O'Hare International Airport Guide (ORD) – Chicago

IATA: ORD ICAO: KORD Chicago, USA 4 Terminals

Airport Overview

O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the world's busiest airports, serving approximately 80 million passengers per year and consistently ranking among the top three airports in the United States for total operations. Located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago in the city limits, ORD serves as a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, making it one of the few airports in the country with two major legacy carrier hubs. The IATA code "ORD" derives from the airport's former name, Orchard Field.

O'Hare is undergoing a massive $8.5 billion modernization program, one of the largest airport construction projects in U.S. history, which includes a new global terminal, expanded concourses, and a high-speed O'Hare Express train to downtown. The airport currently operates four numbered terminals and is known for its iconic neon light tunnel connecting Terminals 1 and 2.

Terminals

ORD has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5 (International). Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected airside; Terminal 5 requires an ATS train ride.

Terminal 1 (United Airlines): Concourses B and C; United's primary domestic and international hub operations, home to the famous Neon Sky Tube between concourses
Terminal 2 (American Eagle / Regional): Concourses E and F; regional/commuter airline operations, American Eagle, and some United Express flights
Terminal 3 (American Airlines): Concourses G, H, K, and L; American Airlines mainline domestic and some international operations
Terminal 5 (International): Concourse M; all international carriers not operating from Terminals 1 or 3, including Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways, KLM, Turkish Airlines, and others

💡 Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by the underground Airport Transit System (ATS) train as well as underground walkways. Terminal 5 (International) is only accessible via the ATS — allow at least 15 minutes to get there from other terminals.

WiFi Availability

O'Hare offers free WiFi throughout all terminals under the network "ORD Free WiFi" or "Boingo Hotspot." Connect by selecting the network and agreeing to the terms of service. There are no time limits on the free service, and speeds are generally adequate for browsing and email. Premium Boingo Wireless plans are available for faster, more reliable connectivity — particularly useful during peak travel periods when the free network can become congested.

Transport to City Center

CTA Blue Line (Rail)

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line provides direct, 24-hour rail service between O'Hare and downtown Chicago. The O'Hare station is located on the lower level of Terminal 2. The journey to downtown (Clark/Lake in the Loop) takes approximately 45 minutes. The fare is $5.00 for a single trip from O'Hare (standard CTA trips cost $2.50; O'Hare carries a surcharge). Trains run every 6–10 minutes during peak hours and every 10–15 minutes at other times.

Bus Services

Several coach and shuttle services depart from O'Hare's Bus/Shuttle Center, connecting to suburban communities, downtown Chicago hotels, and Midway Airport. GO Airport Express offers shared-ride van service to downtown Chicago hotels for approximately $35 per person. Greyhound and regional coach operators also serve O'Hare.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis depart from the lower level of each terminal. A taxi to downtown Chicago costs approximately $40–$55 and takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate from designated pickup areas on the upper level — follow airport signs for "Rideshare." Expect fares of $25–$45 to downtown Chicago.

Airport Lounges

As a dual hub for United and American, ORD has an impressive selection of airline lounges plus independent options.

United Club – Terminal 1, Concourse B: United's flagship Chicago lounge with hot food service and cocktail bar; accessible to MileagePlus Premier 1K, United Club members, and Star Alliance Gold
United Club – Terminal 1, Concourse C: Second United Club location for wider gate coverage
American Airlines Admirals Club – Terminal 3, Concourse H: Full-service Admirals Club for AA passengers and AAdvantage Executive Platinum members
American Airlines Flagship Lounge – Terminal 3: Premium lounge for Flagship Business/First passengers and top-tier AAdvantage members
The Centurion Lounge (Terminal 3): American Express Centurion Lounge available to Platinum and Centurion cardholders
Lufthansa Business Lounge – Terminal 5: Available to Lufthansa Business Class passengers and Miles & More HON Circle members

Hotels Near the Airport

ORD has multiple on-airport and nearby hotel options suited to layovers and early-morning departures.

Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport: Connected directly to Terminal 2 via a covered pedestrian walkway — the most convenient on-airport option
Marriott O'Hare: Free 24-hour shuttle service, about 5 minutes from the airport, indoor pool and fitness center
Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago: Less than 2 miles from the airport with complimentary shuttle service and a full-service restaurant
Aloft Chicago O'Hare: Modern boutique hotel 1 mile from ORD with shuttle service and vibrant bar scene
Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel: Upscale full-service property about 1 mile from the airport with complimentary shuttle

Food and Restaurants

O'Hare's food scene reflects Chicago's diverse culinary reputation, with local favorites and national chains spread across all four terminals.

Rick Bayless Tortas Frontera (Terminals 1 and 3): James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Bayless's airport concept serving authentic Mexican tortas, tacos, and margaritas — consistently rated one of the best airport restaurants in the US
Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi (Terminal 1): Fresh seafood and sushi rolls named after Chicago's trendy neighborhood
Publican Tavern (Terminal 1): Chicago-inspired gastropub with craft beers and elevated bar food
Butcher & the Burger (Terminal 3): Chicago-born burger concept with custom-blend patties and fresh buns
Goose Island Brewhouse (Terminals 1 and 3): Chicago's famous craft brewery with a full food menu and rotating tap list
Garrett Popcorn Shops (Multiple terminals): Iconic Chicago-style popcorn — perfect for a carry-on snack

Travel Tips

ORD is notorious for weather delays, particularly in winter. Build extra buffer time into connections, especially December through March when blizzards and ice can ground hundreds of flights simultaneously.
TSA PreCheck is available at all terminals, and CLEAR kiosks are located at the main security checkpoints — highly recommended given ORD's volume.
The CTA Blue Line runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week — it is the most reliable transport option during bad weather when highway traffic can grind to a halt.
If connecting between Terminal 5 and other terminals, give yourself a minimum of 30 minutes for the ATS transit and security re-screening.
Free cell phone waiting lots are available if picking up passengers — avoid the congested upper-level drop-off/pickup areas whenever possible.
The Hilton O'Hare is a superb overnight option if you have an early morning flight — it's literally inside the airport campus.
Download the City of Chicago's official ORD app for live flight status, terminal maps, and ground transportation wait times.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago?

The CTA Blue Line is the best option — it runs 24/7, takes about 45 minutes to the Loop, and costs $5.00 from O'Hare. Taxis cost $40–$55 and rideshare runs $25–$45. During rush hour or snowstorms, the Blue Line is significantly faster than road transport, which can take over 90 minutes.

Is WiFi free at O'Hare Airport?

Yes, O'Hare offers free WiFi throughout all terminals with no time limits. Select "ORD Free WiFi" or a Boingo Hotspot network and accept the terms of service. Premium paid Boingo plans offer faster speeds during congested periods.

How do I get from Terminal 5 to the other terminals at O'Hare?

Terminal 5 (International) is connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via the Airport Transit System (ATS) train. The ATS is free, runs every few minutes, and takes approximately 5–7 minutes between Terminal 5 and the main terminal cluster. Note that you will need to clear customs/immigration before re-entering the domestic terminal system.

Does O'Hare have a Priority Pass lounge?

The Centurion Lounge in Terminal 3 is available to eligible American Express cardholders. Several airline lounges at ORD also participate in reciprocal programs through Star Alliance (United Club) and oneworld (American Admirals Club). Priority Pass standalone acceptance is limited — check the Priority Pass app for the most current participating lounges at ORD.