All airport guides

Driving to O'Hare: directions and which approach for which terminal

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 share one set of roadways. Terminal 5 has its own signs off I-190, and the Multi-Modal Facility is off Mannheim Road and Zemke.

Dropping off and picking up at O'Hare

Drop off on the upper level, pick up at the outermost lower curb. Curb waiting gets you towed, so use the free cell phone lot on Bessie Coleman Drive.

How to ride the CTA Blue Line from O'Hare

Follow Trains to City to the Blue Line, or ride the airport train from Terminal 5 first. Boarding at O'Hare costs $5, and downtown is 40-45 minutes away.

Kiss 'n' Fly at O'Hare: a drop-off away from the terminals

The Kiss 'n' Fly is at the Multi-Modal Facility; airport pages say northeast or northwest corner. Take I-190 Exit 2A, park up to 15 minutes, ride the train.

O'Hare taxi fares: metered, shared and suburban cabs

What the meter charges at O'Hare, the shared flat fares, how suburban cabs are priced and called, and the curb stand at each terminal.

Pre-booked cars and limousines at O'Hare: where the driver meets you

Claim your bags, call the company, then meet on the lower level in lane 2. The plate number, the 5 to 20 minute wait and where to find a company.

Renting a car at O'Hare

Every O'Hare rental counter is in the Multi-Modal Facility, a free Airport Transit System ride from all four terminals. Phone numbers and shuttle notes.

Uber and Lyft at O'Hare

Uber and Lyft pick up on the upper level at Terminal 2 (poles 2A to 2G) and Terminal 3 (3G, 3H, 3J, 3K). From Terminal 1 or 5, ride the free train first.

A two-hour layover at O'Hare: what you can do

Two hours at O'Hare: Terminals 1, 2 and 3 connect behind security, Terminal 5 needs a bus or train. Where to eat near your gate, by concourse.

Can you leave O'Hare on a layover?

Leaving O'Hare mid-layover: the Blue Line takes 40 to 45 minutes to downtown, checkpoint hours set your return, and O'Hare lists no left-luggage service.

How long do you need to connect at O'Hare?

O'Hare publishes no minimum connection time. Terminals 1 to 3 connect behind security. Terminal 5 takes the train, or the bus 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

How to spend four hours at O'Hare

Four hours at O'Hare: Chicago food by gate, who gets into the lounges, and the few minutes the airport publishes between terminals.

Quiet places at O'Hare without a lounge: what the airport lists

O'Hare lists no quiet zone open to everyone. Find its Interfaith Room, Yoga Room, chapel and sensory-map Calm Spots, with hours and house rules.

Showers, spa and yoga at O'Hare: what the airport lists

O'Hare lists no general-use shower rooms. It lists a Yoga Room (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) and Terminal Getaway Spas at Gates B12 and H1 (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

Six hours or more in Chicago from O'Hare

Six hours from O'Hare: the Blue Line takes 40 to 45 minutes to downtown. The last checkpoint closes at 11 p.m. in Terminals 1 and 2, 10:30 p.m. in Terminal 3.

Things to do at O'Hare

What O'Hare lists besides food: Barbara's Bookstore in Terminals 1 to 3, a Yoga Room, a spa, a Family Lounge and public art, with gates and hours.

Admirals Clubs and the Flagship Lounge at O'Hare

Admirals Clubs at Gates G8, L2A and H6/K6, the Flagship at H6/K6, all in Terminal 3. Who gets in and American's $150 Flagship pass.

Can you walk between O'Hare terminals after security?

Yes between Terminals 1, 2 and 3, which join on the secure side. Terminal 5 needs a bus or the train. The airport's transfer pages give no walking times.

Connecting through O'Hare on American: how it works

American flies from Terminal 3 at O'Hare, Concourses G, H, K and L. Terminals 1 and 2 are a secure-side walk. Terminal 5 takes a bus or the train.

Connecting through O'Hare on United: how it works

United flies from Terminals 1 and 2 at O'Hare. Connect between them on the secure side with no re-screening, and see what only United can tell you.

