Chicago Airport Map + Guide: Terminals, Tips & More

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving about 83 million people per year as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. It is the home of United Airlines, but you can also find most major national and international airlines there. It is generally considered a good US airport, with clean facilities, numerous dining options, and a few special features such as a yoga room and garden. Compared to some international airports, which have more sleeping and shopping options, O’Hare is lacking. 

The airport underwent a major expansion at Terminal 5 (the international terminal), which added ten new gates, restaurants, and amenities, as well as a more efficient baggage handling system. This new design by famed architect Jeanne Gang connected the domestic and international terminals and added more light and greenery to the space. 

>> Visiting the Windy City soon? Read our guide to Chicago.

Key takeaways

• Currently, ORD has four passenger terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 for domestic flights and terminal 5 for primarily international flights.
• There is a free Airport Transit System (ATS), which connects all terminals, parking lots, and the rental car center.
• Security wait times during peak hours range from 10–35 minutes.
• We suggest arriving at least 90 minutes before boarding for domestic flights.
• O’Hare International Airport offers various amenities, including lounges, dining options, pet relief areas, and family-friendly spaces.
• Going’s travel alerts ensure you do not miss any deals departing from O’Hare Airport.

About Chicago O’Hare Airport

• Airport code: ORD
• Distance from ORD to Chicago: 15 miles to downtown 
• Transport options: Train / Taxi / Rideshare 
• Airlines served: Southwest, Aer Lingus, AeroMexico, Air Canada, Air Choice One, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, Alitalia, All Nippon, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Boutique Air, British Airways, Cape Air, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Copa Airlines, Delta, Denver Air Connection (Key Lime Air), EVA Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Frontier Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Iberia Airlines, Icelandair, Interjet Airlines, Japan Airlines, JetBlue, KLM Royal Dutch, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Norwegian, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, SWISS, Scandinavian Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country, Swoop, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, VivaAerobus, Volaris Airlines
• Hubs for: United Airlines and American Airlines; focus city for Frontier and Spirit Airlines
• Domestic nonstop flights to: 167 cities
• International nonstop flights to: 61 countries 
• Terminals: 4
• Concourses: 9
• Gates: 191
• On time departures: 75%
• On time arrivals: 75%
• Security wait times: 15 minute average
• Hours: 24 hours  
• Checkpoint hours: Terminal 1 checkpoints are open 4am–8:30pm; Terminal 2 checkpoints are open 4am–8:30pm; Terminal 3 checkpoints are open 3:15am–10pm; Terminal 5 checkpoints are open 24 hours 
• Official site
• Wikipedia

What works & what doesn’t at ORD

O’Hare, like most airports, has its highs and lows. But we’ve got to give ORD credit where it's due: There are definitely parts of the airport experience that stand out in a good way.

For starters, public transportation to and from the airport is solid and reliable. The CTA Blue Line runs 24/7 between O’Hare and Downtown Chicago, making it one of the easiest and most affordable big-city airport commutes in the US.

Regional bus connections are also available if you're coming from the suburbs or nearby states. Inside the airport, the Airport Transit System (ATS) makes getting between terminals a breeze. Not only is it free, but it also runs frequently—something especially useful when your layover is short.

ORD also has free, unlimited Wifi for passengers. Whether you're streaming a movie, working remotely, or playing a video game, the airport’s connection is fast and accessible from virtually anywhere.

And there are also many food and shopping options. From local favorites like Tortas Frontera to sit-down spots and snack stands, there’s a lot to explore in all terminals—not to mention the Duty Free shops in Terminal 5, ideal for international travelers.

Unfortunately, not everything is great in ORD. Security lines can be long, especially during morning and evening peaks, holidays, or bad weather. If you’re flying domestically, give yourself a solid two hours (more for international flights), or sign up for TSA PreCheck or CLEAR to speed the process up.

Also, if you’re flying in the evening, food options are limited. While some vending machines are available and a few places stay open late, finding a full meal late at night can be tricky—so don’t count on dinner at 2am.

Parking at ORD can be a challenge. During busy travel periods, finding a space in the closer daily and hourly lots sometimes feels like a game of musical chairs. Economy parking is more reliable (and budget-friendly), but you'll need to factor in extra time for the shuttle or ATS ride.

And finally, the signage could be better. Travelers often mention unclear directions when it comes to locating terminals, baggage claim, or ground transportation. 

To sum up: O’Hare is a massive hub with a lot going for it. If you're unfamiliar with the airport and have a layover, give yourself extra time to find your way around it.

