Airport Overview
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a major public airport in the U.S. located in the Northwest Side of Chicago, Illinois. Chicago O’Hare Airport is also referred to as ORD or Chicago O’Hare. It is America’s busiest airport in terms of total flights, according to federal data released in 2019. The airport processed 903,747 flights in 2018. ORD airport is also the world’s sixth busiest airport in the world, with over 84 million passengers according to the preliminary data for 2019. ORD airport had 919,704 aircraft operations in 2019, beating all airports in the world.
O’Hare airport offers direct and in-direct flights to about 228 destinations in the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. More info about the airport can be found below.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Chicago OHare Airport (ORD) Terminals
Airport Stats & Facts
- According to travel data provider OAG, ORD is North America’s most connected airport.
- In March 2018, Chicago’s City Council approved a historic $8.5 billion expansion project for ORD. The investments will go into facilities, technology and capacity.
- On March 19, 1982, a U.S. Air Force plane crashed while approaching ORD, killing 27 passengers.
- ORD’s previous name was Orchard Field. Chicago’s City Council renamed the airport to Chicago-O'Hare International Airport in 1949 to honor naval aviator Lt. Cmdr. Edward H. "Butch" O'Hare.
- O'Hare International Airport surpassed the 30 million passengers mark for the first time in 1968.
- The tunnel connecting concourses B and C of the ORD airport is illuminated with a neon installation titled Sky's the Limit by Canadian artist Michael Hayden.
Traveling Tips
- O'Hare Airport peak hours are between 6 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. If you have a domestic flight at ORD airport, make sure to reach two hours prior to your domestic flight time, and three hours prior for international flights. These are officially recommended time guidelines to avoid delays as TSA security checks and procedures could take a lot of time and cause flight delays. Contact help counters and staff at the airport if you run into any problems or confusions.
- Also take a look at the ORD airport map before heading to the airport to avoid any delays..
- To pick up a passenger from Chicago O’Hare, go to the curbside of the lower level of the airport. However, you should not park and wait on the curbside. If your party hasn’t arrived yet, it’s recommended that you use the cell phone lot.
- To drop off your passenger, use the curb front of your relevant terminal. You can also use the “Kiss ‘n’ Fly” drop off points to drop your party. These points quickly shuttle the passengers to their terminals.
- ORD airport has numerous signs pointing toward nearby drop off and pick up points. Use these signs for guidance or contact the airport staff.
Flight Status
- For arriving flights, our ORD Arriving Flight Status guide offers ORD airport arrival times, delays, time-to-land, and gate info.
- For departures, check our ORD Departing Flight Status guide that lists actual vs scheduled departure times, flight delays, map tracking, and ORD airport gate information.
- To get the best fares at O'Hare International Airport, Book a Flight at ORD.
ORD Airport Terminals
O'Hare International has four terminals
- Terminal 1
- Terminal 2
- Terminal 3
- Terminal 5 (International Flights)
Take a look at ORD Terminal Map to see more information and details of each terminal.
Terminal 1: This terminal has concourses B and C. Terminal 1 mainly operates all United Airlines flights, domestic and international.
Concourse B contains passenger check-in, baggage claim, and security screening areas. Concourse C is a satellite terminal with gates on all sides. Concourse C is connected to Concourse B via an underground pedestrian tunnel.
Terminal 1 has 54 gates.
Terminal 2: Concourses E and F are located on this terminal. This terminal operates flights from Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Delta and Delta Connection domestic flights and JetBlue.
Terminal 2 has 41 gates.
Terminal 3: This terminal contains concourses G, H, K and L. All domestic by American and American Eagle flights are processed on this terminal. This terminal also houses Iberia and Japan Airlines.
Terminal 3 has 76 gates.
Terminal 5: Terminal 5 contains Concourse M and operates almost all O'Hare's international departures and arrivals (except flights from Air Canada, American and United from airports with U.S. border preclearance).
Terminal 5 has 21 gates.
Airlines Served
Over 45 airlines serve at O’Hare Airport, including American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France , Delta, Etihad, Emirates, JetBlue, Iberia and Volaris. ORD airport is the main hub of United Airlines and American Airlines.
