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Airport Transportation

Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Also known as: O'Hare Airport, Chicago O'Hare, ORD Airport, O'Hare International Airport.

ORD · KORD · Chicago

Airport facts

Name
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
IATA code
ORD
ICAO code
KORD
City
Chicago
Country
United States of America
Coordinates
41.9786, -87.9048
Time zone
America/Chicago

About Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is Chicago's main airport and one of the busiest in the world, with about 84.9 million passengers in 2025. It sits on the city's Northwest Side, about 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop. Chicago's second airport, Midway (MDW), is smaller and closer to downtown on the Southwest Side.

O'Hare is a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines and an operating base for Frontier, with flights across the United States and to Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. With eight runways, it has more than any other airport in the world.

There are four passenger terminals, 1, 2, 3 and 5, linked around the clock by the Airport Transit System people mover, which also serves the Multi-Modal Facility with all the on-airport rental car companies. Terminal 5 handles most international arrivals. A new O'Hare Global Terminal is planned to replace Terminal 2 by 2030.

The CTA Blue Line runs from O'Hare straight into downtown Chicago, and the Kennedy Expressway leads directly into the airport.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Chicago Department of Aviation

Runways

Eight, the most of any airport in the world; the longest, 10L/28R, is 13,000 ft (3,962 m)

Passengers per year

About 84.9 million in 2025

Opened

1944; named O'Hare in 1949

Hubs

United Airlines and American Airlines

Arrival tips for Chicago O'Hare International Airport

Check which terminal you land at: Terminal 1, 2, 3 or 5. Each has its own baggage claim, and drivers meet you at your terminal.

If you arrive on an international flight, you will most likely land at Terminal 5, which houses O'Hare's US Customs and Border Protection facilities. Clear passport control, collect your bags and pass through customs there. If you are eligible, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line.

Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim in their terminal.

To change terminals or reach the rental cars, take the Airport Transit System, which runs 24 hours a day between all terminals and the Multi-Modal Facility. The CTA Blue Line station is reached from Terminals 1, 2 and 3. In winter, snow can slow the roads, so allow extra time for your ride.

Ground transportation

  • Private transfer from O'Hare

    A pre-booked driver meets you at your terminal and takes you to the Loop, River North, the suburbs or Midway. Useful in winter weather and with luggage.

  • CTA Blue Line

    Trains run from O'Hare, the line's northern end, directly into downtown Chicago. Cheap and avoids expressway traffic.

  • Taxi from O'Hare

    Taxis serve all terminals; the Kennedy Expressway leads straight downtown, but traffic can be heavy.

  • Metra and Pace

    Metra's North Central Service stops at the Multi-Modal Facility on weekdays in the peak direction only, and Pace buses link to several Metra stations.

  • Rental car

    All on-airport rental companies are at the Multi-Modal Facility, reached by the Airport Transit System.

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Moving between terminals

  1. Airport Transit System

    A free people mover running 24 hours a day between Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5 and the Multi-Modal Facility.

Terminals

Terminal 1

United, Lufthansa and All Nippon Airways, with Concourses B and C.

Terminal 2

Most United Express flights, some United flights, Air Canada and JetBlue, with Concourses E and F. It will be replaced by the O'Hare Global Terminal.

Terminal 3

American, Alaska, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines and some United flights, with Concourses G, H, K and L.

Terminal 5

Delta, Frontier and international airlines not using Terminals 1 to 3, with O'Hare's customs facilities for international arrivals.

Airlines and destinations

Main airlines at O'Hare and the terminal each uses.

Aer Lingus T3

Airline guide

Air Canada T2

Airline guide

Alaska Airlines T3

Airline guide

All Nippon Airways T1

American Airlines T3

Airline guide

British Airways T3

Airline guide

Delta Air Lines T5

Airline guide

Frontier Airlines T5

Airline guide

Japan Airlines T3

Lufthansa T1

Airline guide

United Airlines T1

Also some flights from Terminals 2 and 3.

Airline guide

Facilities

  • Airport Transit System

    24-hour people mover between all terminals and the Multi-Modal Facility.

  • Multi-Modal Facility

    All on-airport rental car companies, extended parking, the Metra station and Pace and intercity buses.

  • CTA Blue Line station

    The Blue Line's northern terminus, with direct trains downtown.

  • International arrivals

    US Customs and Border Protection in Terminal 5.

Accessibility and passenger assistance

  • Requesting assistance

    Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.

  • Reduced mobility

    Terminals are far apart; use the Airport Transit System or ask your airline for assistance if you need to change terminals.

  • Service animals

    Rules for service and emotional support animals are set by each airline, so check with yours before you travel and carry the required documents.

  • Assistance on arrival

    Airline staff meet passengers who requested assistance at the aircraft and accompany them through customs and baggage claim to the curb.

Parking

Multi-Modal Facility

Extended parking at the Multi-Modal Facility, linked to all terminals by the Airport Transit System.

Frequently asked questions

How far is O'Hare from downtown Chicago?

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is about 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop. The CTA Blue Line runs directly downtown from the airport, and by road the Kennedy Expressway leads straight into the city, though traffic can be heavy at rush hour.

How many terminals does O'Hare have?

O'Hare has four passenger terminals: 1, 2, 3 and 5. There is no Terminal 4. They are linked 24 hours a day by the Airport Transit System. A new O'Hare Global Terminal is planned to replace Terminal 2 by 2030.

Which terminal is international at O'Hare?

Terminal 5 houses O'Hare's US Customs and Border Protection facilities, so most international arrivals land there, along with Delta and Frontier. Some international airlines depart from Terminals 1 and 3 with their alliance partners.

Is O'Hare the same as Midway?

No. Chicago has two main airports. O'Hare (ORD) is the larger one, 17 miles northwest of the Loop and a hub for United and American. Midway (MDW) is smaller and closer to downtown on the Southwest Side. Check which one your ticket shows.

Is there a train from O'Hare to downtown Chicago?

Yes. O'Hare is the northern end of the CTA Blue Line, which runs directly into downtown Chicago. Metra's North Central Service also stops at the Multi-Modal Facility, but only on weekdays in the peak direction.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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