Arriving at ORD

Landing at O’Hare can feel like arriving in a mini-city. Your arrival terminal depends on your airline and where you’re flying from. Domestic and pre-cleared international flights (like those from Canada or Dublin) typically arrive at Terminals 1, 2, or 3. However, if you're flying in from abroad, you'll most likely arrive in Terminal 5, which handles all non-precleared international flights.

Once you land, follow the signs to baggage claim. Each terminal has its own dedicated baggage area, and signage is generally good—just keep an eye on the monitors to confirm which carousel your luggage will arrive on.

If you’re connecting to another flight, especially from international to domestic, you’ll need to exit Terminal 5, recheck your bags, and reclear security in your departure terminal. This process can take time, so if you’re booking a connection, make sure you leave a buffer of at least 90 minutes.

If you're not connecting, ground transportation is available just outside baggage claim, including the CTA Blue Line, rideshares, taxis, and the free Airport Transit System (which also connects to the rental car center and parking lots).

Chicago Airport Map

Chicago O'Hare Airport parking map

Before even stepping inside the airport, your O’Hare experience begins in the parking lot, where choosing the right one can make or break your on-time arrival. If you’re picking someone up or dropping them off, the main parking garage and hourly parking (Lot A) are your closest options, located just opposite Terminals 1–3. For longer trips or tighter budgets, Economy Lots G and H and Lot F are your best bet, and all are connected to the terminals via ATS.

Lot F, located in the Multi-Modal Facility, also connects to the rental car center. From here, the ATS takes just a few minutes to reach any terminal. 

That’s why the first thing you should do is check which terminal your airline operates from. Once you know where you’re flying from, parking and navigating the airport becomes much easier.

Chicago Airport terminal map

Once you’re dropped off or step off the ATS, you'll enter one of O’Hare’s four passenger terminals, each dedicated to specific airlines. 

Terminal 1 at O’Hare is the hub for United Airlines’ domestic flights and hosts a United Club. If you have time, the Terminal Gateway Spa (also in Terminal 3) offers quick manicures and pedicures, massages, and more.

Terminal 2 hosts most regional carriers, as well as Delta, Air Canada, and JetBlue. This terminal has the only barber shop in the airport.

Terminal 3 is the largest terminal at O’Hare. Its main airlines are American Airlines and Spirit Airlines, though it also hosts several regional airlines and international carriers like Japan Airlines and Iberia. This terminal has the airport’s only yoga room, located in the rotunda mezzanine.

Terminal 5 is home to all major international airlines. Shopping options include a Dufry and an ‘I Love Chicago’ souvenir shop.

Getting between terminals

The layout is shaped roughly like a “U.” Terminals 1–3 are all connected after going through security, and you can walk between them without much issue. However, if you need to go to Terminal 5, you’ll need to exit, take the ATS, and reclear security.

The ATS runs 24/7 and connects all terminals, parking areas, and the rental car facility. There are plenty of signs around the airport indicating its stops. It’s free, quick, and shows up every few minutes, which is especially helpful if you're connecting between terminals or heading out to the economy lot.

Chicago Airport gate map

As we’ve mentioned, each terminal at ORD has distinct concourses, each serving specific airlines and destinations. Keep your boarding pass handy, and pay close attention to signage. It’s a busy airport and gates can change, especially during weather disruptions. Here’s how the gates break down:

Terminal 1:

• Concourse B: Gates B1–B24
• Concourse C: Gates C1–C31

Terminal 2:

• Concourse E: Gates E1–E17
• Concourse F: Gates F1–F12

Terminal 3:

• Concourse G: Gates G1–G21
• Concourse H: Gates H1–H18
• Concourse K: Gates K1–K20
• Concourse L: Gates L1–L10

Terminal 5:

• Concourse M: Gates M1–M40

Chicago Airport smoking area map

Smoking is not permitted inside any of O’Hare’s terminals, including all dining areas, lounges, and concourses. If you need to smoke, your only option is to exit the terminal entirely and use one of the designated outdoor smoking areas located near each terminal's curbside pickup and drop-off zones.

These areas are marked and usually include ashtrays and receptacles, but you'll have to reclear TSA if you're already airside.

Chicago Airport food map

With four terminals and dozens of concourses, O’Hare’s food selection is surprisingly broad. Food maps are displayed throughout each terminal. You can also scan the QR codes available near the gates, and there are digital food directories on the official airport site.

