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Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located approximately 15-18 miles from downtown Chicago. The airport has four terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) and offers various transportation options to and from the city. The CTA Blue Line train is a convenient and affordable choice, operating 24/7 with frequent departures. Alternatively, taxi services are readily available outside the baggage claim areas, and ride-sharing services like GO Airport Express offer a middle ground between public transit and private rides. For those renting cars, fees typically range from $30 to $60 per day, and a valid boarding pass may be required.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| Airport Code | ORD |
| Number of Terminals | 4 |
| Terminal Numbers | 1, 2, 3, 5 |
| Distance from Downtown Chicago | 15.2-18.4 miles (24.46-29.6 km) |
| Number of Daily Flights | 2,400 |
| Number of Destinations | 210 |
| Number of International Destinations | 55 |
| Number of Domestic Destinations | 155 |
| Number of Security Checkpoints in Terminal 1 | 3 |
| Number of Security Checkpoints in Terminal 2 | 1 |
| Number of Security Checkpoints in Terminal 3 | 5 |
| Number of Security Checkpoints in Terminal 5 | 1 |
| Parking Cost (First Hour) | $3 |
| Parking Cost (Daily) | $42 |
| Car Rental Cost (Daily) | $30-$60 |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has four terminals
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major airport for connections across the United States. It is the fourth busiest airport and the 16th largest airport in the world. ORD operates as the main hub for United Airlines and the third-largest hub for American Airlines.
The airport currently has four terminals in total, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminal 5 is the main international terminal, with the most international airline ticket desks based there. The other three terminals are along the outside of the bottom three sides of the hexagonal road system that runs inside the airport. The top half of the hexagon contains parking lots, the Multi-Modal Facility (car rental), and I-190.
Pedestrian walkways connect terminals 1, 2, and 3, while the Terminal Transfer Bus connects the domestic terminals and Terminal 5 for connecting flights. The Airport Transit System provides a light rail service for inter-terminal transportation.
There are plans for a huge expansion project that will replace Terminal 2 with a new terminal to accommodate both domestic and international flights.
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Transport options to downtown Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is well-connected to downtown Chicago, with several transport options available. The journey time to downtown is around 25 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic and your chosen mode of transport. Here are some of the transport options available:
CTA Blue Line
The CTA Blue Line is a convenient and affordable way to get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago. It operates 24/7, with trains running frequently throughout the day. This is a good option if you want to save money and don't mind travelling with other passengers.
GO Airport Express
GO Airport Express offers a shared ride shuttle service between O'Hare and various points across downtown Chicago and its suburbs. This option provides a good balance between the cost of public transit and a private ride. You can book in advance and be dropped off directly at your hotel. The frequency of this service may vary depending on demand and the time of day.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available at designated taxi stands outside the baggage claim areas of each terminal. Taxi stands are easy to find by following the signs or asking a staff member for directions. Official taxis only pick up from the queue, so it is recommended to avoid accepting rides from anyone approaching you inside the terminal or near the exit. Taxi fares are metered and regulated but are generally more expensive than the train.
Car Rental
Several car rental companies have offices inside the airport. However, renting a car at O'Hare can be challenging if you are not flying in or out of Chicago, as a valid boarding pass is often required. Rental fees vary depending on the season, day of the week, and type of car but typically range from $30 to $60 per day. Keep in mind that renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore Chicago and its surroundings at your own pace.
Other Options
If you have a long layover at O'Hare, you might be able to explore downtown Chicago. With a six-hour layover, you can take the train to downtown, grab a meal, and visit popular attractions such as Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, or the Art Institute. Additionally, if you prefer to stay active, you can access the Hilton Health Club inside the Hilton O'Hare, which offers day passes for $15, including access to a full gym, steam room, sauna, lap pool, and locker rooms.
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Layover activity options
Chicago has two international airports: O'Hare and Midway. O'Hare is notorious for its unpredictable wait times, so it's important to keep that in mind when planning activities during a layover. Here are some options for things to do during a layover in Chicago, depending on the length of your stopover:
Overnight layover
If you have an overnight layover, you could check into a hotel, preferably one near the Blue Line for easy airport access, such as the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel. For activities, you have two main options: Navy Pier or the theatre. At Navy Pier, you can enjoy dinner, catch a live performance, and ride the Centennial Wheel for city and Lake Michigan views. Alternatively, you can book tickets for a performance at one of the many downtown theatres. The next morning, you can visit Millennium Park, grab breakfast downtown, and experience Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower before heading back to the airport.
6-hour layover
With a 6-hour layover, you can make it downtown on the train, explore the city, and return to the airport with enough time to spare. Take the Blue Line to Clark/Lake to get to the heart of the Loop, where you can snap a quick photo at Willis Tower or take a brisk walk along the Riverwalk. Another option is to take the Blue Line to Washington/Wells and see the famous Cloud Gate sculpture ("The Bean"). Don't forget to allow enough time to get through security and reach your gate, and be mindful of potential delays on your way back to the airport.
