O'Hare International Airport - Wikitravel (2024)

O'Hare International Airport

Contents

  • 1 Understand
  • 2 Get in
    • 2.1 By train
    • 2.2 By bus
    • 2.3 By taxi
    • 2.4 By car
      • 2.4.1 Parking
        • 2.4.1.1 Short-term
        • 2.4.1.2 Long-term
  • 3 Get around
    • 3.1 On foot
    • 3.2 Airport Transit System
  • 5 Buy
  • 6 Eat
    • 6.1 Budget
    • 6.2 Mid-range
    • 6.3 Splurge
  • 7 Drink
  • 8 Sleep
    • 8.1 Budget
    • 8.2 Mid-range
    • 8.3 Splurge
  • 9 Contact

O'Hare International Airport [1] (IATA: ORD, ICAO: KORD) is one of the biggest and busiest airports in the world. It serves the city of Chicago and the rest of the Chicagoland area, with connecting flights to smaller cities throughout the Midwest.

Understand[edit]

This is no Changi, no Kansai; in other words, it's nobody's favorite airport. O'Hare is huge, but it's from an era before airports had much in the way of amenities, and it's been stretched beyond capacity for a while now. Although safety has never been a concern, O'Hare has one of the worst on-time records of any major airport. However, many of the world's airlines fly though O'Hare, so international travelers and those making transfers aren't likely to have much of a choice. Those travelling to the area can use Chicago's Midway or Milwaukee's General Mitchell International (connected to the Loop via the Amtrak Hiawatha [2] train service). Alternatively, travelers may consider the Airport Express [3] operated by Coach USA/Wisconsin Coach Lines, connecting General Mitchell International, the Milwaukee Intermodal Station and points in-between.

O'Hare has four passenger terminals. Terminals 1-3 handle domestic traffic (and some international departures); Terminal 5 handles all international arrivals and international departures that are not covered by Terminals 1-3. (Terminal 4 is something of a fnord, its temporary space since re-appropriated as the shuttle bus depot; the name has been set aside for potential future expansion).

United Airlines has a significant presence at O'Hare, since its corporate offices are located in downtown Chicago. O'Hare is also a major hub for American Airlines. As such, a rule of thumb is that Terminal 1 is dominated by United and its alliance partners; Terminal 3 is given over to American and its partners, and Terminal 2 is everybody else, plus some United Express gates that wouldn't fit in Terminal 1. More precisely:

  • Terminal 1 All Nippon (departures only), Lufthansa (departures only), United Airlines (domestic arrivals and all departures), United Express
  • Terminal 2 Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, United Express (some flights)
  • Terminal 3 Air Choice One Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines (domestic arrivals and all departures), American Eagle, Iberia Airlines (departures only), Jetblue, Spirit Airlines, and Westjet
  • Terminal 5 Aer Lingus, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, Aeromexico, Alitalia, All Nippon (arrivals only), American Airlines (International arrivals only), Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Cayman Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Copa Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Hainan Airlines, Iberia Airlines (arrivals only), Icelandair, Interjet, Japan Airlines (JAL), KLM, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa (arrivals only), Norwegian, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Scandinavian Airlines, Southwest Airlines, SWISS, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines (international arrivals only), Virgin Atlantic, Volaris

Airport map

Get in[edit]

Chicago's Far Northwest Side is the closest part of the city to O'Hare. While it does have some charms, the most popular attractions for tourists are much further on, in the Loop, Near North, and Near South.

By train[edit]

The CTA Blue Line [4] terminates at the space-age station for O'Hare, designed by the firm of architect Helmut Jahn. Trains run 24 hours a day, as frequently as every six minutes during peak periods and as infrequently as every half-hour overnight. The trip to the Loop should take about 48 minutes, but never cut things close with the CTA. The station is located beneath the Bus/Shuttle Center, closest to Terminal 2 but easily accessible by underground passages, with moving walkways, from Terminals 1 and 3. Those arriving at or departing from Terminal 5 (international) must take the automated Airport Transit System between Terminals 2 and 5.

