Chicago O'Hare airport (ORD)

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), opened on October 23, 1955, is one of the world's busiest aviation hubs and the primary engine of air transportation in the central United States. It functions as a premier global hub for United Airlines and American Airlines. It features an extensive network of nonstop flights to major global destinations in Europe (London, Madrid, Frankfurt), Asia (Tokyo, Seoul), Latin America (Mexico City, Bogota, Panama City, São Paulo), and the Middle East, while also covering virtually all commercial airports across the United States.

Official Website: flychicago.com

Telephone: +1 800 832 6352

Social Media:

Terminals

The airport features four active passenger terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) operating around the clock. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are interconnected both landside and via secure airside pedestrian walkways. Terminal 5 serves as the main international terminal and is physically separated from the domestic core.

Inter-terminal connections:

• ATS (Airport Transit System): Free 24-hour automated people mover connecting all passenger terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5), the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF / rental cars), remote parking lots, and regional bus connections, with train frequencies of 3 to 5 minutes.
• TTB (Terminal Transfer Bus): Airside shuttle bus operating behind security screening. It connects Terminal 1 (Gate C18B) and Terminal 3 (Gates G17 and K20) with Terminal 5 (Gate M13), allowing connecting passengers to transfer without clearing security again. It operates daily from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm every 15 minutes (same-day departing boarding pass required).

See more connection details between terminals

Annual Traffic (2025): 84.9 million passengers.

Information Desks

Information booths are strategically stationed across passenger areas:

• Terminals 1, 2, and 3: Located on the upper Departures levels.
• Terminal 5: Available on both upper (Departures) and lower (Arrivals) levels.
• Traveler's Aid: Provides social services and travel crisis support throughout all terminals.

 Location

The airport is located 17 miles (27 km) northwest of 'The Loop', Chicago's central business district.

Parking services at Chicago O'Hare airport (ORD)

The airport provides diverse parking facilities managed by the Chicago Department of Aviation, suitable for both short visits and extended travel. All facilities are efficiently connected to passenger terminals via the complimentary automated light rail ATS train or airport shuttle buses.

Close-In Parking (Terminals 1, 2, and 3)

Located immediately adjacent to the core domestic terminals, ideal for fast pedestrian access and short stays:

• Main Garage (Lot A): The primary covered multi-level garage connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via underground heated walkways. Level 1 is dedicated to hourly parking (short stays, drop-offs, and pick-ups), while Levels 2 through 6 are designated for daily parking.
• Lots B and C: Uncovered surface parking lots flanking the Main Garage, accommodating daily parking needs.
• Valet Parking: Premium curbside drop-off service operating from dedicated reception booths within the Main Garage for swift terminal access.

International Terminal Parking (Terminal 5)

• International Lot D: An open-air surface lot located right in front of Terminal 5. Primarily designated for short-term stays and greeting arriving international travelers; it is not recommended for overnight multi-day parking due to higher daily rates compared to economy options.

Long-Term Economy Parking

Representing the most cost-effective alternatives for extended trips:

• Economy Lot F: Situated on Levels 4 and 5 of the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). This covered facility provides seamless, direct connection to all terminals via the 24-hour automated ATS train in just a few minutes.
• Economy Lots G and H: Remote surface parking lots offering the lowest daily rates on airport grounds. Complimentary shuttle buses run continuously between these lots and the MMF, where passengers transfer directly to the ATS train.

Courtesy and Waiting Areas

• Cell Phone Lot: A free waiting area located at 560 North Bessie Coleman Drive, allowing drivers to wait for arriving travelers who have claimed their luggage before pulling up to terminal curbsides.
• Kiss 'n' Fly: Quick drop-off point located at the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), allowing departing travelers to avoid terminal roadway traffic and ride the ATS directly to their gate.

Accessibility: All parking facilities provide designated spaces for travelers with disabilities located adjacent to elevators, ramps, and ATS transit platforms. Shuttles serving Lots G and H are fully equipped with wheelchair lifts.

MORE INFORMATION AND RATES

Facilities for passengers with special needs

O'Hare Airport complies fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), featuring integrated accessible infrastructure to accommodate passengers with disabilities and special mobility needs.

Reduced Mobility and Wheelchair Support

• Wheelchair Assistance: Travelers requiring wheelchair assistance should arrange the service with their carrier at least 48 hours prior to scheduled departure. Dedicated airline personnel accompany passengers through check-in, TSA checkpoints, and to boarding gates or baggage claim.
• Terminal Infrastructure: Terminals feature level elevator access, ramps, and accessible multi-stall and companion-care restrooms. In Terminal 2 (near Gate F3), an adult changing restroom is equipped with an adjustable changing table and hoist.
• Transit Accessibility: The automated ATS train system and passenger shuttle buses are fully compliant with ADA wheelchair boarding and securement spaces.

Sensory and Invisible Disabilities

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower: O'Hare is an active participant in the Sunflower lanyard program. Lanyards are available at airport information counters for passengers wanting to subtly signal staff that extra assistance or patience may be needed.
• Aira Navigation Assistance: Blind or low-vision passengers can access the Aira mobile app free of charge across O'Hare terminals, connecting them to remote trained visual interpreters.
• Tactile Signage: Braille signage and tactile indicators are installed at elevators, stairwells, and major wayfinding junctions.

Service Animal Relief Areas (SARA)

Both airside (post-security) and landside relief stations are available for traveling service animals:

• Terminal 1: Airside near Gate C10.
• Terminal 3: Airside in Concourse L near Gate L26 and in the Rotunda near Gate L11.
• Terminal 5: Airside near Gate M8, and pre-customs within the international baggage hall.
• Landside Exterior Areas: Lower-level curbsides outside Terminals 1, 2, and 5, and next to Door 6 of the Multi-Modal Facility.

More information on airport accessibility and services