The United Polaris Lounge at O'Hare and the Club in Concourse F

Polaris is in Terminal 1 near Gate C18, for international first and business only. The Club in Concourse F is near Gate F9. Hours from the airport's map.

United Clubs at O'Hare: which one is nearest your gate

O'Hare has five United Clubs, all past security: two in Concourse B, one each in C, E and F. Gates, daily hours and how to get in.

Arriving at O'Hare Terminal 5 from abroad

How Terminal 5 international arrivals work: passport lines, bags, customs, re-check desks and the curb. O'Hare's traveler page lists no queue times.

Changing between United or American and Delta at O'Hare

Delta flies from Terminal 5, United from Terminals 1 and 2, American from Terminal 3. Bus and train routes, and what only your airlines can answer.

Connecting from an international flight at O'Hare: the steps in order

Immigration, bags, customs, recheck, TSA again, then the train or bus to Terminals 1 to 3. O'Hare publishes no minimum connection time for any of it.

Lounges in Terminal 5 at O'Hare: Delta, Air France and LOT

Delta Sky Club near Gates M11 to M14, Air France near M17, LOT near M18. Hours, who gets in, and what to use now that the Swissport Lounge has closed.

The O'Hare terminal train: Terminal 5 to Terminals 1, 2 and 3

The Airport Transit System joins Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5 at no charge, about 10 minutes end to end. A ride from Terminal 5 ends at a TSA checkpoint.

The Swissport Lounge at O'Hare has closed: who can use Wingtips instead

Priority Pass lists the Swissport Lounge as permanently closed. Which airlines Wingtips lists, how Priority Pass works at Terminal 5 now, and where to find the lounges.

The Terminal Transfer Bus at O'Hare: who can ride it and when

The secure-side bus between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 and 3 takes connecting passengers with a same-day boarding pass, 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Food, water and drinks through security at O'Hare

Food usually stays in your carry-on, liquids follow TSA's quart-bag rule, and empty bottles refill past the checkpoint. Where to buy a drink in each terminal.

How early should you get to O'Hare for a domestic flight?

O'Hare publishes no arrive-by time for domestic flights, only checkpoint hours. Terminal 5's Checkpoint 10 never closes, and the rest close by 11 p.m.

TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at O'Hare: which checkpoints have lanes and when

PreCheck lanes run in all four terminals, CLEAR Plus in Terminals 1, 2 and 5. See each checkpoint's hours, the late-evening lane and CLEAR enrollment.

Which security checkpoint should you use at O'Hare?

Your terminal sets your checkpoints: 1, 2 and 3 in Terminal 1, 5 in Terminal 2, 6, 7, 7A and 8 in Terminal 3, 10 in Terminal 5. Hours and lanes inside.

O'Hare terminals and concourses explained

O'Hare's terminals are 1, 2, 3 and 5. B and C are in Terminal 1, E and F in 2, G, H, K and L in 3, M in 5. How to read a gate, plus the MMF and Hilton.

Terminal 1 at O'Hare: Concourses B and C, checkpoints and links

Terminal 1 has Gates B1 to B24 and C1 to C31, Checkpoints 1, 2 and 3, a secure walk to Terminals 2 and 3 and a bus to Terminal 5 from Gate C18B.

Terminal 2 at O'Hare: Concourses E and F, the Family Lounge and the chapel

Terminal 2 has one checkpoint, Gates E1 to E17 and F1 to F28, a Family Lounge past security, and a chapel and USO before it. Hours and links inside.

Terminal 3 at O'Hare: Concourses G, H, K and L and the Rotunda

Terminal 3 has four concourses, four checkpoints (6, 7, 7A, 8), a Rotunda with the Yoga Room and USO, and bus gates G17 and K20 to Terminal 5.

Terminal 5 at O'Hare: Concourse M, customs and the parking garage

Terminal 5 has Gates M1 to M40, a 24-hour Checkpoint 10, the customs arrival point for international flights and a garage joined by an enclosed bridge.