Metra [5] North Central Service trains stop at the "O'Hare transfer" station, located adjacent to parking lot F (with shuttle bus service connecting to the ATS). The train reaches Chicago's Union Station in approximately 30 minutes, but service is infrequent, operates only on weekdays and is concentrated in the peak commute direction.

By bus[edit]

Pace [6] routes 250 (Dempster Street for Evanston and Skokie) and 330 (Mannheim/La Grange) stop at the terminus of the Airport Transit System in parking lot E.

Several bus companies run scheduled and charter services to other communities; these usually drop passengers off at the departure-level curb and pick passengers up at the Bus/Shuttle Center.

By taxi[edit]

Most taxis offer a fixed rate for the O'Hare trip from the Near North or the Loop. The price will vary from other locations, but shouldn't exceed $30 from the city center or anywhere on the North or West Side; parts of the South Side may be more expensive. If you are traveling to the suburbs, it's cheaper to take a O'hare Taxi Services [7] to the suburbs.

Of the many shuttle/limo services, Airport Express [8] vans are the most commonly seen doing the rounds of downtown hotel pick-ups. Fares are $27/19/14 (per person) for one/two/three or more, with a discount for a return ticket if bought in advance and lower fares for children under 14.

By car[edit]

Access to O'Hare's terminals is via I-190, which originates near the interchange between I-294 (the Tri-State Tollway) and I-90 (the Northwest Tollway to the northwest and the Kennedy Expressway to the east). From downtown Chicago, follow I-90/94 northwest, continue on I-90 when I-94 splits off, then follow I-190 into the airport, which splits eventually into arrival (lower-level) and departure (upper-level) roadways serving Terminals 1, 2, and 3 in turn. For Terminal 5, exit on Bessie Coleman Drive. This exit also serves numerous rental car companies and the economy parking lots. To drop off a passenger without the harrowing experience of navigating the departures roadway, try Kiss n'Fly: follow signs for remote lot F where you can leave your friend at the terminus of the Airport Transit System, just a short ride away from the terminals. All rental car companies are located near lot F and are accessible via the Airport Transit System.

Parking[edit]

O'Hare runs a parking hotline (+1 773 686-7530) and broadcasts parking information on 800 AM within two and a half miles of the airport. Needless to say, then, parking at O'Hare is no simple affair. If you're the sort of person who likes to meet friends at baggage claim with a cordial "Come on, run with those bags!" you'll be glad to know that parking in the main garage is free for stays of under 10 minutes. For the rest of us...

Short-term[edit]
  • Level one of the main garage (lot A) is designated for short-term parking, charging $2 for the first hour, and $4 for stays of up to three hours. But keep an eye on the clock, as a fourth hour sees the rate jump to $21, and it doesn't take long to reach the $50/day maximum. Other lots (under long-term, below) also charge $2 for the first hour, but rates increase faster, and as they are further away from the terminals, this option really only benefits you if the hourly parking area is full.
  • Lot D, adjacent to Terminal 5, also offers short-term parking: $2 for an hour, $6 for two hours.
  • A portion of remote lot F is now the cell phone lot where you can park for free and wait in your car for an arriving passenger to call your cell phone, at which point you can pick up your friend curbside without circling endlessly. Shuttle buses run from lot F to E.
Long-term[edit]

If leaving a vehicle at the airport during a trip, numerous options are available. Parking Rates

  • The upper levels of the main garage (lot A) and the adjacent surface lots (lots B and C) charge $31/day.
  • International Lot D charges $51/day.
  • Remote economy lot E charges $17/day, remote lot F charges $9/day. A shuttle takes you between lots F, G, and the ATS terminus in lot E.
  • And if money is no object, valet parking is available at $10/$17 for one/two hours and $46 for the day.

Visitors are advised to notify the above parking hotline if they plan to park for longer than thirty days.

Get around[edit]

A neon-filled walkway connecting concourses in Terminal 1 at O'Hare

On foot[edit]

Passengers may walk between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 both land-side (prior to clearing security) and air-side. The distance can be considerable; make sure to allow adequate time for layovers between different terminals. United Airlines also runs an air-side shuttle bus between its gates in Terminal 2 and Terminal 1, and American Airlines operates an air-side shuttle bus between Terminal 3 and Terminal 5 for international travelers.

