Chicago Airport Code: A Traveler's Guide To O'hare

Chicago is home to three international airports: Chicago O'Hare Airport, Chicago Midway Airport, and Gary/Chicago International Airport. The airport codes for Chicago O'Hare and Chicago Midway are ORD and MDW, respectively. These codes are essential to know when booking a flight to Chicago, as they help travellers choose the airport that best suits their destination within the city and their preferred mode of transportation.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD) is the code

Chicago OHare International Airport (IATA: ORD) is the code. Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a major international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. O'Hare is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2).

O'Hare is the most connected airport in the US and the 5th most connected airport in the world. It is also the 4th busiest airport in the US and the 7th largest airport. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world.

The airport is accessible via the Chicago "L", airport shuttle, bus, or taxi. The Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) goes directly into the airport. O'Hare is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, and a base for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines.

O'Hare was originally an airfield serving a Douglas manufacturing plant during World War II. It was known as Orchard Place, and later renamed Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s, with the IATA code ORD. In 1949, it was renamed after aviator Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the first US Navy Medal of Honor recipient during World War II.

O'Hare was designed with innovative features such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems. It became famous during the jet age, holding the distinction as the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998.

O'Hare has four numbered passenger terminals (Terminals 1-3 and Terminal 5) with nine lettered concourses and a total of 213 gates, the most of any airport in the world. Terminal 1 is used for United Airlines, Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airways flights, while Terminal 2 serves most United Express and some United flights, as well as Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue flights. Terminal 3 caters to American Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. Terminal 5 serves Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, as well as international airlines that do not depart from Terminals 1-3.

O'Hare has two sets of parallel runways, one on each side of the terminal complex, and a crosswind runway. The airport currently has the most runways of any civilian airport in the world, with eight runways in total.

ORD bears no connection to the airport's name or metropolitan area

The airport code for Chicago O'Hare International Airport is ORD. ORD bears no connection to the airport's name or metropolitan area.

The airport was originally known as Orchard Field Airport, named after the small German-American farming community of Orchard Place, where it was located. The IATA code ORD was assigned to the airport when it was known as Orchard Field Airport.

In 1949, the airport was renamed O'Hare Airport to honour Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II. Despite the name change, the airport code ORD remained unchanged, resulting in the unique situation where the IATA code has no relation to the airport's name or location.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a major international airport serving Chicago, Illinois. It is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. O'Hare is considered one of the busiest airports in the world and offers non-stop flights to numerous destinations across the globe.

The airport's name and code are not the only interesting aspects of its history. O'Hare Airport was originally a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II. The site was chosen for its easy access to railroads and its distance from enemy threats. After the war, the complex became an airport, first known as Douglas Airport, and then Orchard Field Airport.

Today, O'Hare International Airport is a bustling transportation hub, offering a wide range of amenities and convenient access to various ground transportation options. Its unique airport code, ORD, serves as a reminder of its transformation from a manufacturing plant to one of the world's busiest airports.

O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport

O'Hare is located on the northwest side of Chicago, approximately 17 miles (27 km) from the Loop business district. It is easily accessible by road, with Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) going directly into the airport. The Chicago "L", airport shuttle, bus, and taxis also provide ground access to the airport.

The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and has eight runways, the most of any civilian airport in the world. O'Hare was the first major airport planned after World War II and pioneered innovative designs such as concourses, direct highway access to the terminal, jet bridges, and underground refuelling systems.

O'Hare is a hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, with 76% of total traffic, and is also a base for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. The airport serves 73.6 million passengers annually and connects to more than 200 nonstop destinations serviced by 42 airlines.

O'Hare has an extensive range of dining and shopping options, giving it a mall-like feel. It also has a sprawling food court and shops selling various items, from gourmet chocolate bars to high-end headphones.

The airport code for O'Hare International Airport is ORD, which was assigned when the airport was known as Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s.

O'Hare is ranked 4th busiest airport in the US

Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is ranked as the fourth busiest airport in the United States. The airport is located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles from the Loop business district. O'Hare has non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world and is considered the most connected airport in the US.

In 2022, O'Hare was ranked as the fourth busiest airport in the world, according to preliminary global air traffic figures. It served 68.3 million passengers that year, a 26% increase from the previous year. However, this was still 19% below pre-pandemic levels.

O'Hare's high ranking is due to its unique combination of domestic and international flights. The airport has five terminals and offers about five times as many domestic and international flights as Midway, Chicago's other major airport. O'Hare also has the distinction of being one of the world's busiest airports by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998.

The airport's IATA code is ORD, which was assigned when the airport was known as Orchard Field Airport in the mid-1940s. In 1949, it was renamed O'Hare Airport after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first flying ace and Medal of Honor recipient in World War II.

O'Hare is a major hub for several airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. The airport is known for its efficient ground transportation options, including the CTA Blue Line, Metra commuter train, airport shuttle buses, and easy highway access.

O'Hare is 17 miles from the Loop business district

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. O'Hare is one of the world's busiest airports and is ranked 4th busiest in the US. It is a major international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, and is located on the city's northwest side.

O'Hare is easily accessible by road, with direct highway access to the terminal via Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway). It also offers ground transportation options such as airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxis.

The distance of 17 miles from O'Hare to the Loop business district can be covered in various ways depending on your preferred mode of transportation. Here are some options to consider:

• By Car: The drive from O'Hare to the Loop typically takes around 30-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taking the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 190) is the most direct route, and it offers easy access to the airport and the city.
• By Public Transportation: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) provides convenient travel options. The CTA Blue Line has its north terminus at O'Hare and goes directly to the Loop. The travel time is approximately 45 minutes. This option is especially attractive if your final destination is anywhere on the north side of Chicago.
• By Train: The Metra commuter train service is another choice. It connects O'Hare to the Chicago suburbs, providing an alternative for those who need to travel beyond the city limits.
• By Shuttle: Regional and airport shuttle buses operate between O'Hare and the Loop. This option may be useful if you prefer a more direct connection without having to drive yourself or navigate public transportation.

The distance of 17 miles between O'Hare and the Loop business district offers both convenience and a range of transportation options. Whether you choose to drive, take public transportation, or opt for a shuttle service, you can easily navigate your way from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to the heart of the city's business district.

Frequently asked questions