Here are some highlights from each terminal:

• Terminal 1: Tortas Frontera, Starbucks, Goose Island Brewery
• Terminal 2: Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi, Arami, Farmer’s Fridge
• Terminal 3: Publican Tavern, La Tapenade Mediterranean Café, Garrett Popcorn
• Terminal 5: Big Bowl, Tocco Pizza, Hub 51, and various international brands

Airlines flying from ORD

Terminal 1: All Nippon, United Airlines (departures)

Terminal 2: Air Canada, Delta and Delta Shuttle, JetBlue

Terminal 3: Air Choice One, American Airlines (departures), Aer Lingus, Boutique Air, Cape Air, Denver Air Connection (Key Lime Air), Iberia Airlines (departures), Japan Airlines, Spirit Airlines

Terminal 5: Southwest, AeroMexico, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, Alaska Airlines, Alitalia, All Nippon, American Airlines (international arrivals), Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, China Eastern Airlines, Copa Airlines, Eva Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Frontier Airlines, Hainan Airlines, Iberia Airlines (arrivals), Icelandair, Interjet Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Norwegian, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, SWISS, Scandinavian Airlines, Sun Country, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines (international arrivals), VivaAerobus, Volaris Airlines

Flying in, out, or through the Chicago Airport 

Security and customs at ORD

O’Hare is a busy airport, but security generally moves quickly. The average wait time is 15 minutes, though during busy travel periods it can be up to 40 minutes. There are 10 security checkpoints across the four terminals, each with designated pre-check lines. 

It is generally advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 2–3 hours before an international flight. The wait times in Terminal 5 are generally longer, as TSA seems to be stricter about checking passports and ensuring that customers have necessary vaccinations and other documents for the country they’re visiting. 

TSA PreCheck at ORD

TSA PreCheck is available for all domestic flights, at checkpoints 2 and 3 in Terminal 1; checkpoint 5 in Terminal 2; and checkpoints 7A and 8 in Terminal 3. 

Global Entry at ORD

Global Entry is available for international arrivals into the US at Chicago O’Hare in Terminal 5. You can also enroll at O’Hare in Terminal 5 at the Global Entry desk from 8:15am–3:30pm Monday–Friday. 

CLEAR at ORD

Open from 4am–8pm, including for enrollment, in Terminal 1.

Mobile Passport at ORD

O’Hare was the first airport in the US to offer Automated Passport Control. On arrival into the US via O’Hare, proceed to a self-service kiosk, where you will be prompted to enter your passport and follow on-screen instructions. O’Hare also accepts the Mobile Passport Control app, where travelers can submit passports and other information through a secure mobile app.

Food at the Chicago Airport

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 has everything from fast food to midscale dining. Grab a fresh salad from a Farmer’s Fridge vending refrigerator, or settle in at Billy Goat Tavern & Grill. Try wines from around the world at Beaudevin Wine Bar, beers at Berghoff Cafe or Goose Island Beer Company, and have a classy lunch at La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe or Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar, to name a few options. 

One highlight is Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, the famous Chicago chef known for high-end Mexican food in the city. The lines at Tortas Frontera can get long, but you can order online ahead of time. (There are also Tortas Frontera locations in Terminal 3, Concourse K, and Terminal 5). There are also five Starbucks locations in Terminal 1 to help stave off the jet lag. If you’re visiting out-of-town friends, stop by Garrett Popcorn to bring them a taste of the Chicago Mix. 

• Best breakfast: Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless
• Best quick bite: Farmer’s Fridge 
• Best sit-down meal: Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar 
• Best bar: Berghoff Cafe 
• Best late-night: Jazz Bar (open the latest of any Terminal 1 restaurant, until 9:30pm)
• Best with kids: Chili’s Too

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 has similar dining to Terminal 1, in that it has a range of quick-service and dine-in restaurants, but there are fewer. There are several fast food options, such as Auntie Anne’s and McDonald’s, a Chili’s Too, three Farmer’s Fridge locations, a Blackhawks sports bar and two other bars, an outpost of popular Chicago restaurant Summer House Santa Monica, and more. And don’t forget to grab a bag of nuts at Nuts on Clark for the plane.