Airport Transit System[edit]

O'Hare has an automated, land-side, transit system cleverly called Airport Transit System or ATS. Stops are made at all four terminals as well as at remote parking lot E, lot F, and the Rental Far facility. This is the only way to reach the three domestic terminals and the Blue Line station from the international terminal, which means that passengers connecting to or from a Terminal 5 flight should allow abundant time for border formalities, inter-terminal transit, and a second security screening. There is no charge for the use of the ATS.

See & Do[edit]

O'Hare doesn't have much in the way of amenities, but there are a few:

O'Hare in the movies
Scenic beauty it ain't, but O'Hare does have a cinematic legacy. For example, in the first two "Home Alone" movies, the McAllister family departed for Paris and Miami in American Airlines' Terminal 3. If you feel like playing with a TalkBoy, chasing a man in a Burberry coat, or running on to the jetway of your flight moments before you leave, here's the place.

  • Brachiosaurus skeleton, (Terminal 1, Concourse B). Airports are big affairs with large budgets, but only a few can boast a complete dinosaur skeleton. And not just any skeleton, but that of one of the largest animals ever to walk the earth. The Brachiosaurus cast skeleton is in Terminal 1's Concourse B indefinitely as part of a promotional agreement between the airport and the Field Museum in Near South. It originally stood in Stanley Field Hall at the museum and its construction was financed in large part by the contributions of over 6,000 individuals, schools and companies. It's certainly worth a look if you are in the terminal, and don't worry — you can't miss it.
  • Butch O'Hare's fighter plane. A replica of the F3F-4 fighter plane flown by the airport's namesake hangs in the main hall of Terminal 2.
  • There are three family/companion restrooms in Terminal 2, and one in Terminal 3.
  • Interfaith Chapel, Terminal 2, +1 773 686-2636, [x]. The chapel is open 24 hours. If flight delays are making you question your faith, then head right over. There are chaplains for Catholics, Protestants, and Muslims during office hours, M-F 8AM-2:30PM.
  • Kids Play interactive exhibits are located in Terminal 2 ("Kids on the Fly") and Terminal 5 ("Play It Safe"), operated by the Chicago Children's Museum from Navy Pier. They're open during airport hours.
  • Travelers and Immigrants Aid, Terminal 2, upper level, +1 773 894-2427. M-F 8:30-9PM, Sa-Su 10AM-9PM. Provides information, directions, and assistance for travelers. There are also information booths in all three terminals staffed from 10am - 7pm Mon-Fri and Sun 3-7Pm.
  • UIC Medical Center, Terminal 2, +1 773 894-5100. M-F 7AM-7PM, Sa-Su 9AM-5PM. Operated by the University of Illinois at Chicago. They can provide emergency treatment/urgent care, X-rays, immunizations, and other services.
  • If you just can't wait, there are HeartSave defibrillators (+1 773 462-7283) in all four terminals, intended to be within a minute's reach from any point in the airport.
  • The U.S.O. has a center in front of security for active, reserve, and retired military personnel in Terminal 2, above the Delta Ticket Counter, on the Mezzanine level (Open 24 hours) For more information call +1 773-686-7396. Navy recruits reporting to Recruit Training Command go here.

Buy[edit]

There are, of course, duty free shops in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5.

  • Chicago Historical Society Gift Shop, 8AM-9PM daily, has a better class of Chicago Souvenir than most. They're in Terminal 3.
  • Field Museum Store, 8AM-8PM daily, takes the gift shop from the great museum to Terminal 1.
  • Hudson's Booksellers, 7AM-9:30PM daily, has a reasonable selection of books in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.

Eat[edit]

There isn't much good to say about food at O'Hare. You'll pay more than you should for meals you won't remember anything about. Nevertheless, there are plenty of places to eat. A full list can be found on the O'Hare website [9].

