Jazmin Li
Chicago is served by several airports, including O'Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, and DuPage County Airport. O'Hare International Airport is located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles from the Loop business district. It is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations. Midway International Airport is located on Chicago's south side and is known for its smoother and easier flying experience compared to O'Hare. DuPage County Airport is preferred by business travelers and tourists due to its striking facilities and proximity to the industrialized counties of DuPage and Kane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | O'Hare International Airport |
| IATA Code | ORD |
| ICAO Code | KORD |
| FAA LID | ORD |
| Location | Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Distance from Downtown Chicago | 17 miles (27 km) |
| Distance from The Loop | 18 miles |
| Area Covered | 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) |
| Destinations | 249 destinations across the world |
| Connectivity | Most connected airport in the US, 5th most connected airport in the world |
| Ranking | 4th busiest airport in the world, 16th largest airport in the world |
| Cargo Areas | Two main cargo areas (South Cargo Area and North Cargo Area) |
| Accessibility | Directly served by Interstate 190 |
| History | Used by the United States Air Force during the Korean War; renamed in 1949 to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
The Chicago-area commuter rail system, Metra, has a transfer station at the airport, providing direct access to the city centre. The CTA Blue Line also terminates at O'Hare, offering 24-hour service to downtown Chicago with trains departing every 4 to 30 minutes. Additionally, several bus companies, including Pace, Peoria Charter, Van Galder Bus Company, and Wisconsin Coach Lines, provide service to and from the airport.
O'Hare International Airport consists of four terminals connected by a transit system, offering a wide range of shopping, dining, and services for travellers. The O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) houses all on-airport car rental companies and extended parking options. The airport is also home to a variety of cargo operations, with two main cargo areas, the South Cargo Area and the North Cargo Area, established by traditional airline-based air cargo companies.
The history of O'Hare International Airport dates back to the Korean War when it was used extensively by the United States Air Force as a fighter base. In 1949, the city renamed the facility O'Hare Airport to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honour recipient during World War II. Scheduled passenger service began in 1955, and by the 1960s, commercial business had picked up significantly, leading to the Air Force turning the station over to the Continental Air Command. O'Hare has continued to expand and improve over the years, with its first international terminal opening in 1958 and new hangars, terminals, and facilities being added regularly.
Burlington, Vermont: Airport Accessibility and Travel Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Chicago Midway International Airport
The airport was established in 1927 and served as Chicago's primary airport until the opening of O'Hare International Airport in 1944. Despite this, Midway remains one of the busiest airports in the nation and the second-busiest in both the Chicago metropolitan area and the state of Illinois. In 2023, the airport served 22,050,489 passengers, with Southwest Airlines carrying over 90% of these passengers, as the airline is based at Midway.
The airport was originally named Chicago Air Park and was built on a 320-acre (130 ha) plot in 1923 with a single cinder runway primarily for airmail flights. In 1926, the airport was leased by the city, and on December 12, 1927, it was renamed Chicago Municipal Airport. By 1928, Midway Airport had expanded to include twelve hangars and four runways, which were lit for night operations. The airport was renamed again in 1949 to honour the Battle of Midway.
The terminal complex was completed in 2001, with the terminal bridging Cicero Avenue and featuring 43 gates with facilities for international passengers. The CTA rapid transit Orange Line connects the airport to Downtown Chicago, where it connects with other subway and elevated rapid transit lines.
Michigan's Commercial Airports: A Comprehensive Overview
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Adventure Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81rRihqWqgL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
![2 Pack - Laminated World Map & US Map Poster Set - Wall Chart Map of the World & United States - Made in the USA [Yellow]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91d58tGhj2L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
DuPage County Airport
Chicago, Illinois, is served by several airports, including O'Hare International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, and DuPage County Airport.
DuPage Airport (IATA: DPA, ICAO: KDPA, FAA LID: DPA) is a general aviation airport located 29 miles (47 km) west of downtown Chicago in West Chicago, DuPage County, Illinois, United States. It is one of the busiest airports in Illinois and is owned and operated by the DuPage Airport Authority, an independent government body established by the state of Illinois. The airport is located on land that was once used for sheep grazing until 1927, when two Chicago entrepreneurs purchased it and began using it for aviation. The U.S. Navy requisitioned the airport in 1941 and used it for training pilots during World War II. The airport was officially activated in March 1943 and sold to DuPage County for $1 in 1946.