• Best breakfast: Brioche Doree for a quick coffee and pastry
• Best quick bite: Farmer’s Fridge or CIBO Express Gourmet Market 
• Best sit-down meal: Summer House Santa Monica 
• Best bar: Stanley’s Blackhawks Kitchen & Tap 
• Best late-night: McDonald’s is open until 10pm 
• Best with kids: Chili’s Too 

Terminal 3 

This terminal has the most variety by far, with 68 options ranging from kiosks to fast food to full dining experiences. Go healthy with a smoothie or salad from B-Smooth or Farmer’s Fridge, or go all in Chicago-style at Gold Coast Dogs. Get burgers at Burger Federation, Mexican food at Burrito Beach or Tortas Frontera, or Chinese food at Manchu Wok. 

If your gate is either at Terminal 1 or 2 but you have extra time, paying Terminal 3 a visit is a smart choice to get a meal, no matter what you’re up to. You can settle in for a game at Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill, or sip champagne at Bubbles Wine Bar.

Best of all, Terminal 3 has an outlet of Publican, a venerated Chicago restaurant serving seasonal dishes, and is home to Wolfgang Express, a fine dining experience from chef Wolfgang Puck. There are also several other bars, pizza restaurants, coffee shops, fast food restaurants, and vending machines. 

• Best breakfast: Great American Bagel Company 
• Best quick bite: Green Market 
• Best sit-down meal: Publican 
• Best bar: Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill or Bubbles Wine Bar 
• Best late-night: Facades Bar (open until 9:30pm)
• Best with kids:  Chicago-style pizza at Reggio’s Pizza 

Terminal 5 

Like O’Hare’s other terminals, at the international terminal you can find quick restaurants, such as Dunkin’ and McDonald’s, several dine-in options, a few bars, and coffee shops and grab-and-go kiosks. Some of the better meals can be found at Tocco, an Italian-inspired trattoria; Big Bowl, a Chinese and Thai restaurant serving noodle and stir fry dishes; or Wow Bao, serving steamed bao, soups, and rice and noodle bowls.

Because of international flight times, this is the only terminal with 24-hour options, including Dunkin’ and all Farmer’s Fridge vending machines. 

• Best breakfast: Goddess & the Grocer 
• Best quick bite: Wow Bao
• Best sit-down meal: Tocco
• Best bar: Hub 51
• Best late-night: Dunkin’ or Farmer’s Fridge 
• Best with kids:  R.J. Grunts Burgers & Fries

Lounges at the Chicago Airport

Terminal 1

As United’s home terminal, you’ll find the United Club and United Polaris Lounge, which is for international first and business class customers only, in Terminal 1. The United club is accessible near Gates B6, B18, and C16, and the Polaris Lounge is at Gate C18. Both lounges include a full-service bar, snacks, and Wifi. The Polaris Lounge also features a buffet, pre-flight dining options, quiet suites, and showers. 

United Club

• Hours: 5am–9pm daily 
• Access: Star Alliance Gold status members, United Club membership members with a one-time pass, Premium cabin customers, active US military personnel with a United boarding pass, Air Canada Maple Leaf members
• Cost: When space is available, one-time passes are $59 per person. Annual membership to the United Club is $650 or 85,000 miles. 

Lounge: United Polaris 

• Hours: 6am–9pm daily 
• Access: A boarding pass for travel in United Polaris business class for a long-haul international flight or for a long-haul international first or business class flight on a Star Alliance member airline
• Cost: Not available without a business or first class boarding pass

Terminal 2

Delta’s Sky Club O’Hare lounge is in Terminal 2, near Gate E6. United also has another lounge here, near Gate F9. 

Lounge: Delta 

• Hours: 5am–7:30pm Sunday–Friday; 5am–6:15pm Saturday 
• Access: Annual SkyClub members; passengers with a business or first class boarding pass; Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card members; Amex Platinum cardholders with a Delta boarding pass; Air France business or first class passengers
• Cost: Daily entry is not available 

Terminal 3

American Airlines has lounges at Terminal 3. One is near Gate G8, one at Gate L2A; and one at Gate H6/K6. The American Flagship Lounge is also at Gate H6/K6. All serve snacks and have a full-service bar and Wifi. The Admirals Club lounge at Gates H6/K6 also has two conference rooms and a kids room. 

Lounge: American Admirals Club Concourse G and L 

• Hours: 6:15am–8pm daily 
• Access: Admirals Club members; Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite; MasterCard cardholders; ConciergeKey members; AirPass members with Admirals Club privileges; customers with a business or first class boarding pass 
• Cost: Day passes are available for $59; annual memberships start at $550. 

Lounge: American Admirals Club Concourse H/K 

• Hours: 5am–9pm daily 
• Access: First or business passengers on qualifying international flights; AAdvantage Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro, and Platinum members with a valid boarding pass; ConciergeKey members with a valid boarding pass; Oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members with a valid boarding pass
• Cost: Day passes are not available. 