Cheap hotels near O'Hare: Des Plaines, Schiller Park and Elk Grove Village

Five hotels in Des Plaines, Schiller Park and Elk Grove Village: three list a shuttle, two don't. Taxi fare math, late-night gaps and where to board.

Hotels near O'Hare with a free airport shuttle

Hotel shuttles collect at the Terminal 2 arrivals curb. Loews, Staybridge Suites and Sonesta Simply Suites list 24-hour service. The Hilton is a walk.

Sleeping at O'Hare overnight

O'Hare publishes no overnight rule. Only Terminal 5's Checkpoint 10 stays open 24 hours, while two trains and some hotel shuttles run all night.

Staying near O'Hare before an early flight

Three hotels list a shuttle that runs all night, and the Hilton at the airport needs none. First checkpoint times by terminal and what to ask a hotel.

The Hilton at O'Hare: the hotel inside the airport

The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport stands across from Terminals 1, 2 and 3, joined by underground walkways. Restaurant hours, shops and the Blue Line link.

Can you reserve parking at O'Hare?

Yes. O'Hare holds a covered space for $10 per space per day on top of parking, on Level 2 of the Terminal 5 garage or Level 4 of the Main Garage or Lot F.

Cheapest parking at O'Hare for a week away

Seven days at O'Hare's daily rates: $112 in Economy Lot G or H, $210 in Lot F, $301 in the Main Garage, and how the shuttle and train work.

EV charging and tall vehicles in O'Hare parking

O'Hare lists EV stations in the Main Garage, Terminal 5 garage and Lot F. Clearances run 6 feet 6 inches to 9 feet. Lots D, G and H have no height limit.

Short-term parking at O'Hare: the hourly rates

Main Garage Level 1 charges $3 for the first hour and $79 for 8 to 24 hours. The daily levels charge $43 for that band. Rates, payment and clearances.

Which O'Hare parking is closest to your terminal?

Premier is under 300 feet from Terminals 1 and 3 at $63 a day. Terminal 2 uses the Main Garage, Terminal 5 its own garage. Economy lots need a train.

Bars at O'Hare: Goose Island, wine bars and sports bars

O'Hare bars by terminal and gate: three Goose Island spots, two wine bars, Cubs and Blackhawks bars, and the one bar with TVs before security.

Chicago hot dogs and local classics at O'Hare

Hot dog and popcorn places at O'Hare by terminal: America's Dog in 1, Gold Coast Dogs in 3 and Garrett Popcorn in 1, 3 and 5, with gates and hours.

Chicago-style pizza at O'Hare: where to find it

Pizza at O'Hare by terminal: Reggio's deep dish in Terminals 1 and 3, Home Run Inn thin crust in 1 and 2, Tocco in 5, with gates and hours.

Coffee at O'Hare: local roasters and chains by terminal

Coffee at O'Hare by gate: Metropolis, Veteran Roasters and Fulton Street Cafe, plus every Starbucks and Dunkin' with hours and 24-hour counters.

Food at O'Hare before 6 a.m.

Where to eat at O'Hare before 6 a.m., by terminal: places open from 4 a.m. after security, all-night spots, and when each checkpoint opens.

Food at O'Hare late at night

O'Hare food after dark: Starbucks and Dunkin' open 24 hours after security, Baskin Robbins & Dunkin' before it, and when each checkpoint closes.

Healthy and vegetarian food at O'Hare

Healthy and vegetarian food at O'Hare by gate: the one place marked vegetarian, vegan options, salad and smoothie counters, and 24-hour salad machines.

Sit-down restaurants at O'Hare for a long layover

O'Hare restaurants whose map text points to a sit-down meal, with gates and hours: The Dearborn, Summer House, Publican Tavern, Macaroni Grill, Tocco.

Where to eat at O'Hare before you go through security

Food at O'Hare before security by terminal and gate: Café Descartes, Ciao, Sports Edition Bar, The Goddess and Grocer, the Hilton and 24-hour machines.

