
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD, FAA LID: ORD) is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The airport is situated on the city's Northwest Side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. O'Hare began as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II and has since become one of the busiest airports in the world.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| IATA | ORD |
| ICAO | KORD |
| FAA LID | ORD |
| Location | Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Distance from Chicago Loop | 17 miles (27 km) |
| Size | 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi; 30.87 km2) |
| Destinations | 249 destinations across the world |
| Ranking | 5th most connected airport in the world, 4th busiest airport, 16th largest airport |
| History | Manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II |
| Road Access | Airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", taxis, Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) |
| Hubs | American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Spirit Airlines |
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What You'll Learn
- O'Hare International Airport is in Chicago, Illinois, US
- It is 17 miles from Chicago's Loop business district
- O'Hare is ranked as one of the world's busiest airports
- It is accessible by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L, taxi, and Interstate 190
- O'Hare was originally a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters

O'Hare International Airport is in Chicago, Illinois, US
O'Hare has a rich history, dating back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. 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 threat. The airfield, known as Douglas Airport, initially had four 5,500-foot (1,700 m) runways.
O'Hare became famous during the jet age, holding the distinction as the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. It still ranks as one of the busiest airports in the world, with 919,704 aircraft movements in 2019, averaging 2,520 per day. The airport is easily accessible by road, with the Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) going directly into the airport. It is also well-connected by public transportation, with the Chicago "L", buses, and airport shuttles serving the area.
O'Hare International Airport is a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines, with United Airlines' headquarters in the Willis Tower. The airport has undergone modernization plans to improve efficiency and reduce delays, with a focus on improving the runway layout. O'Hare's location in Chicago, Illinois, has contributed to its success and reputation as one of the world's leading airports.
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It is 17 miles from Chicago's Loop business district
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Chicago's Loop business district. The airport is situated on the city's northwest side and covers 7,627 acres (11.92 sq mi or 30.87 sq km). O'Hare International Airport is easily accessible by road, with the Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway) leading directly into the airport. Additionally, travellers can opt for the airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", or taxis to reach the airport.
O'Hare has a rich history, initially serving as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II. The site was originally known as Orchard Place and was once a small German-American farming community. The airport has grown significantly since its early days, now offering non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe as of summer 2024. This includes regions such as North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
The airport's convenient location, efficient ground transportation options, and extensive flight network have contributed to its success and high ranking among the world's busiest airports. O'Hare has held the distinction of being the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998. Even today, it continues to rank highly in airport traffic, with 919,704 aircraft movements recorded in 2019, averaging 2,520 movements per day.
Being located just 17 miles from Chicago's Loop business district, O'Hare International Airport plays a crucial role in facilitating business travel and connecting Chicago to the rest of the world. Its proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient gateway for both leisure and business travellers alike, contributing to its reputation as one of the most connected and busiest airports globally.
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O'Hare is ranked as one of the world's busiest airports
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is located on the city's northwest side, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop business district. O'Hare is ranked as one of the world's busiest airports, a distinction it first earned in 1963.
In 2022, O'Hare was ranked as the fourth busiest airport in the world, according to preliminary global air traffic figures. This ranking is based on the total number of passengers, with O'Hare recording just over 80 million travellers in 2024. The airport offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
O'Hare's high ranking as a busy airport can be attributed to several factors. One factor is its role as a hub for major airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines, as well as a base for other airlines like Frontier and Spirit. Additionally, O'Hare's location in Chicago, the second-largest city in the United States, contributes to its high passenger traffic. The airport's accessibility by road and public transportation, including the Chicago "L", also makes it convenient for travellers.
Furthermore, O'Hare's history as an airfield during World War II and its subsequent development played a role in its success. The airport's expansion and the arrival of jet airliners, such as the American 707, contributed to its rise in traffic. By 1963, O'Hare served 10 million passengers annually, a number that quickly doubled, solidifying its position as one of the world's busiest airports.
While O'Hare has faced challenges with delays and runway layout inefficiencies in the past, it remains a significant aviation hub. Its ranking as one of the busiest airports in the world is a testament to its resilience and the strong rebound of the domestic market in the United States.
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It is accessible by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L, taxi, and Interstate 190
O'Hare International Airport is located on the far northwest side of Chicago, 17 miles from the Loop. It is accessible by several transport methods, including airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago L train system, taxi, and Interstate 190, which is a direct highway to the airport.
Airport shuttle services are a convenient way to travel to and from the airport. Many hotels in the area provide their own shuttle services for guests, and there are also private shuttle companies operating from the airport. These can be booked in advance or on arrival at the airport.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates a number of bus routes that serve the airport. The CTA Bus Stop is located at the lower level of the airport, outside of Baggage Claim. The #208 CTA bus route operates between the airport and the CTA Blue Line 'L' station at Cumberland, connecting to the city centre.
The Chicago L train system provides a direct connection to the airport from the city. The Blue Line's O'Hare branch operates 24 hours a day and provides a fast and efficient way to travel to and from the airport. The station is located just underground the airport's Terminal 2.
Taxis are readily available at the airport. The taxi stand is located on the lower level, outside of Baggage Claim. Rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft also provide services to and from the airport. These can be convenient options for travellers who prefer to have a door-to-door service.
For those driving to the airport, Interstate 190 is a direct highway that provides easy access. It connects to other major highways, including I-294 and I-90, making it convenient to travel to and from the airport by car. The airport has a large parking lot with both short-term and long-term parking options available.
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O'Hare was originally a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters
O'Hare International Airport, located in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the most important airports in the United States. However, it began as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II.
The site chosen for the plant was originally known as Orchard Place, a small German-American farming community. The decision to establish the plant in this location was influenced by several factors. Firstly, the area offered easy access to the workforce of Chicago, the nation's second-largest city at the time. Additionally, the site had access to railroads and was far from enemy threats. The Douglas Aircraft Company also recognised that the area provided ample space for future expansion, with the potential to eventually develop into an international airport for Chicago.
The manufacturing plant produced the Douglas C-54 Skymaster, a four-engined transport aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces during World War II and the Korean War. The C-54 Skymaster was derived from a prewar civilian design, the Douglas DC-4, which was developed as a successor to the DC-3. The C-54 was designed to meet military requirements, with additional fuel tanks and a stronger floor. It became a favoured aircraft due to its reliability, pleasant flying experience, and features such as a steerable nosewheel.
The C-54 Skymasters were used for various purposes beyond combat roles. They transported cargo, carried presidents, prime ministers, and military staff, and served in air-sea rescue, scientific and military research, and missile tracking and recovery. During the Berlin Airlift, the C-54 played a crucial role in delivering coal and food supplies to West Berlin. After the war, the aircraft continued to be used by the U.S. Air Force until 1972 and was adopted by civilian airlines, linking the world through international airline services.
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Frequently asked questions
O'Hare International Airport is located in Chicago, Illinois, United States.
The airport's address is 10000 O'Hare Ave, Chicago, Illinois, 60666, US.
O'Hare International Airport is the primary international airport serving Chicago. It offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world.
You can get to the airport by airport shuttle, bus, the Chicago "L", taxi, or by road via Interstate 190 (Kennedy Expressway).
O'Hare airport was once known as Orchard Place and served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters during World War II. It became famous during the jet age and held the distinction of being the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998.









































