feet (48.8 m) (53.3 yards) wide. The field may be made of grass or artificial turf. In addition, there are two end zones on each end of the field, extending another 10 yards (9.144 m) past the goal lines to the "end lines", for a total length of 120 yards (109.7 m). When the "football field" is used as a unit of measurement, it usually refers to 100 yards (91.44 m), although the full length of the official field, including the end zones, is 120 yards (109.7 m). The total area of the field is 57,600 sq ft or 5,350 m2.

O'Hare Airport is undeniably large, but with a little planning and some comfy shoes, travellers can conquer those concourses and catch their flights with time to spare.

How it compares to other US airports

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the largest airports in North America, covering 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.86 km2). However, it is not the biggest airport in the US. That title goes to Denver International Airport, which covers 135.69 km2 (52.4 sq mi). O'Hare is followed closely by George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, which covers 40.46 km2 (15.6 sq mi).

ORD is one of the busiest airports in the US, with nearly 1,000 daily direct flights to and from international and domestic destinations. It is the fourth busiest airport in the US and the seventh busiest in the world. It is also the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected in the world, with non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe.

ORD has four terminals and nine concourses, with a total of 213 gates—the most of any airport in the world. In comparison, the much smaller Midway International Airport (MDW), Chicago's second-largest airport, has just one terminal with three concourses and about a fifth of the flights.

Despite its large size, O'Hare is not the busiest airport in the US. That title goes to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which overtook O'Hare as the world's busiest airport in 1998.

The number of terminals and concourses

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is a major international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 14 to 17 miles from the Loop business district in downtown Chicago. O'Hare Airport is the largest airport in Chicago, covering 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.86 km2 or 30.87 km2).

O'Hare Airport has four terminals and nine concourses. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are mainly used for flights across the US and to destinations with border clearance. Terminal 5 is used for all international arrivals, as it is the only facility on-site with customs screening available. Terminal 1 has 52 gates across two concourses, lettered B–C. Terminal 2 has 41 gates across two concourses, lettered E–F. Terminal 3 has 80 gates across four concourses, lettered G, H, K, and L. Terminal 5 has 35 non-sequential gates on a single concourse, lettered M.

The airport is a hub for both American Airlines and United Airlines. O'Hare has nonstop flights to 249 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. It is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport in the world. O'Hare is also the fourth busiest airport in the world, serving over 68 million passengers in 2022.

Transport options to the airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is accessible by various transport options, including:

Airport Shuttle

The Airport Express provides a shared ride airport shuttle service to and from O'Hare International Airport. This service offers a cost-effective option with fewer stops, ample luggage space, and comfortable seating.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available for travellers who prefer a direct and private journey to or from the airport. GO Airport Express offers a unique taxi service without the meter, providing a fixed-rate option for travellers.

Private Car Service

For those seeking a more luxurious or personalised experience, private car services are available. Companies like GO Airport Express and Windy City Limousine offer non-stop rides in sedans or SUVs. This option is ideal for individuals or small groups who value convenience and privacy.

Public Transportation

The Chicago "L" (CTA Blue Line) provides direct service to O'Hare International Airport from downtown Chicago. The train station is located within the airport, offering easy access to the terminals.

Bus

Several bus companies, including Pace, Peoria Charter, Van Galder Bus Company, and Wisconsin Coach Lines, operate bus services to and from O'Hare International Airport. These buses provide an affordable and convenient travel option for travellers.

Interstate Access

O'Hare International Airport is conveniently located off Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway), which offers easy access to and from the airport. This interstate connects to other major highways, making it convenient for travellers driving to and from various destinations.

Frequently asked questions