Budget[edit]

  • McDonald's, 5AM-11PM daily, has restaurants in all four terminals and is notable mainly for being open later than anyone else.
  • Gold Coast Dogs, 6AM-8PM daily, serves airport versions of Chicago-style hot dogs and italian beef sandwiches in Terminals 3 and 5.
  • Nuts on Clark [10], 6AM-10PM daily in Terminals 1, 2, and 3, has tasty popcorn & nuts for a takeaway salty fix.
  • Sky Bridge, 5AM-9PM daily, is run by Greeks and serves gyros, kebabs, and some other Greek fare along with the basic burger and dog. A step up for the usual fast food joint, most meats here aren't cooked until you order. Terminal 2, near F9.
  • Tortas Frontera, [11], 5:30AM–9PM daily, is owned by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, and specializes in hand-crafted Mexican tortas, fresh-made guacamole, agua frescas, and hand-shaken margaritas. Locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5.
  • Wow Bao, [12], 10AM-10PM daily, Fast casual Chinese restaurant specializing in bao, buns, potstickers, and dumplings. Terminal 5 near M10.

Mid-range[edit]

  • Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, 6AM-9:30PM daily, serves beer, steaks, and cheeseburgers in Terminal 1. For the sake of any locals who might be around, travelers should take it as a given that everyone has already heard their John Belushi impression, thanks.
  • Chili's, 5:30AM-9PM daily, serves a limited version of their burgers-and-pasta menu in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
  • Johnny Rockets, airport version of the retro-diner/soda fountain hamburger chain in Terminal 2. Mixed reviews compared to a real standalone JR, but it's a change of pace from a fast-food burger.
  • Pizzeria UNO, 5:15AM-9:30PM daily, slums it in Terminals 2, 3, and 5, pushing watery versions of Chicago's hallmark deep dish pizza, while Reggio's Chicago Style Pizza does the same in Terminals 1 and 3.
  • La Tapenade, A Mediterranean-themed café that offers flatbread pizzas, salads, wraps and grilled panini sandwiches. There's also a full bar and an assortment of dessert pastries. As a bonus, it's located in three different terminals as well. (Terminals 1, 2, and 3; Gates B4, E9, F20, and H14)

Splurge[edit]

  • The Berghoff, 5:15AM-10:30PM daily, in Terminal 1, is the airport outpost of a historic Loop German restaurant (since the 1890s), offering bratwurst and a small part of the main location's menu.
  • Romano's Macaroni Grill, in Terminal 3 gate K3, has entrées priced mostly in the $10-$16 range, topping out at $28 for high-end steak meals. Food is of good quality, comparable to the standalone Macaroni Grill restaurants, though is a little more oily than standard Italian fare.
  • Wolfgang Puck, 5AM-10PM daily, in Terminals 1 and 3 has an extremely limited menu to compensate for demand and limited preparation space. It's overpriced and not tasty enough to justify the price, but if you're on an expense account, go for it.
  • Publican Tavern, One Off Hospitality Group has brought a miniature version of their beloved Publican brand to O’Hare and it’s been a huge success. The bar features 10 draft beers alongside craft bottles and cans from lower brewers such as Half Acre. Guests can pair them with signature bites ported over from the Publican menus, including pork rinds, a pub burger, and Slagel Family Farm roasted chicken. (Terminal 3; Gate K1)
  • Wicker Park Sushi Bar, This sushi bar has nothing to do with the Wicker Park neighborhood, as HMSHost management discovered customers responded well to the name. The 104-seat restaurant with sushi bar gives travelers the option of enjoying nigiri, sashimi, maki and specialty rolls. The full bar also serves sake, shochu, and it also has a sushi takeaway counter. (Terminal 2)
  • 'Tocco, As part of the Terminal 5 overhaul, this Wicker Park Italian eatery has an outpost at O'Hare. The modern-design restaurant dishes out Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas alongside an assortment of trattoria fare including pastas and salads. Get a fresh taste of Italy, even if it's not your final destination. (Terminal 5; Gate M7)

Drink[edit]

There are a few options for booze in O'Hare. Some restaurants, including Billy Goat and The Berghoff, also have liquor licenses. As with food, options are more limited in the international terminal.