Terminal 5 

The ORD international terminal has two lounges. The SAS Lounge, home to Asiana Airlines, is near Gate M19. The Swissport Lounge serves Air India, Alitalia, Royal Jordanian, Etihad Airways, LOT Polish Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Finnair, and also Priority Pass customers. It is located between Gates M7 and M8. Unlike other lounges, access is open to all travelers regardless of travel class, as long as they have a lounge membership program. The lounge has a full-bar, snacks, and Wifi. 

Lounge: SAS Lounge

• Hours: An hour before the first scheduled SAS flight and closes 30 minutes after the last SAS departure.
• Access: SAS Business and SAS Plus passengers, Star Alliance Business Class passengers, EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members, Star Alliance Gold members
• Cost: Depends on the cost of lounge memberships. Day passes available online and at the lounge entrance starting as $39.

Lounge: Swissport Lounge

• Hours: 7am–11pm daily (closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1) 
• Access: Access is permitted three hours prior to a scheduled flight departure. 
• Cost: Depends on the cost of various lounge memberships.

Sleeping at the Chicago Airport 

O’Hare isn’t the best airport for sleeping, but you can’t always avoid an overnight layover. Terminal 5 closes overnight, but Terminals 1–3 remain open. If you're stuck, Concourse K has some quieter corners and padded benches, perfect for a few hours of rest. However, there are no nap pods or other sleep-friendly options in the O’Hare airport.

There is one official airport hotel at O’Hare, the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel, as well as several others in the area. The Hilton is within walking distance of domestic terminals via underground walkways and can be accessed from the international terminal via the ATS. The hotel also has a walkway to the CTA Blue Line, which goes downtown.

Best hotels near the Chicago Airport

• Hilton Chicago O’Hare 
• Loews Chicago O’Hare
• Hyatt Regency O’Hare 
• Comfort Suites Chicago O’Hare
• Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare
• Chicago Marriott Suites O’Hare

Shopping at the Chicago Airport

Unlike some other major international airports around the world, the shopping at Chicago O’Hare is not very extensive. Every terminal has a Duty Free store, with alcohol, designer perfume, high-end chocolates, and Chicago souvenirs that you can purchase without tax with a valid boarding pass.

Domestic terminals all have a Barbara’s Bookstore and a Sunglass Hut, and all terminals have multiple Hudson News & Gifts shops, where you can buy magazines, books, snacks, and flight essentials, such as pillows and headphones. Each terminal also has an “Oops! Diapers 2Go” vending machine.

There is a Brooks Brothers in Terminal 3 and a Brookstone in Terminals 1, 3, and 5. 

For gifts, visit the Field Museum in Terminal 1 or the “I Love Chicago” store in Terminal 5. If you forgot a charger or other electronic device, head to InMotion in Terminals 1 and 3. And if you’re traveling with kids, they might like the Lego vending machine in Terminal 2. 

The only designer stores in O’Hare are COACH and MAC Cosmetics in Terminal 2, as well as Oakley in Terminal 1.

Other amenities in the airport

ORD Wifi and charging points

Wifi is free and unlimited throughout ORD, both before and after security. Stay connected throughout O’Hare by simply selecting the “_Free_ORD _Wi-Fi” network and launching your browser to get online.

There are seated workstations with counter space and AC outlets throughout the airport. In Terminal 1 there are four stations in Concourse B and four in Concourse C. In Terminal 2 there is one workstation each in Concourse E, F, and L. In Terminal 3 there are two workstations in Concourse G, one in Concourse H, two in Concourse K and one in Concourse L. In Terminal 5 there is one workstation at gate M13. Most airlines also offer seats equipped with power outlets in the gate waiting areas.

Toilets at the airport

Restrooms are frequent and well-marked. Some newer terminals have gender-neutral and family restrooms as well.

Nursing pods

All terminals have a Mother’s Room, a private space for nursing that is open 24 hours. Terminal 2 has separate, Mamava private nursing pods.

Kids play areas

The airport is kid-friendly in that it has multiple dining options that appeal to children and space at the gates to play, but as far as specialty options for kids there’s not much. The highlight is the family lounge in Terminal 2 near Gate F1. This space has a colorful play space, where musicians, caricature artists, and other entertainers sometimes stop by (especially during the holidays).

