Airport · ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago, United States
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IATA
ORD
ICAO
KORD
Continent
North America
Country
United States
Transport
Getting To & From Chicago O'Hare International Airport
The CTA Blue Line train provides 24-hour rapid transit between O'Hare and downtown Chicago's Loop. The station is located on the lower level of the main parking garage under Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes, and fares originating at the airport cost $5. Taxis and rideshares (Uber, Lyft) pick up from designated lower-level zones, with downtown trips typically taking 25 to 90 minutes depending on traffic. Passengers heading to rental cars or economy parking lots must take the 24-hour Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover to the Multi-Modal Facility.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
Chicago O'Hare operates four passenger terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handle primarily domestic flights alongside select international departures, and are fully interconnected airside via secure pedestrian walkways. Terminal 5 is the primary international facility, housing customs and immigration. Because Terminal 5 is physically separate, passengers transferring between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1–3 must either use the landside Airport Transit System (ATS)—which requires clearing security again—or utilize airside Terminal Transfer Buses (TTB) if holding a valid boarding pass for a connecting flight.
Hours of Operation
Chicago O'Hare is technically open 24 hours a day, though individual airline check-in counters, security checkpoints, and terminal amenities close overnight. A hotel connected directly to the domestic terminal core via walkways provides the main on-site lodging option.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Allow extra time for international connections: Clearing U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Terminal 5 and transferring across terminals requires a minimum connection buffer of 2 to 3 hours.
- Mind the Blue Line airport surcharge: Ventra ticket machines charge a special $5 base rate for train trips departing directly from O'Hare station.
- Terminal 5 transfer nuance: If making an airside connection between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1–3, look for the Terminal Transfer Bus to avoid exiting security and re-clearing TSA.
- Seating limitations: Most gate seating features fixed armrests, making overnight airside sleeping uncomfortable; plan accordingly if you face a long pre-dawn layover.
Sources: FlyChicago (Chicago Department of Aviation), Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)