  • Goose Island Brewing Company, 8AM-8PM daily, in Terminal 2.
  • Prairie Tap, 6AM-10PM daily, in Terminal 3.
  • Beaudevin, 6AM-9PM daily, in Terminal 1

Sleep[edit]

Many hotels serving O'Hare are actually located in the nearby suburbs of Rosemont and Schiller Park, among others. They tend to be nice, clean, bland, and expensive. Amenities are fairly standard, with an eye toward business travelers. Virtually all hotels run shuttles to and from the airport. Some run on a schedule and do regular pick-ups, while others have to be called from the airport concierge. Shuttle stops are clearly sign-posted. Make sure the shuttle is going to your specific hotel — Marriott, for example, runs separate shuttles for each of its brands. A taxi should cost $10-15 at the most.

O'Hare is well known for weather issues that cause flights to be canceled, particularly in the winter and summer months. If you get stuck at O'Hare and need a hotel room for the night there is a service, Airport Accommodations, that provides discounted rates at full service hotels in the airport area that provide free shuttle service. Call their 24/7 customer service center at ☎ +1 800 935-5995 and they will help you find a room in the airport area. They do not charge for their services.

If you're driving to a hotel, get on I-190, the small expressway that operates to/from the airport. Most hotels are clustered on Mannheim Road or River Road, which have exits from the expressway, or off roads that connect with Mannheim going north (Higgins, Touhy) or south (Irving Park). I-190 merges with I-90/94, which heads to the center of Chicago.

Budget[edit]

Budget friendly hotels near O'Hare.

  • Best Western O'Hare North/ Elk Grove, 100 Busse Rd, Elk Grove Village, +1 847 593-8600 (fax: +1 847-593-8607), [x]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. About four miles from the airport and a 24/7 complimentary shuttle service. Rooms from $89.
  • Comfort Inn O'Hare (Elk Grove Village), 2550 Landmeier Rd, Elk Grove Village, +1 847 364-6200, [x]. About five miles from the airport. Rooms from $80.
  • Country Inn and Suites Chicago O'Hare NW (Mount Prospect), 2200 South Elmhurst Road, Mount Prospect, +1 847 290-0909, [x]. About 6 miles from the airport. Rooms from $79.
  • Super 8 O'Hare Airport, 2080 N Mannheim Rd, Northlake, +1 708 681-0220, [x]. Rooms from $60.
  • Quality Inn O'Hare Airport, 3801 N Mannheim Rd, Schiller Park, +1 847 678-0670, [x]. About two miles from the airport. Rooms from $60.

Mid-range[edit]

  • Aloft O'Hare, 9700 Balmoral Avenue, Rosemont, +1 847 671-4444, [x]. Newer budget-minded imprint of the W. Styled to be young and trendy, the hotel actually offers a ton of the same great amenities of the pricier Starwood properties. Swanky bar, cool design, and great entertainment set-up in each room. Rooms from $89.
  • Best Western O'Hare North/ Elk Grove, 100 Busse Rd, Elk Grove Village, +1 847 593-8600 (fax: +1 847-593-8607), [x]. checkin: 3pm; checkout: 11am. About four miles from the airport with a 24/7 complimentary shuttle service. Rooms from $89.
  • Best Western At O'Hare, 10300 W Higgins Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 296-4471, [x]. The rooms are a little dingy and the internet was spotty at last check, but it's not bad. Has a sports bar and a diner on-site. Rooms from $130.
  • Comfort Inn O'Hare (Franklin Park), 3001 N Mannheim Rd, Franklin Park, +1 847 233-9292, [x]. About five minutes from the airport. Rooms from $130.
  • Comfort Suites O'Hare (Schiller Park), 4200 N River Rd, Schiller Park, +1 847 233-9000, [x]. Big hotel with a sports bar and grill on-site. Rooms from $120.
  • Courtyard Chicago O'Hare (Des Plaines), 2950 S. River Road, Des Plaines, +1 847-824-7000, [x]. Rooms from $109.
  • Embassy Suites Chicago O'Hare/Rosemont, 5500 N River Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 678-4000, [x]. About one mile from the airport. Rooms as low as $119, but reservations can be difficult to get.
  • Four Points by Sheraton, 10249 W Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, +1 800 323-1239, [x]. Lounge, restaurant, pool, and the rest. For travelers who like to cut it close, shuttles run to O'Hare every 20 minutes, 24 hours per day. Rooms from $155.
  • Hampton Inn Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel, 3939 N Mannheim Rd, Schiller Park, +1 847 671-1700, [x]. About 1.5 miles from the airport. Rooms from $146.
  • Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 6600 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 544-7500, [x]. About five miles from the airport. Rooms from $163.
  • Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 W Bryn Mawr Ave, +1 847 696 1234, [x]. Contemporary facility with newly renovated guest rooms and meeting space. Rooms from $159.
  • Radisson Hotel Chicago O'Hare, 1450 E Touhy Ave, Des Plaines, +1 847 296-8866, [x]. About 1.5 miles from the airport. Rooms from $169.
  • Residence Inn Chicago O'Hare, 7101 Chestnut St, Rosemont, +1 847 375-9000, [x]. Home-y hotel with separate kitchens. Rooms from $149.
  • Chicago Marriott Suites O'Hare, 6155 North River Road Rosemont, Il 60018, +1-847-696-4400 (fax: 1-847-696-2122), [x]. checkin: 16:00; checkout: 12:00. Convenient to O’Hare Airport, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Allstate Arena and Rosemont Theatre. Hotel features on-site restaurant and bar, fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool. $99 USD and above.
  • Sheraton Suites Elk Grove Village, 121 Northwest Point Blvd, Elk Grove Village, +1 847 290-1600, [x]. 253 suites with separate living rooms and bedrooms. Rooms from $159.
  • Wyndham O'Hare, 6810 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 297-1234, [x]. Just five minutes from the O'Hare International Airport. Among the standard amenities is one you don't find everywhere: a kosher kitchen. Rooms from $159.