As of February 2020, United Airlines has over 31% of market share of ORD in terms of total passengers, while American Airlines has about 26% market share. View the full list of airlines served at ORD Airport.
ORD Airport Parking
There are several parking options available at ORD airport, including hourly, daily, cell phone lot, long-term and valet.
Main Parking Garage
The main parking garage at ORD International Airport is adjacent to the domestic terminals on Level 1. Hourly parking comes under the short-term category (less than three hours).
Hourly parking costs $3 for the first hour. The cost goes to $6 for the second hour, and $10 for three hours.
If you need more assistance or information on ORD airport parking, you can call O'Hare’s Parking Garage Office at (773) 686-7530.
Economy
If you plan to park your vehicle for an extended period of time, we recommend using the economy parking lot. This option costs between $15 and $17 per day.
A free shuttle service also operates to and from the economy lot, which you can use to reach Lot E, where the free Airport Transit System can be used to reach other terminals.
Economy Lot F is on floors 4 and 5 of the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) which is located on the southeast corner of Mannheim and Zemke Road.
Economy Lot G is located along Bessie Coleman Drive at the southwest corner of Mannheim and Zemke Road.
You can reach the Economy Lot E by following along the Bessie Coleman Drive at the southeast corner of Mannheim and Zemke Road.
Note: Economy Lot E will be permanently closed starting July 1, 2020.
International Parking Lot (D)
International Parking (Lot D) at ORD airport is adjacent to the International Terminal 5. It’s a short-term parking lot, with rates starting from $3 for the first hour and going up to $77 for extended periods of time.
Valet
You can also use the valet parking option at ORD airport. Valet parking is available in the main garage (Lot A) of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Follow the signs saying “Valet Parking” to reach a valet spot.
Valet parking costs $26 flat for the 0-8 hour window, and $64 for 8-24 hour window.
Ground Transportation
Several transportation options are available to and from ORD airport.
Train
You can use train and bus services operated by the Chicago Transit Authority, or CTA to reach Chicago ORD Airport or your destination from the airport . The relevant train is known as the "L” or Blue Line train.
CTA Blue Line could be accessed on the lower level of the parking garage. Follow the "Trains to City" signs to reach the stops.
Bus
You can use Go Airport Express service to reach the O'Hare airport or go to your destination from the airport. This service operates after every 10 minutes.
Go Airport Express service pick up points are located outside the Baggage Claim area in the innermost lane of the lower level roadways of the domestic and international terminals. These points are located on Terminal 1 (Door 1E), Terminal 2 (Door 2E), Terminal 3 (Door 3E) and Terminal 5 (Door 5E).
In addition, you can take other regional and inter-city buses from the main bus/shuttle Center located onLevel 1 of the Main Parking Garage between Elevator Centers 3 and 4.
Metra
You can also use the commuter train service operated by Metra to reach the airport or any major destination in Chicago.
Passengers can use the O'Hare Transfer Station to access Metra's North Central Service trains to downtown or the suburbs.
Metra stations are located on the northeast side of O'Hare at Zemke and Mannheim Roads. You can take the shuttle service marked "Metra" from the upper level of each domestic terminal or on the lower level of Terminal 5 to reach the Metra station.
Shuttle
Shuttle service at ORD airport runs after every 5-7 minutes. Shuttle buses are also available in front of the Multi-Modal Facility, located near the Transfer Station.
Taxi
You can also take a taxi to and from the ORD airport. Taxi stands are located on the lower level curb front (outside of Baggage Claim) at each terminal.
Average fare to reach downtown Chicago from O'Hare Airport is approximately $30-$40. However, fares depend on traffic conditions.
Rental Car
Rental car services are also available at ORD airport. You can use the free shuttle service marked “Rental Cars/Parking Lot F” from the lower level (baggage claim) to reach the rental car stations.
Several cab companies and car rental services operate at ORD airport, including Dollar, ACD, National, Payless, Hertz and Fox.