If you’re looking for other activities for kids at O’Hare Airport, you can stop by the Lego vending machine in Terminal 2, the Field Museum brachiosaurus (four stories high) in Terminal 1 Concourse B, or the Butch O’Hare F4F-3 fighter plane in Terminal 2.

Pet relief areas

Service animals are always welcome throughout O’Hare. Non-service animals must be in a kennel and leashed by the owner. Large animals are not allowed. 

Outdoor pet relief areas in O’Hare: 

• Terminal 1 lower level Door 1A (outside security)
• Terminal 2 lower level Door 2A (outside security)
• Terminal 5 lower level Door 5B (outside security)

Indoor pet relief areas in O’Hare: 

• Terminal 1 Concourse C, near Gate C10 (inside security)
• Rotunda between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 (inside security)
• Terminal 3 Main Hall next to the Lotto booth, down the hall from Gate K1 (inside security)

Car rental stands

All car rentals can be found in the Multi Modal Facility (MMF), located at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd. The MMF is most easily accessible via the Airport Transit System. Most car rental companies also have their own shuttle to the facility.

Car rental companies at O’Hare often require a valid boarding pass (it is not easy to rent a car from the airport if you are not flying in and out of Chicago). Fees vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, and type of car, but are generally $30–$60 per day. 

These are the car rental companies with offices inside the MMF:

• ACD Rent A Car 
• Alamo
• Avis
• Budget
• Dollar
• Enterprise
• Fox
• Hertz
• National
• Payless
• Routes Car Rental
• Sixt 
• Thrifty

Things to do at the Chicago Airport

O’Hare is like a small city where you can never get bored. One of the best sights is the Tower Farm in the rotunda between Terminal 2 and 3. This aeroponic garden grows about 1,100 plants, including peppers, spinach, green beans, tomatoes, and more, which are then used in airport restaurants.

Wellness is also important at ORD. Visit the yoga room in Terminal 3, with its ceiling mirrors, bamboo floor, and frosted-glass windows. There, from 6:00am–10:00pm, a wall-mounted video monitor displays yoga exercise techniques, and mats are provided for yoga enthusiasts.

You can also get a workout in at the HIlton Health Club inside the Hilton O’Hare, which has day passes available for $15. It includes a full gym, steam room, sauna, lap pool, and locker rooms.

Thanks to Chicago’s Public Art Program travelers can enjoy art displays in all terminals. There are dozens of paintings and sculptures throughout the airport, including “The Sky’s the Limit,” a neon light installation above the walking sidewalk that connects Concourses B and C and has become an iconic symbol of O’Hare. 

Getting to and from the Chicago Airport

Getting between O’Hare and Downtown Chicago is pretty straightforward, and you’ve got plenty of options depending on what you’re looking for: whether you want to save money, skip traffic, or travel with lots of luggage. 

By train (CTA Blue Line)

The CTA Blue Line is one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get from O’Hare to downtown. It operates 24/7, with trains running every 5–15 minutes depending on the time of day. You’ll find the station on the lower level of Terminal 2; just follow the signs for “Trains to the City” from any arrivals terminal. 

From there, it takes about 40–55 minutes to reach The Loop, where you can easily connect to other CTA train lines or city buses. It’s a great option if you’re traveling light and want to avoid Chicago’s traffic.

By bus (GO Airport Express)

GO Airport Express offers shared ride shuttle service between O’Hare and various points across Downtown Chicago and nearby suburbs. It’s a solid middle ground if you don’t want to take public transit but don’t want to splurge on a private ride. You can book in advance and get dropped off directly at your hotel. Service is typically available daily, though frequency may vary based on demand and time of day.

By taxi

Taxis are readily available at the designated taxi stands located outside of baggage claim at each terminal. Just follow the signs or ask a staff member if you’re unsure. Expert tip: avoid accepting rides from anyone who approaches you inside the terminal or near the exit. Remember, official taxis only pick up from the queue.

Depending on traffic, a ride to downtown can take anywhere from 25 minutes to over an hour. Fares are metered and regulated, but they’re generally more expensive than the train.

By rideshare (Uber, Lyft)

Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are easy to use at O’Hare, but pick-up locations depend on where you land:

• Domestic arrivals: Head to Terminal 2, between Door 2A and Door 2D.
• International arrivals: Go to the lower level of Terminal 5, near Door 5B.

Just open your app, follow the in-app instructions, and it’ll direct you to the correct pick-up zone. Pricing fluctuates depending on demand, time of day, and traffic—so keep in mind that the price might go up.