Splurge[edit]

If you're going to spend a lot of money on a hotel and you plan to be in town for more than one night, you'll have a much better time in downtown Chicago. That said, these hotels are big and do a lot of business.

  • Chicago Hilton O'Hare, O'Hare Intl Airport, PO Box 66414, Chicago, +1 773 686-8000, [x]. The only hotel located on-site at the airport, in Terminal 2 (close to the CTA Blue Line), with more than 850 rooms and sound-resistant windows. Rooms from $299.
  • Chicago Marriott O'Hare, 8535 West Higgins Road Chicago, IL 60631, +1-773-693-4444 (fax: +1-773-693-3164), [x]. checkin: 15:00; checkout: 12:00. Newly renovated and conveniently located three miles from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 15 miles from downtown and 'L'-train access just one block away. Features indoor pool, fitness center, on-site bar, coffee shop and restaurant. $119 USD and Up.
  • Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites Hotel, 8500 West Bryn Mawr Avenue Chicago, IL 60631, +1-773-380-9600 (fax: +1-773-380-9601), [x]. checkin: 16:00; checkout: 12:00. Features indoor pool, fitness center, on-site bar, coffee shop and restaurant. Located steps from the "L" Chicago Blue Line-O’Hare and offering complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. $119 USD and above.
  • Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5440 N River Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 671-6350, [x]. Giant hotel about 1.5 miles from the airport, with copious meeting space. Rooms from $188.
  • Doubletree Hotel Chicago O'Hare, 5460 N River Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 292-9100, [x]. About five minutes from the airport. Rooms from $239.
  • Holiday Inn Select, 10233 West Higgins Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 954-8600, [x]. One mile from the airport, this hotel has won the Torch Bearer award for excellent customer service and quality two years in a row Rooms from $95.
  • Sheraton Gateway Suites Chicago O'Hare, 6501 N Mannheim Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 699-6300, [x]. Close to O'Hare and the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Rooms from $239.
  • Sofitel Chicago O'Hare, 5550 N River Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 678-4488, [x]. Offers "a touch of France" amid the anonymous sprawl around O'Hare. It's connected by walkway to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. Rooms from $229, but much cheaper with advance booking.
  • The Westin O'Hare, 6100 N River Rd, Rosemont, +1 847 698-6000, [x]. More than 500 pretty rooms with a long list of amenities. Rooms from $329.

