Chicago's O'hare Airport: A Midwest Travel Hub

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, about 14 to 17 miles (23 to 27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines. With its innovative design, efficient transport links, and extensive dining and shopping options, O'Hare offers a comprehensive travel experience for passengers from all around the globe.

O'Hare Airport's location and transport links

O'Hare International Airport is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, around 14 to 17 miles (23 to 27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport is easily accessible by road, nestled next to the highways I-90 and I-294. It is just a 40-minute journey from downtown Chicago, with various transport options available, including car, bus, and train services.

For those travelling to and from the airport by train, there is a conveniently located METRA station at O'Hare with direct connections to the city centre. The airport also has comprehensive public transport links with the CTA Blue Line, providing an efficient connection to Chicago and the surrounding areas. Additionally, regional buses and shuttle services are available, including a shuttle bus connection to Chicago Midway Airport.

By car, O'Hare is easily accessible from the nearby highways, and there are several parking options available, including short and long-term parking lots. Parking lots A through F are available for those seeking parking near the terminals. However, travellers should be aware that parking near the terminals can be challenging, especially during peak times.

O'Hare International Airport consists of four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5. These terminals are well-connected by the Automatic Transit System (ATS) and a free shuttle bus service, ensuring smooth transfers for passengers. The airport also offers car rental services, which can be accessed via the airport shuttle from the Multi-Modal Facility.

History and design

O'Hare International Airport, located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is named after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first Medal of Honor recipient during World War II.

The land that O'Hare Airport now occupies was thinly developed before World War II. In 1942, Douglas Aircraft took over Orchard Place, a small German-American farming community, for the production of cargo planes. After the war, the facility became a commercial airport, and in 1947, the Chicago City Council selected it as the site for the city's new international airport.

O'Hare Airport was designed to be the successor to Chicago's Midway International Airport, which was once nicknamed the "busiest square mile in the world." O'Hare was the first major airport planned after World War II, and its innovative design pioneered concepts such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refueling systems.

The airport's master plan, devised by Ralph H. Burke, was based on the pioneering idea of "split-finger terminals," which allowed a terminal building to be attached to "airline wings" or concourses, providing space for gates and planes. Burke's design also included underground refueling, direct highway and rail access to the terminals, and seamless concrete runways.

O'Hare's first scheduled passenger service began in 1955, but growth was initially slow as airlines were reluctant to move from Midway. However, the introduction of jet airliners, which required longer runways, drove airlines to relocate to O'Hare. By the 1960s, O'Hare had become the world's busiest airport, a distinction it held until 1998.

Today, O'Hare remains a major international airport, offering non-stop flights to numerous destinations worldwide. It is known for its efficient design, convenient ground transportation options, and its role as a hub for several major airlines. The airport has also continued to expand and modernize its facilities to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and improve the travel experience.

Airlines and destinations

O'Hare International Airport is a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, with both airlines operating out of multiple terminals. United Airlines primarily uses Terminal 1, which has been praised for its comfort and efficiency, while American Airlines operates out of Terminal 3, which some passengers have noted feels outdated and lacking in amenities.

O'Hare also serves as a base for low-cost carriers, including Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. These carriers tend to operate out of more congested areas, such as Concourse L, where passengers have reported issues such as crowded waiting areas and limited charging stations.

In addition to these major airlines, O'Hare International Airport accommodates a wide range of other domestic and international airlines, including:

• Lufthansa
• All Nippon Airways
• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue
• Aer Lingus
• British Airways
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Southwest Airlines
• Air France
• ANA
• Japan Airlines
• Delta Airlines
• Frontier Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Air Canada
• Alaska Airlines
• JetBlue
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Southern Airways Express
• Sun Country Airlines
• Swiss International Air Lines
• And many more.

O'Hare International Airport offers non-stop flights to numerous destinations across the globe, including North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. As of Summer 2024, the airport provides non-stop service to 249 destinations worldwide.

Services and amenities

O'Hare International Airport offers a wide range of services and amenities to enhance the passenger experience. Despite being one of the busiest airports in the world, O'Hare provides numerous conveniences, such as rest areas, restaurants, shops, and service centres.

The airport offers free Wi-Fi, charging stations, nursing rooms, and pet relief areas. There is also a yoga room, ATMs, a medical centre, prayer rooms, and traveller assistance services. For those with reduced mobility or special needs, O'Hare provides wheelchair assistance, accessible parking, and restrooms.

Business travellers can take advantage of the quiet work areas and meeting rooms, while families can utilise the Family Lounge in Terminal 2 and the Mother's Rooms in all terminals. The airport also features a public art program with works by local artists, including paintings and sculptures displayed throughout.

For those seeking relaxation, O'Hare offers spa services, including massages, manicures, and pedicures, in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. The airport also has a chapel located on the mezzanine level of Terminal 2, providing a quiet space for prayer and meditation.

O'Hare has a variety of dining and shopping options across all terminals, from local flavours to international brands. The airport also offers VIP lounges, which are appreciated by travellers for their comfort, food, and workspaces, providing a relaxing escape from the busy terminals.

The Multi-Modal Facility is a central access point for ground transportation operations, housing all rental car operations and an economy parking lot. Nearby hotels, such as the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport, provide meeting rooms, catering, event planning, and business services, as well as underground access to the airport.

Hotels and accommodations

O'Hare International Airport is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, and is one of the busiest airports in the world. The airport offers a range of accommodation options for travellers, with the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel being the only hotel located on the airport grounds. This hotel is conveniently connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via underground walkways and is just a shuttle ride away from Terminal 5. The hotel boasts amenities such as room service, all-day dining, a grab-and-go market, a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and sauna.

In addition to the on-site Hilton hotel, there are numerous other hotels in the vicinity of O'Hare Airport. Many of these nearby hotels cater specifically to travellers with convenient amenities and shuttle services to and from the airport. Here is a list of some of the highly-rated hotels near O'Hare International Airport:

• Sonesta Chicago O'Hare Airport Rosemont
• The Rose Hotel Chicago O’Hare, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
• Sheraton Suites Chicago O'Hare
• Staybridge Suites Chicago O'Hare - Rosemont, an IHG hotel
• Aloft Chicago O'Hare
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O'Hare Rosemont
• Hyatt Place Chicago / O'Hare Airport
• Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare Airport - Rosemont
• Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conf Ctr, An IHG hotel
• Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel
• Holiday Inn Chicago O'Hare - Rosemont, an IHG hotel
• La Quinta by Wyndham Chicago O'Hare Airport
• Hampton Inn Chicago-O'Hare International Airport
• Best Western At O'Hare
• Wyndham Chicago O'Hare
• Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport

Frequently asked questions