About Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

The larger of Chicago's two international airports, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the world's busiest air transport hubs. A useful resource for travellers, our Chicago O'Hare International Airport guide includes essential information regarding terminal facilities, public transport access and nearby accommodation options, as well as useful contact details.

Information:

Information desks (tel: +1 773 686 2200) are available in Terminals 1, 3 and 5. Multi-lingual staff are on hand to provide information and assist passengers with directions, 24 hours a day. Travelers Aid booths are located in all terminals.

Website:

Driving directions:

The airport lies on Interstate 190. It is accessible from the north and south via Interstate 294 and from the east and west via Interstate 90.

From central Chicago, take the north-western bound Interstate 90 and merge onto the Interstate 190, following the signs for the airport. The total drive time from central Chicago to the airport is approximately 30 minutes (depending on traffic conditions).

Transfer between terminals:

A free, 24-hour, transit light rail system, known as 'ATS', links all four terminals and the parking area. The ATS is scheduled to reopen in Autumn/ Fall 2019. The CDA operates shuttle bus services in place of the ATS.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus: PACE buses (tel: +1 847 364 7223; www.pacebus.com) 250 and 330 serve the airport from the ATS ‘Kiss ‘n’ Fly’ stop at Lot E. Bus 250 terminates at Evanston to the north of the city, while bus 330 serves the western suburbs. Connections to the city centre are available along both routes (fare: US$2.25).

There are a number of regional services available from the airport. The Bus and Shuttle Centre is located on the Level 1of the multistorey car park. This is the pick-up point for most bus, shuttle and regional services, including hotel courtesy buses. Regional buses also depart from Lot D, opposite Terminal 5.

Shuttle: GO Airport Express shuttle buses (tel: +1 888 284 3826; www.airportexpress.com) depart from all terminals for central Chicago and northern destinations. There is also an hourly shuttle and coach service to Midway Airport (tel: +1 800 248 8747; www.coachusa.com).

Taxi:There are taxi ranks outside the arrivals area of each terminal (journey time: 30-45 minutes to central Chicago; fares: around US$40). Shared taxis are also available to the city centre (fare: US$24).

Public transport rail:

Light rail: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) (tel: +1 888 968 7282; www.transitchicago.com) runs the 24-hour 'Blue Line' service to central Chicago (journey time: 45 minutes; fare $2.50). The CTA station is located on the lower level of terminal 2.

Rail: Metra North Central commuter trains (tel: +1 312 322 6777; www.metrarail.com) serve destinations in Lake County and northern Cook County, with five daily inbound and outbound trains between Antioch and Chicago Union Station. The station at the airport is situated near the remote long-term car parks and is on the ATS system. The single fare from Union Station to the O'Hare Transfer station is US$6.00, and the journey time is approximately 35 minutes.

Terminal facilities

Money:

There are ATMs and bureau de change facilities within all of the airport terminals. Full-service banks can be found in Terminals 2 and 5.

Food:

There is a huge variety of restaurants, bars, fast-food outlets and cafés in the departure areas of all terminals. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have coffee shops before security screening, while Terminal 5 has more choice, with fast-food outlets, bars and a restaurant in the public concourse.

Shopping:

There are numerous shops in all of the Terminals, including bookshops, sunglasses stores and confectioners. Duty-free shopping is available in each terminal.

Luggage:

Luggage trolleys are situated in all terminals. Lost property desks (tel: +1 773 686 2385), staffed by the Chicago Police Department, are located on the upper levels of each terminal.

Other:

Other facilities available at Chicago O'Hare International Airport include a medical centre (tel: +1 773 894 5100), yoga room, baby-change facilities, a children's play area and a 24-hour interfaith chapel.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

There is a business centre and extensive meeting facilities at the Hilton O'Hare Airport Hotel located opposite Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (tel: +1 773 686 8000; www3.hilton.com), which also provides fax, photocopying, packing and shipping services.

Individual airlines have dedicated lounges (with meeting rooms), which can be used by business travellers with loyalty cards.

Communication Facilities:

Unlimited Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Public telephones are located throughout the terminals, and 'power stations' for electronic devices are situated at various spots in all terminals. Mail collection boxes are available in Terminals 1, 3 and 5.

Disabled facilities:

Facilities for disabled passengers include dedicated toilets, ramps and lifts, escorted wheelchair services, TTY telephones, visual paging for hearing-impaired passengers and Braille buttons in lifts. The ATS system is fully accessible, with elevators provided at each of the five stops, and other public transport services are available for disabled travellers.

Assistance within the airport can be arranged in advance from Travelers Aid Chicago (tel: +1 773 894 2427) which has information desks in all terminals.

Adapted hire cars for drivers with disabilities can be provided with two or three days' notice. Disabled car parking facilities are provided for badge holders.

Any passengers who may require additional assistance are also advised to contact their airline before travelling.

Car parking:

Parking options are plentiful at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The main lots (A, B and C) provide daily and short-term parking, while the economy lots (E and G) provide long-term stays, and the international lot (D) is specifically for those with international flights. Valet parking is also offered. General parking information is available 24 hours a day (tel: +1 773 686 7530).

Car rental:

Most major car hire companies are represented at the airport, including: Ace, Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Firefly, Hertz, Payless, Thrifty and National. Desks for these operators are located on the lower level near baggage reclaim in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Many companies at the airport run free shuttle buses to vehicle pick-up and drop-off areas.