Contact[edit]

  • Wi-fi is available throughout O'Hare Airport from Boingo [13]. Day passes cost $6.95, while monthly rates are $9.95 for the first three months and $21.95 thereafter.
  • Laptop Lane, M-F 6:30AM-11PM, Sa-Su 8AM-4PM, [14] provides secure internet connections and office services for business travelers in Terminal 1. $5 gets you five minutes.

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wtp:ChicagoWikipedia:O'Hare International Airport

O'Hare International Airport - Wikitravel (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to get through international security at ohare? ›

The average wait time is 15 minutes, though rarely during busy travel periods can be up to 40 minutes. There are 10 security checkpoints across the four terminals, each with designated pre-check lines.

How long before your flight should you be at O Hare airport? ›

Larger airports, such as O'Hare and Midway in Chicago, ask that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure especially if a traveler needs to go to the check-in counter for any reason (i.e., check baggage, etc.).

Is Chicago, ORD a good airport? ›

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) announced today that for the 20th consecutive year, O'Hare International Airport claimed top honors in the category of Best Airport in North America by Global Traveler (GT), a magazine for frequent luxury travelers.

Is O Hare one of the busiest airports in the world? ›

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is at the top, followed by Chicago O'Hare Airport in second, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in third.

Is 1 hour enough time to get through airport security? ›

"The two-hour recommendation is fairly standard across the industry," says Heather Lissner, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport spokesperson. "We recommend the two hours so that travelers have enough time to get dropped off or park their cars, check their bags and get through security to their gates."

How long before international flight should you go through security? ›

When you're traveling outside of the United States, we suggest arriving at least 3 hours prior to your departure. You must be checked in at least 1 hour before your scheduled departure.

What is the busiest time at O Hare? ›

Popular Travel Times: Busiest days to travel: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Fly early, but not too early. The busiest times are 6-8 am, and 3-5 pm.

Do I really need to get to airport 2 hours before flight? ›

When you're traveling within the United States, we make the suggestion to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure. For most airports, you must be checked in at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time (airports requiring additional time are listed below, Go to footer note).

What terminal does United use for international flights at O'Hare? ›

What terminal is United Airlines at ORD? United Airlines flies in and out of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at O'Hare International Airport, according to a United Airline map. All United Airlines international arrivals for O'Hare International Airport come in at Terminal 5.

What is O Hare airport ranked in the world? ›

9. Chicago O'Hare International Airport: With nearly 74 million passengers in 2023, O'Hare dropped from its No. 4 ranking in 2022 to No. 9.

How complicated is Chicago airport? ›

The disadvantages of flying through O'Hare are that the airport is one of the busiest in the world, thus it can be very difficult to navigate, take a long time to pass through all of the checkpoints and walk from your gate to your lounges.

What is special about O Hare airport? ›

O'Hare has four numbered passenger terminals with nine lettered concourses and a total of 213 gates- the most of any airport in the world. Terminal 1 is used for United Airlines, Lufthansa and All Nippon Airways flights. It contains 52 gates on two concourses, lettered B–C.

Why is O'Hare called Ord? ›

Why is O'Hare called ORD? O'Hare was build on a site called Orchard Field, also known as Orchard Place, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. Orchard = ORcharD.

What is the number 1 busiest airport in the world? ›

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), US: 104.6 million. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) is not only the busiest in the world by almost 10 million passengers per year, but it has also held the top spot in this list every year except one since 1998.

How early to get to o hare for international flight United? ›

Get to the airport two hours early for domestic travel. Get to the airport three hours early for international travel. Mornings, evenings, and holidays are always busy. Please plan for extra time.

How long does it take to get through TSA International? ›

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) currently recommends travelers arrive 2 hours before scheduled Domestic Flights and 3 hours for International Flights.

How long does it take to get through airport after international flight? ›

If you're coming from an international flight, it is recommended to schedule your pick up an hour or 1.5 hours after landing to give enough time for getting through customs.

How can I get through international airport security faster? ›

How to Get Through Airport Security Quickly, According to a TSA...
  1. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or Clear. ...
  2. Wear shoes you can easily slip off. ...
  3. Make sure none of your clothes contain metal. ...
  4. Pack your carry-on (relatively) neatly. ...
  5. Make sure you're following TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule. ...
  6. Empty your water bottle.
Mar 16, 2023

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