Roberta Aguirre
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. As of 2024, it is the fourth busiest airport in the world and the most connected airport in the US. The airport has a rich history, becoming famous during the jet age and serving as a fighter base for the US Air Force during the Korean War. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe and is a hub for several major airlines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| World Ranking in 2024 | 4th busiest airport |
| World Ranking in 1963-1998 | Busiest airport |
| Aircraft movements in 2019 | 919,704 (2,520 per day) |
| Non-stop flights | 249 destinations |
| Passenger Traffic in 2024 | 105 million passengers per year |
| Passenger Traffic in 2023 | 1.75 million passengers over the long Independence Day weekend |
| Passenger Traffic in 2024 | 1.75 million passengers between Wednesday, July 3 and Monday, July 8 |
| Busiest day of the week in 2024 | Wednesday, July 3 |
| Busiest time of the day | 6:30 am |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago O'Hare is the world's fourth busiest airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is the fourth busiest airport in the world. It is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, and is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. O'Hare has a long history of accommodating busy passenger traffic, dating back to its early years when it served as an airfield during World War II.
The airport's busy status was further solidified when it became the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. Even today, it continues to rank among the busiest airports globally, according to the Airports Council International rankings. In 2019, O'Hare recorded an impressive 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day—the highest in the world. This high volume is partly attributed to the large number of regional flights it handles.
O'Hare's connectivity is exceptional, offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region as of Summer 2024. This extensive network has earned O'Hare the title of the most connected airport in the United States and the fifth most connected globally. Its busy nature is also reflected in its role as a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as serving as an operating base for Frontier and Spirit Airlines.
Contributing to its busy reputation, O'Hare is conveniently accessible by various transportation options, including airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", and taxis. Additionally, the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 190) provides a direct route into the airport. For those arriving by car, O'Hare offers ample parking facilities, and its terminals provide a range of services and conveniences for travellers.
Despite its busy nature, travellers can still find pockets of calm within the airport. For example, one traveller reported that arriving at O'Hare at 4:40 am for a 6 am flight felt like "a ghost town," indicating that the airport can be relatively peaceful during early morning hours. Nevertheless, O'Hare's overall ranking as the fourth busiest airport in the world underscores its significant role in global aviation and its consistent high volume of air traffic.
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It has flights to 249 destinations worldwide
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. As of 2024, it is the fourth busiest airport and the fifth most connected airport in the world, offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations worldwide.
O'Hare's history is steeped in the jet age, when it became famous as the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. Even today, it continues to rank highly in terms of passenger traffic, with 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day. This high volume of flights is partly due to the large number of regional flights it accommodates.
The airport's connectivity is impressive, serving as a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as an operating base for Frontier and Spirit Airlines. O'Hare's reach extends across continents, offering non-stop flights to North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region.
The airport's location in Chicago, Illinois, about 17 miles northwest of the Loop business district, makes it conveniently accessible. Travellers can opt for the airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxis. Additionally, the Kennedy Expressway provides direct road access to the airport. O'Hare's efficient transport connections, combined with its extensive flight network, contribute to its status as one of the world's busiest and most connected airports.
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O'Hare is busiest on Wednesday
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2024, it was ranked as the world's fourth busiest airport and the fifth most connected airport in the world. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world.
While the airport is generally busy, Wednesdays can be particularly crowded. For example, O'Hare and Midway International Airports were expected to welcome approximately 1.75 million passengers combined over the 2024 Independence Day weekend, with Wednesday, July 3, projected to be the busiest day at both airports.
O'Hare's high passenger volume is attributed to its role as a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as an operating base for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. The airport's convenient road access, with options like the airport shuttle, bus, Chicago "L", taxis, and direct access via Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway), also contributes to its busyness.
Despite the overall busyness of the airport, some travelers have reported less crowded experiences during early morning flights. For instance, one traveler mentioned that O'Hare was like a "ghost town" during a 6 am Wednesday flight, while another traveler taking a 6 am flight on a different day encountered minimal lines and quickly cleared security at the nearby Midway Airport.
To avoid potential crowds and long lines, it is advisable to opt for early morning arrivals at the airport, especially when traveling on busy days like Wednesdays.
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The airport is busiest at 6am
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2024, it was ranked the world's fourth busiest airport and the fifth most connected airport globally. The airport offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world. Serving more than 105 million passengers annually, O'Hare is busiest at 6 am, with many early morning flights taking off.
One traveller commented that they took a 6 am flight from O'Hare on a Wednesday, and it was a "ghost town". They added that they were through security in 15 minutes, which is very efficient for such a large airport. This traveller took the 1:30 am bus, arriving at the airport at 4:40 am, and this seemed to be plenty of time to board their 6 am flight.
Another traveller also planned to take the bus to arrive at O'Hare for a 6 am flight. They were concerned about the timing, wondering if they should take the 5:30 pm bus the day before and wait at the airport for eight hours, or take the risk of the 1:30 am bus, which would get them to the airport at 4:40 am. They were worried about the bus being late, but other travellers reassured them that the bus service had been reliable lately.
To avoid long lines at O'Hare, it is best to take public transportation or arrive at the airport in the early morning, as traffic backups are common during holiday weekends. The CTA Blue Line provides 24/7 service to O'Hare, and the CTA Orange Line serves the Midway airport between 4 am and 1 am.
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It is accessible by bus, train, and taxi
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. It is accessible by several transport options, including bus, train, and taxi, providing convenient connections to and from the airport.
If you're considering taking the bus, there are a few options to choose from. The airport shuttle bus offers a direct and comfortable journey to and from the airport. Additionally, public buses are also available, providing an affordable and accessible option for travellers. These buses connect the airport to various locations in Chicago, making it convenient for both locals and visitors.
For those who prefer the convenience of trains, the Chicago "L" train system provides a seamless connection to the airport. The "L" stands for "elevated," as these trains operate on elevated tracks throughout the city. This train service offers a direct route to the airport, making it a popular choice for travellers. The "L" train system is known for its efficiency and frequency, ensuring that passengers can get to and from the airport in a timely manner.
Taxis are also readily available for those who prefer a more private and direct mode of transportation. Taxi stands can be found at designated areas outside the airport terminals, providing easy access to travellers arriving at the airport. It is recommended to follow the signage at the airport to locate the nearest taxi stand. Taxi services offer a convenient door-to-door experience, allowing passengers to travel to their desired destination with ease.
Additionally, it is worth noting that Chicago O'Hare International Airport is easily accessible by car. The Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) leads directly into the airport, providing a seamless driving experience for those who choose to drive themselves or opt for ride-sharing services. The airport is well-equipped with parking facilities, offering both short-term and long-term parking options to cater to various travel needs.
Whether you choose to travel by bus, train, taxi, or car, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is conveniently accessible. Each transportation option offers its own set of advantages, catering to the diverse needs and preferences of travellers. With its busy status and high volume of passenger traffic, the availability of these transport options ensures efficient connectivity to and from the airport.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago O'Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. As of 2024, it is the fourth busiest airport in the world and the most connected airport in the US.
In 2019, O'Hare Airport handled 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day. This high number of aircraft movements is due in part to a large number of regional flights.
According to some travellers, the airport is least busy around 4:40 am, with one person stating they went through security in 15 minutes at this time.
Chicago O'Hare Airport's status as one of the busiest airports in the world is due to several factors. Initially, the airport's capacity to accommodate larger jet airliners, such as the American 707, attracted airlines to relocate their operations from Midway Airport. Additionally, O'Hare's status as a hub for major airlines like American Airlines and United Airlines contributes to its high volume of flights and passenger traffic.