Children flying alone through O'Hare

O'Hare has no unaccompanied minor rule. Each airline sets its own, and Travelers Aid can't escort a child under 18. American's ages, fee and steps.

Nursing rooms and lactation pods at O'Hare

Each terminal has a Mother's Room open 24 hours. Mamava pods are in Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Gate numbers, family restrooms and where to buy diapers.

The Family Lounge at O'Hare Terminal 2

O'Hare's Family Lounge is in Terminal 2's Main Hall near Gate F1, after security: a kids' play space with device charging and stroller parking.

Flight canceled at O'Hare: your next steps

Rebook with your airline. O'Hare's map pins American, Air Canada and United desks past security. Hotel shuttles and terminal transfers are covered too.

Missed your connection at O'Hare: what to do

O'Hare lists no rebooking rules. Airline desks, Travelers Aid, the Hilton inside the airport and the way to another terminal.

Running late for your flight at O'Hare

O'Hare publishes no check-in or bag cutoff, only checkpoint hours, so your airline's rule decides. What to do at the curb, the checkpoint and the desk.

What to do when the O'Hare terminal train isn't running

The airport names no replacement when the train stops. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 connect on foot, and a bus reaches Terminal 5 from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Delayed or damaged bag at O'Hare: the baggage service offices

O'Hare's map lists baggage offices for United, Air Canada, Alaska, American and Delta on the arrivals levels. For any other airline, ask your carrier.

Is there luggage storage at O'Hare?

O'Hare lists no lockers or left-luggage counter, and Travelers Aid says it can't store luggage. What to ask hotels and airlines, and where the desks are.

Lost something at O'Hare? Who to call

O'Hare has no single lost and found. Call your airline, TSA, Chicago Police, the Airport Transit System or the shop, with the numbers the airport lists.

Currency exchange and ATMs at O'Hare: counters, hours and machines

Seaway Bank runs O'Hare's exchange counters, notes only. See each counter's gate and hours, the ATMs by terminal and where the map differs from the list.

Free Wi-Fi at O'Hare: how to connect

O'Hare's Wi-Fi is free and unlimited in every terminal, before and after security. Join the network, open a non-https page, then tap Watch Ad to Connect.

Where to buy a SIM card at O'Hare

O'Hare's map marks SIM cards at the Terminal 5 and Terminal 3 baggage claims and past security in Terminals 1 and 3. It names no seller or price.

Where to charge your phone at O'Hare

O'Hare lists free power stations gate by gate, and Terminal 5 has one, at Gate M13. If yours isn't listed, shops that sell chargers are the fallback.

Accessible restrooms and Companion Plus Restroom at O'Hare

The Companion Plus Restroom in Terminal 2 has a ceiling lift and an adult changing table. Every restroom is accessible, and two airport lists disagree.

Autism-friendly and sensory travel at O'Hare

O'Hare publishes sensory maps, a social story, point-of-view videos and sensory bags at the information desks. It lists no sensory room.

First aid, defibrillators and medical help at O'Hare

The airport's terminal map marks defibrillators in every terminal and a United Health Clinic in Terminal 2. Police and Fire share one number on the Terminal 2 map.

Wheelchair assistance at O'Hare: how to arrange it

Airlines provide O'Hare's wheelchair assistance. Who to tell and when, the TSA Cares number, the ADA coordinator and rides to the curb.

Flying with a pet through O'Hare

O'Hare's pages don't mention pets. TSA wants your pet out of its carrier at the checkpoint, and the airline sets the carrier, fee and cabin rules.

Pet relief areas at O'Hare: every terminal

O'Hare lists outdoor relief areas at Terminals 1, 2 and 5 and indoor ones past security. None is listed outside Terminal 3, and its main hall area is closed.

Service animals at O'Hare: security, trains and relief areas

TSA won't separate you from your service animal at the checkpoint. O'Hare lists relief areas before and after security. Your airline handles arrangements.

Coach buses from O'Hare to Madison, Peoria, Champaign and Purdue

Four operators run scheduled coaches from O'Hare to Madison, Peoria, Champaign and Purdue. Who goes where, their phone numbers and where the coaches load.