5-hour layover
A 5-hour layover is the minimum time to consider briefly leaving the airport, but it's a tight squeeze, and you risk missing your connecting flight. If you decide to venture out, take the Blue Line train to downtown, get off at Clark/Lake, and grab a Chicago hot dog before heading back to the airport.
Layovers under 5 hours
If your layover is under 5 hours, it's best not to leave the airport. However, there are still plenty of things to keep you entertained. O'Hare has a wide variety of dining options, from grab-and-go to full-service restaurants. Sample local specialties at Chicago Style Hot Dogs, Reggio's Chicago Style Pizzerias, Garrett Popcorn Shops, and Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless. If you're looking to relax, many airport lounges allow entry for a fee, and there's also the Getaway Spa in Terminals 1 and 3. For wellness enthusiasts, Terminal 3 has a yoga room, and you can also get a workout at the Hilton Health Club inside the Hilton O'Hare for a $15 day pass. If you're an art lover, Chicago's Public Art Program features art displays in all terminals, including "The Sky's the Limit," a neon light installation that has become an iconic symbol of O'Hare.
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Car rental
Chicago has two airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway Airport (MDW). O'Hare is the larger of the two and is one of the busiest airports in the world. Both airports offer car rental services.
Avis
Avis offers car rental services at both Chicago airports. At O'Hare, you can rent a car, van, or SUV. If you prefer Midway Airport, you can book your Avis rental there. Avis offers a free pick-up service, but you must call your rental location at least 24 hours before your desired rental time to arrange this.
Sixt
Sixt offers affordable rentals at O'Hare Airport, including compact cars and SUVs. They have flexible rental periods, ranging from one day to long-term rentals. Sixt has a mobile app that allows you to make, change, or cancel bookings. To return your Sixt vehicle, follow the signs to the Rental Car Center on the second floor of 10255 West Zemke Boulevard.
Budget
Budget provides cheap car rentals at O'Hare Airport, including economy cars, SUVs, minivans, Jeeps, and sports cars. They also offer a free pick-up service with similar requirements to Avis.
Enterprise
Enterprise has an on-site car rental office at O'Hare Airport. They offer a range of vehicles, including large passenger vans. To obtain your rental agreement, proceed to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF)/Rental Car Facility after claiming your baggage. The address for the MMF is 10255 W. Zemke Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60666.
Other Options
In addition to these companies, other major car rental providers such as Enterprise and Hertz are also available at O'Hare Airport's Rental Car Center. You can rent a car directly at the counter, but booking online in advance is recommended for the cheapest fares.
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Art and wellness at the airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is a hub of activity, with plenty to keep travellers entertained and relaxed. The airport boasts an extensive art programme, with art displays in all terminals, featuring dozens of paintings and sculptures by local artists. The Sky's the Limit, a neon light installation above the walking sidewalk connecting Concourses B and C, has become an iconic symbol of O'Hare. The airport also features an aeroponic garden in Terminal 3, where herbs, vegetables and plants are grown without soil, watered and misted, and then used in airport restaurants.
For those seeking wellness, O'Hare was one of the first airports to offer a yoga room, providing a tranquil and quiet space for passengers to practice yoga, relax or meditate. The room, located in Terminal 3, features floor-to-ceiling mirrors, bamboo flooring, and frosted-glass windows, and is open from 6 am to 10 pm. The airport also has a prayer room in Terminal 5.
For a more intense wellness experience, passengers can access the Hilton Athletic Club for a fee, which includes a full gym, steam room, sauna, lap pool, and locker rooms. The hotel itself also offers easy access to downtown Chicago via the Blue Line train.
For those with longer layovers, it is possible to head into the city and visit nearby attractions such as Millennium Park, the Riverwalk, and the Art Institute. With Chicago O'Hare offering so much, it is no wonder that it is often compared to a small city.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to get downtown from O'Hare International Airport. The CTA Blue Line train runs 24/7, with trains running every 5-15 minutes depending on the time of day. You can also take a taxi from the designated taxi stands outside of baggage claim at each terminal. Alternatively, the GO Airport Express offers a shared ride shuttle service between O'Hare and various points across downtown Chicago and the nearby suburbs.
Parking at O'Hare can cost as little as $3 for the first hour or as much as $42 per day. There are several parking options, including hourly, daily, economy, long-term, accessible, and valet parking.
O'Hare International Airport offers a variety of amenities and attractions. There are art displays and sculptures throughout the airport, including "The Sky's the Limit," a neon light installation above the walking sidewalk connecting Concourses B and C. The airport also features an aeroponic garden that grows about 1,100 plants used in airport restaurants. Other amenities include a yoga room in Terminal 3, a multifaith chapel in Terminal 2, duty-free shopping, and currency exchange centers.