Ride-Hailing Services
You can also use Uber, Lyft or any other ride-hailing service at Chicago O'Hare Airport. Here are the designated areas for ride-hailing services at the ORD airport.
Terminal 2: Wait for your ride at the upper level between Door 2A and Door 2D.
- RED Zone - Outside vestibule 2A
- Blue Zone - Outside vestibule 2B
- Orange Zone- Outside vestibule 2C
- Green Zone - Outside vestibule 2D
Terminal 5: Wait for your ride at the lower level Door 5C
Amenities & Services at ORD
Over 50 stores for shopping
- Burger King, McDonald's, Farmer's Fridge, Starbucks, Burrito Beach and all famous fast-food chains
- Health Club
- Shoe Repair and Shining Center
- Sleeping Stations
- Foreign currency exchange
- Spa
- Kids play areas
- Barbershop
- Yoga room
Contact Information
Chicago O'Hare International Airport International Airport is owned by the city of Chicago while Chicago Department of Aviation is the operator of the airport.
Address: Chicago International Airport, 10000 W O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666
Website: https://www.flychicago.com/
Contact: https://www.flychicago.com/business/contact/Pages/contactinfo.aspx
Phone: O'Hare Intl.: (800) 832-6352
Have you lost an item at the airport? Lost & found.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport: A Brief History and Timeline
- The Chicago O'Hare airport started as an airfield for Douglas manufacturing plant for military planes during World War II.
- ORD airport remained the World's Busiest Airport of the jet age from 1963 through1998.
- The U.S. Air Force used the airfield of the airport during the Korean War. It also housed the 62nd Fighter-Interceptor Squadron flying North American F-86 Sabres from 1950 to 1959.
- O'Hare's first international terminal opened in August 1958.
- The first scheduled jet at O'Hare Airport was an American 707, flying from New York to Chicago to San Francisco on March 22, 1959.
- United Airlines and American Airlines established their hubs at ORD airport in the 1980s.
Traveler Help
Can I park for 30 hours in the main garage?
Asked by Ricardo - Sun, 23 October
You can use the daily rate for the main garage but it is more expensive than the economy option.
What terminal does skywest airlines fly out of?
Asked by frank bernard - Wed, 12 October
We didn't find a Skywest Airlines at this airport.
What is the best way to transit from Terminal 1 to Terminal 5?
Asked by Elizabeth - Tue, 4 October
The Airport Transit system inside the airport is the best way to get from Terminal 1 to Terminal 5.
What is the address for Ohare Airport?
Asked by William E Bealer - Thu, 29 September
The Ohare Airport address is 10000 West O'Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666.
What are customs wait times coming in today?
Asked by Lisa rozwat - Sat, 17 September
Picking up delayed luggage?
Asked by Allene - Sun, 4 September
You can contact your airlines directly with any delayed luggage questions.
Where does Alaska Airlines flights land?
Asked by carolyn - Sat, 27 August
Alaska Airlines uses Terminal 3 at this airport.
Are American and United baggage claim in same terminal?
Asked by Kim dawson - Tue, 9 August
No, United Airlines is in Terminal 5 and American Airlines is in Terminal 3.
What is the number for baggage claim office Terminal 2?
Asked by armando - Mon, 8 August
You will need to contact the airline directly that you used with any baggage claim questions.
Are there any smoking area in the airport?
Asked by Derrick boone - Mon, 25 April
This airport is completely smokefree indoors, with e- cigarette use not permitted. Designated smoking areas are located outside of each of the terminals.
Is there anywhere to smoke after security while waiting for a connecting flight?
Asked by Tammy - Wed, 6 April
There are no smoking areas inside the Terminal, only outside. Therefore, you are not able to go out and smoke unless you are prepared to go back through security.
Where is the First Class TSA check in at Terminal 1?
Asked by Leslie Bulluck - Wed, 16 March
The TSA Checkpoint is located near Door 1G.
Is there a Cellphone Lot?
Asked by Heena - Sat, 26 February
Yes, there is a cellphone lot available at this airport where you can wait if your party has not arrived. The lot is located at 560 Bessie Coleman Dr, Chicago, IL 60666.
