Chicago O'Hare International Airport is among the world's busiest: in 2024 it handled 80 million passengers.
Primary hub of United Airlines and American Airlines, gateway to Chicago, the 'Windy City' famous for its architecture and skyline on Lake Michigan.
How to get to Chicago O'Hare International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to ORD
Parking near Chicago O'Hare International Airport
The Economy Lot G, with free ATS shuttle, is the most economical option at 15 USD/day; other economy parking costs up to 22 USD/day; garages near the terminals cost up to 43 USD/day; valet costs 50 USD/day; off-site affiliated parking starts from 7-8.95 USD/day.
How to get to Chicago from ORD
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
From ORD to the most sought-after destinations
| If you want... | Choose | Approximate cost |
|---|---|---|
| Spend the least | Blue Line to the Loop | 5 USD |
| Reach your hotel or convention center directly without transfers, with heavy luggage | Shared shuttle van (e.g. GO Airport Express) | ~27 USD |
| Reach a specific neighborhood outside the Loop | Blue Line with transfer to Red or Green Line | 5 USD (transfer included) |
| Door-to-door convenience or nighttime travel | Taxi or Uber/Lyft | 40-65 USD (up to 80-120 during rush hours) |
O'Hare → Magnificent Mile (Michigan Avenue)
Since it is not served directly by the Blue Line, the shopping district on Michigan Avenue requires a transfer: get off at Washington and continue on the Red Line heading north to the Chicago station, just steps from the stores; the full journey takes just over 50 minutes.
O'Hare → McCormick Place (convention center)
To reach the city's largest convention venue, the L train network requires two transfers (Blue Line, then Green Line to Cermak-McCormick Place), which is quite inconvenient with convention equipment; many visitors therefore prefer shared vans dedicated to conventions, which reach their destination without transfers in about 45-60 minutes.
O'Hare → Wrigley Field (Lakeview)
For a Chicago Cubs game, the most common solution is the Blue Line with a transfer to the Red Line heading north to the Addison stop, right across from the stadium; on game days the trains are more frequent but also more crowded.
O'Hare → Navy Pier
The pier on Lake Michigan has no dedicated L station: the fastest route remains taxi or rideshare, with times varying greatly depending on traffic around the Loop; alternatively you can get off at the Red Line's Grand stop and continue on foot or by local bus.
Car rental at Chicago O'Hare International Airport
All major car rental companies have counters in the Multi-Modal Facility, reachable by shuttle.
You'll need a driver's license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; for a short stay, if you have a license with Latin characters, you don't need an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Chicago O'Hare International Airport
At the airport
The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is on the Terminal 2 forecourt: a covered underground passage of about five minutes on foot links terminals 1, 2 and 3 and the Blue Line station.
Best for: One-night layovers and flights before 7, even in bad weather, when every extra transfer weighs.
- From bed to terminals 1, 2 and 3 on foot, sheltered from the cold
- The Blue Line to the Loop can be reached without going outdoors
- Soundproofed windows and blackout curtains, useful for sleeping by day
- Only terminals and roads around, no evening life
- To reach Chicago you need 45 minutes of Blue Line
- The hotel is dated: many reviews mention interiors in need of renovation
Rosemont
About 1.5 miles from the airport, with a free shuttle running round the clock (for example at the Embassy Suites); the Rosemont Blue Line station is close.
Best for: Late arrivals and morning departures in an area with more choice and restaurants than the terminal.
- Free shuttle to the terminal, even at night
- The Rosemont Blue Line station lets you get to Chicago
- More chains to choose from than in the terminal
- An area of offices and conventions, with a business-trip feel rather than a holiday one
- The Blue Line ride to the Loop is still about three quarters of an hour
- To see Chicago you still have to take the Blue Line
The Loop
Blue Line directly from the airport to the Loop stops in about 45 minutes, 24 hours a day; by taxi or app 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those visiting Chicago for several days who want museums, Millennium Park and Michigan Avenue on foot.
- The Blue Line takes you from the airport to the Loop with no changes, at any hour
- Millennium Park and the Art Institute can be reached on foot
- A wide choice of historic and chain hotels
- The Blue Line takes about 45 minutes with luggage
- In bad weather the taxi ride to O'Hare can take over an hour
- For departures before 7 the margin is thin
Wicker Park
Blue Line directly from the airport to Damen, a few steps from the listed hotel; the stop comes before the Loop and the service runs 24 hours a day.
Best for: Those who want a lively neighbourhood, with bars and shops, but to stay on the Blue Line.
- Blue Line with no changes between the airport and Damen, day and night
- Bars, restaurants and independent shops on foot
- A small design hotel in an Art Deco building
- The Loop museums are further away, you need the Blue Line
- Rooms at the junction of three busy streets: better to ask for a high floor
- Fewer hotels to choose from than in the Loop
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 15
- with Priority Pass
- 2
- earliest opening
- 04:15
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The 4 main terminals are connected by the automated Airport Transit System (ATS), which is free.
Given the scale of the hub, it's best to plan for 3 hours of advance buffer time on international flights.
Map of Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why does the train from O'Hare cost more than usual?
The CTA charges a higher fare of $5 (instead of the standard $2.50 with a Ventra Card/contactless) for trips departing from O'Hare Airport on the Blue Line; the higher fare doesn't apply if you board with an unlimited pass (for example the day pass) instead of paying per single ride.
Q. Does the Blue Line run at night?
Yes, it's one of the few CTA lines operating 24 hours a day, useful for flights with night-time schedules.
Q. Which airlines is O'Hare a hub for?
Both United Airlines and American Airlines have a main hub at O'Hare.
Q. How do you move between O'Hare's terminals?
With the Airport Transit System (ATS), a free automated train.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Swissport Lounge (T5) and Air France Lounge (T5).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 04:15: Admirals Club (T3, Connector between Concourses H and K) and American Airlines Flagship Lounge (T3).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
