Ultimate Guide to Chicago O’Hare International Airport

10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, USA

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Phone +1 800-832-6352

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O’Hare International Airport (ORD) connects travelers to more cities and flights than any other airport globally. Located just outside the city, it sees over 190,000 daily passengers. This airport was awarded “Best Airport in North America” by Business Traveler International for seven consecutive years.

Terminals at O’Hare

  • O’Hare Terminal 1:
    • Concourses B & C. Airlines: United Airlines, United Express, Lufthansa, Nippon Airways, Continental
  • O’Hare Terminal 2:
    • Concourses E & F. Airlines: Air Canada, Delta, JetBlue, United, US Airways
  • O’Hare Terminal 3:
    • Concourses G, H, K, and L. Airlines: Air Choice One, Alaska, American Airlines, American Eagle, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Spirit Airlines
  • O’Hare Terminal 5:
    • International Terminal, Concourse M. All international arrivals and numerous international airlines are serviced here.

Where to Dine & Drink

  • Berghoff Café: Known as the city’s longest-standing restaurant, offering German fare, sandwiches, and beer. Terminal 1
  • Billy Goat Tavern and Grill: Famous for its SNL skit, enjoy classic burgers and beer. Terminal 1
  • BJ’s Market: This soul-food joint serves baked chicken, greens, and homemade peach cobbler. Terminal 3
  • Eli’s Cheesecake: Known for a variety of new flavors and frozen cheesecake on a stick. Terminal 1
  • Goose Island Brewing Co.: Chicago’s popular craft beer served alongside pub favorites. Terminals 1-3
  • O’Brien’s Restaurant & Bar: Featuring traditional Irish fare. Terminal 3
  • Reggio’s Pizza: Famous for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, available in limited locations. Terminals 1 & 3
  • Stanley’s Blackhawk Bar: A sports bar with Southern fare, located in Terminal 2.
  • Terminal 5: Features notable restaurants including Big Bowl, The Goddess and Grocer, Hub 51, R.J. Grunts Burger & Fries, Tocco, and Tortas Frontera Grill.

Public Transportation

The CTA Blue Line train operates 24/7 between O’Hare and downtown Chicago. Trains arrive every eight minutes during peak hours and cost around $2 for a one-way ticket, taking about 45 minutes.

Access the CTA station from the main parking garage with walkways connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Taxi Service

Taxis are readily available at the airport on a first-come, first-served basis. Fares to downtown Chicago average between $35-$40, doubling during rush hours, with wheelchair-accessible vehicles available through United Dispatch at 800-281-4466.

WARNING: For your safety, do not accept rides from drivers outside designated cab stands.

Driving Directions From Downtown Chicago to O’Hare

Take I-90 (Kennedy) West to I-190, following it directly into O’Hare International Airport.

Airport Parking

Short Term Parking:

Parking Garage Level 1 is convenient for quick visits, with an estimated hourly rate of $2 for the first hour, maxing out at $60 for 9-24 hours.

International Terminal Parking, Lot D costs approximately $60/day, also for short stays.

O’Hare Daily Parking:

  • Parking Garage Levels 2-6 and outside lots B & C are available for long-term parking, costing around $35/day.
  • Valet Parking: Conveniently located at Parking Garage Level 1, costing $54/day.
  • Long Term (Economy) Parking Lots E, F & G: More economical for long trips, costing approximately $17/day.

Disabled Accessible Parking is available in all areas. For assistance, call 773-894-8090.

What’s New and Exciting for O’Hare?

The Chicago Department of Aviation is developing a new Global Terminal as part of a significant expansion project, including additional gates, lounges, and enhanced security screenings.


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