Is there a Chase Bank ATM inside the airport?
Asked by Randy M Sonkin - Thu, 24 February
Sorry, at the time of this writing there are no Chase ATMs at this airport.
How do you get from terminal 2 to terminal 5?
Asked by Deepak - Wed, 23 February
You can get from terminal 2 to terminal 5 at by heading towards gates F1 or E1 into the main concourse then exit past security followed by exiting the airport. Then walk out through the parking lot and at the end of the parking turn right, follow the signs for terminal 5, and then enter terminal 5 by walking through the international parking lot.
What terminal does Spirit Airlines fly into?
Asked by Sally - Mon, 14 February
Spirit Airlines uses Terminal 3 at this airport.
How long does it take to get from Terminal 2 gate f26 to Terminal 1 gate C7
Asked by Marianne - Sat, 29 January
F Gates at O'Hare are connected to B Gates. Head towards F1 and take a left. This will bring you into B Concourse. Head to the middle of the B Concourse to the underground walkway (You will see a big Starbucks there), and take the walkway through. Plan for 10-12 minutes walking briskly.
I have only 37 min to catch my connecting flight at AA (AA coming from BDL connecting to AA Sandiago). Will I have enough time?
Asked by Joey Beaulieu - Sun, 23 January
We recommend asking your airline this. It depends a lot on where your gates are located and if your first flight experiences any delays. Good luck!
I see two prices for lot F one is $22. per day and the other is$15. per day. Please explain. thank you.
Asked by sherry dillon - Sun, 23 January
Economy lot F is $22/day. Lots G & H, also economy lots, are $15 per day.
how i can get from terminal 1(arrive by United from Denver) to Terminal 5 (depart abroad by LOT)?
Asked by S O - Mon, 10 January
Walking will take about 30 minutes: Follow signs for concourse B (unless already in concourse B), exit past security, exit Airport, walk out through parking lot, turn right at end of parking lot, follow signs for Terminal 5, walk through international parking lot, enter Terminal 5.
If you take the shuttle, it will take 15-25 minutes: Follow signs for concourse B (unless already in concourse B), exit past security, follow signs for ATS, take to Terminal 5, exit into Terminal 5, go through security again
If flying from Chicago Ohare to Cozumel what Terminal do you need to be dropped off at?
Asked by Cathy M Dalton - Sun, 9 January
This depends on your airline - I would check with your airline what Terminal your flight will be leaving from.
Can I get a gate pass to accompany my child to the gate?
Asked by Debbie - Thu, 6 January
Yes, you can normally get a gate pass to accompany a child, you would get this from the check in counter on the airline they are flying on.
My delayed bags were never delivered to me. I would like to come to the airport to pick them up, as it's 5 bags, and I still haven't received them.
Asked by STACI RICE - Thu, 6 January
Sorry that you had issues with your bags. As the airport itself does not manage baggage, you must contact the airline you travelled with and they can assist you. Typically bags will be delivered to your door by the airline (they use contractors to do this).
Trying to locate my luggage from Flight AA 1629. My flight was delayed coming from Austin Texas to Chicago yesterday (Sunday Jan 2nd) which caused me to miss the flight to La Crosse (Flight AA 3629). So need to know where that luggage (1 piece) is located.
Asked by Angela - Mon, 3 January
Sorry you had complications with your luggage. All baggage issues are dealt with by the airlines you traveled with, in your case, American Airlines. More info and contact info can be found on the American Airlines page for delayed or damaged bags.
How do I recover an unclaimed bag from an American flight?
Asked by Priscilla - Wed, 29 December
You must contact American Airlines directly to recover your bag.
What is the phone number to the baggage department? I need to check if my luggage is there.
Asked by Fabiana - Fri, 24 December
Please contact your airline directly for any missing luggage. Good luck!
What is the phone number of the united baggage claim at terminal 1 ?
Asked by Attila Szabo - Tue, 21 December
You must contact United directly. Here is how to contact them.
Where is the baggage claim for terminal 5?
Asked by Nicholas Swinarski - Sun, 28 November
Baggage Claim can be found at the Baggage Level.
