What O'Hare International Airport is and where it sits
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is Chicago's main commercial airport, located about 17 miles northwest of downtown. It is one of the busiest airports in the United States and serves as a major hub for American Airlines. If you are flying in or out of Chicago, O'Hare is the airport you are most likely to use.
The airport has four terminals — Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. (Terminal 4 was decommissioned.) Each terminal handles different airlines, so knowing which terminal your airline uses before you arrive saves time. You can find your airline and terminal on the O'Hare website or your airline's booking confirmation.
Getting to and from O'Hare matters for your budget and schedule. The airport sits on the CTA Blue Line, which runs 24 hours and costs less than a taxi or rideshare. Rental cars, taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and hotel shuttles are also available, each with different costs and wait times.
Key Takeaways
- O'Hare has four terminals, and your airline determines which one you use — check your confirmation before arriving.
- The CTA Blue Line runs directly into the airport 24 hours a day and is the cheapest ground transportation option.
- ATMs and currency exchange services are located throughout the terminals, though airport ATM fees are typically higher than bank ATMs.
- Parking at O'Hare is expensive; the CTA, rideshare, or taxi are usually cheaper for getting downtown or to the suburbs.
- Each terminal has restaurants, shops, and services, but prices are higher than you would pay outside the airport.
Getting to O'Hare by CTA Blue Line
The CTA Blue Line is the most affordable way to reach O'Hare from downtown Chicago or the northwest side. The line runs 24 hours, seven days a week, and trains arrive every 3 to 10 minutes during the day and every 10 to 15 minutes late at night. You can board at any CTA station on the Blue Line and ride directly to the airport terminals.
To ride the Blue Line, you need a Ventra card or a single-ride ticket. A single ride costs the same whether you are traveling one stop or all the way to O'Hare — the fare varies by time of day but is typically under $5. You can buy a Ventra card at any CTA station or use your phone with the Ventra app. If you are staying in Chicago for several days, a visitor pass (1-day, 3-day, or 7-day) may save money compared to buying individual rides.
The Blue Line stops at all four terminals. When you arrive, follow signs for "CTA" or "Ground Transportation" to find the station. The ride from downtown takes about 40 minutes; from the northwest side, it may take 20 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point.
Taxis, rideshare, and rental cars at O'Hare
Taxis at O'Hare operate under a flat-rate system rather than a meter. A taxi from O'Hare to downtown Chicago costs a fixed amount set by the city — currently $42 for one or two passengers, with small additional charges for extra passengers or luggage. You hail a taxi from the designated taxi stand on the ground level of each terminal. Wait times vary but are usually 10 to 20 minutes during normal hours.
Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate at O'Hare but have specific pickup locations. When you request a ride, the app will direct you to the correct pickup zone for your service. Rideshare fares vary based on demand and time of day — during peak travel times, surge pricing can make the cost higher than a taxi. During off-peak hours, rideshare may be cheaper.
Rental car companies operate from a separate facility connected to the terminals by a free shuttle bus. If you are renting a car, follow signs for "Rental Cars" or "Ground Transportation" and board the shuttle from the ground level. Rental car prices vary by company and vehicle type, and you will pay a daily rate plus gas and any tolls on Chicago highways.
Parking at O'Hare
O'Hare offers short-term and long-term parking in multiple lots and garages. Short-term parking is for drop-offs and brief stops — rates are high, typically $3 to $5 per 15 minutes. Long-term parking is cheaper per day but still expensive compared to other transportation options — rates vary but typically run $15 to $25 per day depending on the lot.
If you are driving to the airport and leaving your car for several days, compare the cost of long-term parking to the cost of a taxi or rideshare to your home, plus the CTA Blue Line back to the airport when you return. For trips longer than a few days, rideshare or the Blue Line is often cheaper than parking.
You can reserve parking in advance through the O'Hare website, which sometimes offers discounts compared to paying on arrival. Parking reservations are non-refundable, so book only if you are certain of your travel dates.
ATMs, currency exchange, and banking services
All four terminals have ATMs where you can withdraw cash. These ATMs are operated by various banks, and most charge a fee for out-of-network withdrawals — typically $2 to $3 per transaction in addition to any fee your own bank charges. If you need cash, withdrawing a larger amount at once reduces the number of fees you pay overall.
Currency exchange services are available in each terminal if you need to exchange dollars for another currency or vice versa. These services charge a markup on the exchange rate — the rate you receive is less favorable than the rate you would get at a bank or online currency exchange service. If you are traveling internationally, exchanging money before you arrive at the airport usually saves money.
Some terminals have bank branches or banking kiosks, though hours are limited. If you need to conduct banking business beyond withdrawing cash, plan to do it before arriving at the airport or after you leave.
Shops, restaurants, and services in each terminal
Each terminal has restaurants, cafes, shops, and services. Options include national chains like McDonald's and Starbucks, local Chicago restaurants, bookstores, electronics shops, and duty-free stores. Prices are higher than you would pay for the same items outside the airport — a coffee or sandwich typically costs 30 to 50 percent more than the same item at a regular cafe.
Terminal 1 is the largest and has the most dining and shopping options. Terminal 2 serves mostly international flights and has a mix of chains and specialty shops. Terminal 3 is home to United Airlines and has extensive dining options. Terminal 5 is smaller and has fewer shops and restaurants.
If you have time before your flight, eating or shopping outside the airport before you arrive saves money. If you must eat at the airport, budget extra for the higher prices and plan your time so you are not rushed.
Getting through security and to your gate
All passengers must pass through security screening before reaching the gates. TSA PreCheck and Clear are available at O'Hare and can speed up the process if you are a member. Standard security screening typically takes 15 to 30 minutes during normal hours, but can take longer during peak travel times (early morning, late afternoon, and holidays).
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This gives you time to check baggage, pass through security, and reach your gate without rushing. If you are traveling during a busy time, arrive even earlier.
Once you pass security, you have access to the concourses where your gate is located. Gate assignments are posted on monitors throughout the terminal and on your airline's app. Gates can change, so check the monitors again before boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which terminal my airline uses?
Check your airline's website or your booking confirmation — it will list your terminal. You can also call your airline or check the O'Hare website, which has a complete list of airlines and their terminals. Arriving at the wrong terminal costs time, so confirm before you leave home.
Can I bring my own food and drinks through security?
Solid foods like sandwiches, fruit, and snacks can go through security in your carry-on bag. Liquids and gels — including yogurt, peanut butter, and jam — must follow the TSA liquid rule: 3.4 ounces or less per container, all containers in a single quart-sized bag. Empty water bottles can go through security; you can fill them at water fountains after passing the checkpoint.
Is there a hotel at O'Hare?
Yes. The Chicago Hilton O'Hare is located inside Terminal 1 and is accessible without leaving the find area. Other hotels are located near the airport but require ground transportation. If you have a long layover or need to rest before an early flight, the Hilton is convenient but expensive.
What if I arrive early and my flight is not for several hours?
You can relax in the terminal, eat, shop, or work at one of the charging stations and seating areas. Some terminals have quiet areas or lounges. If you are a member of an airline lounge or have a premium credit card that includes lounge access, you can use that space. Otherwise, the terminal seating is free.
Can I leave the airport and come back if I have a long layover?
Yes, but only if your next flight is domestic. For domestic connections, you can exit the find area, leave the airport, and re-enter security before your next flight. For international connections, you typically cannot leave the find area. Check with your airline about your specific layover before leaving the terminal.