DuPage Airport has grown significantly over the years, expanding from 900 acres in 1985 to 2,800 acres by 1992. It is the only facility of its kind in Illinois with four active runways, two ILS approaches, and a 1 million square foot apron. The airport's primary runway is 7,571 feet long and 150 feet wide, making it the second longest in the Chicago area after O'Hare Airport. DuPage Airport offers a range of services and facilities, including a fixed-base operator, a golf course, a corporate research and development park, a flight school, and a cafe.
The airport has faced political criticism in the past for its lavish spending of taxpayer money and has been the target of a federal probe. However, it has also experienced financial improvements, with revenue increasing and expenditures decreasing in recent years. DuPage Airport is committed to operating as a self-sustaining facility while contributing to the economic impact of DuPage County.
DuPage Airport is conveniently located just one hour from downtown Chicago and is easily accessible from western Chicago's major commercial centers. It serves as a relief airport for O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport, providing support during busy periods or when those airports experience delays or cancellations.
Brussels Airport: A Sprawling Hub's Size and Scope
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![National Geographic Road Atlas 2026: Scenic Drives Edition [United States, Canada, Mexico]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814R4OsGtCL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Chicago's Northwest Side
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located on the Northwest Side of Chicago, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world. As of 2024, O'Hare is the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport globally. It is also the world's 4th busiest airport and the 16th largest airport.
The Northwest Side of Chicago is one of the six regions that make up the city and is largely untouched by tourists and out-of-towners. The area is known for its family-friendly and community-oriented atmosphere, with plenty of character and culture. The Wicker Park and Bucktown neighbourhoods host some of the area's most vibrant nightlife and shopping, while Logan Square is known for its burgeoning culinary and bar scene. Those seeking a more residential experience can explore the neighbourhoods of Avondale, Hermosa, and Irving Park. The Far Northwest Side includes neighbourhoods with large Polish communities, such as Avondale and the Polish Village (Jackowo and Wacławowo). This area also features quiet, historic neighbourhoods like Irving Park and Old Irving, as well as residential areas with parks and old theatres, such as Forest Glen, Jefferson Park, and Norwood Park.
The Northwest Side is conveniently located for travel, with all roads leading to either the Downtown area or the O'Hare neighbourhood, which is known for its international airport. The CTA Blue Line has stops throughout the Northwest Side, including in Avondale, Irving Park, Jefferson Park, and Norwood Park. However, a bus connection may be needed to reach some destinations.
A Warm Welcome: Dogs at Pearson Airport
You may want to see also
Chicago's South Side
Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is located on the far northwest side of the city, about 17 miles from the Loop. While the airport itself is not in a neighbourhood, the areas surrounding it are predominantly residential and include the neighbourhoods of Schaller Village, O'Hare, and Edison Park. On the other hand, Chicago Midway International Airport is situated in a more urban setting, in the heart of the city's southwest side, about 10 miles from downtown Chicago. The area surrounding Midway Airport is known as Chicago's Southside.
The South Side is a large area, stretching from the city's southern border with Hammond, Indiana, up to the Loop, and as far west as Midway Airport. It encompasses a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with its own character and attractions. Some of the well-known neighbourhoods on the South Side include Bronzeville, Hyde Park, Kenwood, and South Shore. These areas offer a mix of historic architecture, cultural institutions, and parks, as well as a vibrant food scene and nightlife.
Bronzeville, for example, is known for its rich African-American history and cultural significance, with landmarks such as the Bronzeville Children's Museum and the Illinois Black Panther Party Headquarters. Hyde Park, home to the University of Chicago, offers a lively academic and cultural atmosphere, with museums, theatres, and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House. Kenwood is a beautiful, leafy neighbourhood with historic greystone buildings and a strong artistic heritage, while South Shore has a vibrant lakefront with beaches and parks, as well as the South Shore Cultural Centre.
Airport Dispatching: A Guide to Becoming a Pro
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
There are two international airports in Chicago: Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport.
The airport is named after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. The airport was used by the United States Air Force during the Korean War and was turned into a commercial airport in the 1950s.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport covers 7,627 acres, or 11.92 square miles.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district.
From downtown, you can get to Midway via the CTA Orange Line train, CTA buses, and regional airport shuttle buses.