What terminal is nearest to Lot G?
Asked by Dennis - Fri, 19 November
Do you need to reserve a wheelchair for arrival flights?
Asked by MIKE MEIER - Thu, 18 November
Is there a specific check in area at Terminal 3 for disabled passengers?
Asked by RAHSAN - Tue, 16 November
The check in area is the same for all passengers. Please see ORD's Accessibility Guide for more information on services for disabled travelers.
What terminal is American Airlines located in?
Asked by Kathy - Mon, 15 November
American uses Terminal 5. To find this and other airline locations, check out ORD Airlines Served.
How do I get from terminal 3 to terminal 2
Asked by KATHY - Mon, 15 November
The fastest way is to walk. Just head towards end of concourse (Gates G1, H1, K1, J1), turn left, follow signs for Terminal 2. It will take you approximately 8 min. There's also a shuttle, but that might take longer.
Hello, where exactly do I meet a wheelchair-assisted passenger with checked baggage? United flight. We departed them from 1G. Please suggest exactly where I greet them and where I load them into the car.
Asked by Mary - Mon, 15 November
Wheelchair assistance needs to be arranged with your carrier prior to departure, in this case United Airlines. Please reach out to them directly for additional info.
Are you making arrangements to pick up a passenger who will be arriving with checked luggage? If that is the case, you can meet them at baggage claim - you can either pick them up curbside or you can park in the attached parking garage.
What is the approx. walk time to go from Terminal 1 Gate C15 to B1?
Asked by joe - Sun, 14 November
C15 is near the tunnel between B and C. You will walk through the tunnel, go up the escalator, and take a right when you are in B Concourse. Gate B1 is at the end. Using the people movers, plan on a 10-12 minute walk (approx).
Does Jetsmart fly out of this airport?
Asked by jane fannin - Sat, 13 November
As far as we can tell, Jetsmart flights are limited to South America. If they do service the United States, there's no evidence that they operate from this airport.
Does O'Hare still have a special location for pet cargo pick-up? Where?
Asked by Lucy Laredo - Sat, 13 November
Where do I check in for wheelchair in Terminal 3?
Asked by Cheryl - Thu, 11 November
You should contact your airline for help arranging for wheelchair assistance for your flight. You might also check out the O'Hare Airport accessibility guide.
How to find lost baggage?
Asked by Mary Kate Schneider - Tue, 21 September
This depends where it was lost, and by whom. We will assume that the airline you traveled on did not have your luggage when you expected it - this is normally the case. The airport does not handle lost luggage, that is done by the airline you traveled with. Please contact your airline directly they have a dedicated department to deal with this.
How do I get from Gate C38 to Gate F14?
Asked by Donna Stroud - Tue, 21 September
Do you mean C28? There is no C38. We will assume C28. Walk from gate to middle of C Concourse, where you will find a tunnel that goes to B Concourse. When you get to the top of the escalator in B Concourse, take a right. You will see signs for F Concourse, take a left and follow your way to the very end of F for Gate F14. This is approx. 1.2 KM but some of the trip (in tunnel) is on people movers.
Where is the best spot to watch airplanes during a long layover?
Asked by Kurt - Mon, 20 September
Some airports have observation decks, but surprisingly this airport does not. However, if you have enough time to get off the airport grounds head to Rosemont Marketplace on Mannheim Rd. near Touhy Ave. If flights are utilizing runway 22R, you'll get a good view.
Is there an upper and a lower level at the International Terminal 5?
Asked by Lucie Bucki - Mon, 20 September
I lost my luggage. Who should I contact?
Asked by Karen Ciszek - Mon, 20 September
Which is the closest smoking areas to Terminals at ORD Airport?
Asked by Gazy - Tue, 18 February
Inside the airport terminals, smoking is not allowed. Hence for smoking outside the airport terminals, you can find designated areas for smoking outside the airport.
Chicago OHare Airport Q&A
ORD is the 3 letter airport code for Chicago O'hare Airport, one of 2 major airports in the Greater Chicago area. The other is Chicago Midway Airport.