
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States, approximately 14 to 17 miles northwest of the city centre. The airport is one of the largest and busiest in the world, serving nearly 83 million passengers annually and offering non-stop flights to over 228 destinations worldwide. O'Hare's history dates back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for aircraft and a hub for the National Air Forces. Today, it is a major transportation hub, accessible by various ground transportation options and boasting four terminals and two sets of runways.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Address | 10000 Bessie Coleman Dr., Chicago IL 60666 |
| Coordinates | 41.978611, -87.904724 (lat, long) |
| GPS coordinates | 41° 58' 42.9996'' N, 87° 54' 17.0064'' W |
| Size | 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) |
| Number of terminals | 4 |
| Number of runways | 2 sets |
| Number of destinations | 228-249 |
| Number of annual passengers | 83 million |
| Airlines | American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Chicago Helicopter Airways |
| Road access | Airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", taxis, Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the US
- It is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois
- O'Hare is accessible by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L, taxi, and Interstate 190
- The airport covers 7,627 acres and has four terminals and two sets of runways
- O'Hare was originally a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the US
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States. Located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, it covers an area of 7,627 acres, or 11.92 square miles. O'Hare Airport is the primary international airport serving Chicago and is approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district.
The airport has a long history, dating back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The site was originally known as Orchard Place, a small German-American farming community. The plant had easy access to the workforce of Chicago, the nation's second-largest city at the time, as well as railroads and a location away from enemy threats. During this time, the airfield was known as Douglas Airport and had four 5,500-foot runways.
O'Hare Airport became famous during the jet age, holding the distinction of being the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. Even today, it still ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world. In 2019, O'Hare had 919,704 aircraft movements, averaging 2,520 per day, the most of any airport globally. This high number of aircraft movements is partly due to the large number of regional flights. O'Hare offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region.
The airport is easily accessible by road, with options including airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", and taxis. Additionally, Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) provides a direct route into the airport. O'Hare serves as a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines, and it is also an operating base for Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines. With its extensive flight connections and high passenger traffic, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is undoubtedly one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States.
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It is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located on the northwest side of Chicago, Illinois, approximately 14 to 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. The airport covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and is considered the most connected airport in the US as of 2024, with non-stop flights to 228 to 249 destinations worldwide.
O'Hare Airport is easily accessible by road, with Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) leading directly into the airport. Additionally, airport shuttle services, buses, the Chicago "L", and taxis are all available for transport to and from the airport.
The airport's history dates back to World War II, when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters and as a hub for the National Air Forces. The site was chosen for its easy access to the workforce of Chicago, the nation's second-largest city at the time, as well as its proximity to railroads and distance from enemy threats.
Today, O'Hare is a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, with Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines also operating bases there. The airport has four terminals and two sets of runways, accommodating an annual passenger volume of nearly 83 million people, making it one of the busiest airports in the world.
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O'Hare is accessible by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L, taxi, and Interstate 190
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 airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L" (train network), taxi, and via Interstate 190 (also known as the Kennedy Expressway), which goes directly into the airport. These options allow for convenient travel to and from the airport, connecting it to the city and the wider region.
The airport shuttle service provides a dedicated transport option for travellers, offering a comfortable and often direct journey to and from the airport. This can be a convenient choice, particularly for those with luggage or for groups travelling together. Bus services also serve O'Hare International Airport, providing a more economical transport choice. The specific bus routes serving the airport can vary, offering connections to different parts of the city and beyond.
The Chicago "L" is the city's famous rapid transit system, and it provides an efficient way to reach the airport. The "L" offers a fast and often direct connection to downtown Chicago and other key areas. For travellers seeking a more private transport option, taxis are readily available at the airport. Taxi ranks are usually located conveniently close to the terminal, allowing travellers to quickly find a cab and depart the airport with ease.
For those who prefer to drive themselves or are continuing a journey by car, Interstate 190 provides direct access to the airport. Known as the Kennedy Expressway, this highway offers a seamless connection to the airport for those travelling by car. O'Hare International Airport's accessibility through these various transport options ensures that travellers can choose the mode of transportation that best suits their needs, whether they are arriving or departing.
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The airport covers 7,627 acres and has four terminals and two sets of runways
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. It covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) and is operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. O'Hare is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving 54 million passengers in 2021 and offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe.
O'Hare has four terminals with nine concourses, totaling 191 gates. The terminals are served by the Airport Transit System, which shuttles passengers between the terminal core (Terminals 1-3), Terminal 5, and the O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). Free shuttle buses also operate 24/7, boarding on the upper (departures) level of all terminals. The Bus Shuttle Centre is located on the ground level of the parking garage between Terminals 1-3 and provides a temporary boarding area for passengers.
O'Hare currently has the most runways of any civilian airport in the world, with a total of eight. The north airfield has three parallel east-west runways: 9L/27R, 9C/27C, and 9R/27L. The south airfield also has three parallel east-west runways: 10L/28R, 10C/28C, and 10R/28L. Additionally, two parallel runways run northeast to southwest: 4R/22L and 4L/22R. O'Hare's runways have undergone significant improvements over the years, including the adoption of slip-form paving in 1958, which allowed for seamless concrete runways.
The vast size of O'Hare's acreage and its multiple terminals and runways reflect the airport's importance as a major transportation hub. O'Hare serves as a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, and it is a focus city for Spirit Airlines. The airport's efficient ground transportation network, including the Kennedy Expressway, which provides direct highway access to the airport, further enhances its connectivity. O'Hare's extensive infrastructure, including its four terminals and two sets of runways, plays a crucial role in accommodating the high volume of passenger and aircraft traffic it experiences annually.
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O'Hare was originally a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Chicago's Loop business district. The airport is the primary international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Before becoming Chicago O'Hare International Airport, the site was originally known as Orchard Place, a small German-American farming community. During World War II, the site was transformed into a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. The 2 million-square-foot (190,000 m2) plant was strategically located in the northeast corner of what is now the airport. This location provided easy access to the workforce of Chicago, the nation's second-largest city at the time, as well as railroads and a safe distance from enemy threats.
The Douglas C-54 Skymaster was a four-engined transport aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and the Korean War. It played a crucial role in bringing the world closer together by the end of the war, thanks to its reliable transport capabilities. The Skymaster was known for its pleasant flying experience, with light controls and a reliable autopilot system.
During World War II, 655 C-54s were built at the Orchard Place plant, accounting for more than half of the total production. These aircraft were flown out from an airfield initially known as Douglas Airport, featuring four 5,500-foot (1,700 m) runways. The C-54s produced at Orchard Place were used by notable figures such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Douglas MacArthur, and Winston Churchill.
After World War II, the complex was renamed Orchard Field Airport and was assigned the IATA code ORD. The manufacturing of airliners at Orchard Place came to an end, with Douglas choosing to concentrate civil production at its headquarters in Santa Monica, California.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago O'Hare Airport is located in Illinois, USA.
The airport is situated about 14 miles away from the city centre.
10000 Bessie Coleman Dr., Chicago, IL 60666, USA.
41.978611, -87.904724 or 41° 58' 42.9996'' N, 87° 54' 17.0064'' W.
You can get to the airport by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", taxi, or by car via Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway).










