How to get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago

The Blue Line, a taxi, a shared taxi, rideshare and a pre-arranged car side by side, with the fares and times the CTA, the city and the airport publish.

O'Hare to a Loop or Michigan Avenue hotel by train

The Blue Line runs 24 hours and reaches downtown in 40 to 45 minutes. The stops the Palmer House and Hilton Chicago give, plus taxi and shared-cab prices.

O'Hare to Evanston by bus

Pace Route 250 runs daily along Dempster Street from the Multi-Modal Facility to Evanston for $2.00. Where it meets the trains, and the taxi option.

O'Hare to Midway

O'Hare to Midway by CTA costs $5 and the airport says to allow up to two hours. Shared taxi, rideshare and Peoria Charter Coach compared.

O'Hare to Milwaukee

O'Hare to Milwaukee by Coach USA bus, by Metra plus Amtrak's 1 hour 29 minute Hiawatha, or by car. The airport's coach list names no Milwaukee service.

O'Hare to Rosemont: the hotels, the convention center and the outlets

Rosemont's River Road hotels are under 2 miles from Terminal 5. Reach them, the convention center and the outlets by shuttle, Blue Line or taxi.

O'Hare to the western suburbs and the La Grange Road station

Pace Route 330 runs along Mannheim and LaGrange Roads to the La Grange Road station. Its stops, the days it runs, where sources differ, and taxis.

O'Hare to Union Station and Amtrak

O'Hare to Chicago Union Station: Metra on weekdays for $3.75, the Blue Line any hour for $5, or a taxi at about $50. Check Amtrak times with Amtrak.

Lollapalooza weekend at O'Hare

The Blue Line from O'Hare ($5 to board) runs to downtown at all times. What the festival and the airport publish on Grant Park, hotels and checkpoints.

O'Hare at Thanksgiving and Christmas

O'Hare's pages and TSA's travel tips publish no holiday forecast. They do publish checkpoint hours, a day of parking by lot and rules for food and ID.

O'Hare to a Bears game at Soldier Field

Blue Line from O'Hare ($5 to board), then a Green or Orange Line train to Roosevelt or the 128 Soldier Field Express. Rideshare, taxi and bags.

O'Hare to a White Sox game

Blue Line from O'Hare ($5 to board), change to the Red Line, get off at Sox/35th for Rate Field. Taxi, rideshare and pre-arranged cars compared.

O'Hare to McCormick Place for a convention

Blue Line from O'Hare ($5 to board), change at Clark and Lake to the Green Line for McCormick Place. Shared taxi, rideshare and what the airport lists.

O'Hare to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game

Blue Line from O'Hare ($5 to board), change to the Red Line, get off at Addison. Taxi and rideshare compared, with what the CTA, Cubs and Uber publish.

The Chicago Marathon and O'Hare: race weekend arrivals and departures

Landing at O'Hare for the Chicago Marathon: the 24-hour Blue Line ($5 to board), a $30 shared taxi to the Expo, and what no page covers.

Winter snow and delays at O'Hare: how to plan

O'Hare publishes no snow or delay rule. A plan from what it does publish: the 24-hour Blue Line, covered or outdoor parking and checkpoint opening times.

Can you buy lounge access at O'Hare?

The airport says most clubs sell day passes but prices none. American's Flagship pass is $150 or 15,000 miles. Priority Pass works in Terminal 5.

Every lounge at O'Hare and who gets in

United's lounges are in Terminals 1 and 2, American's in Terminal 3, Delta and partners in Terminal 5. Gates, who the airport lists, and the hours.

Every way to get to and from O'Hare

Blue Line $5 and 24 hours, Metra $3.75 on weekdays, Pace $2.00, taxi $50 or $40 depending on whose number you trust. Where each ride boards.

The USO at O'Hare: where it is and who can use it

Two USO centers for active military and their dependents: Terminal 2 before security, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Terminal 3 after it, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What facilities does O'Hare have?

Free Wi-Fi and a Mother's Room in every terminal, spas in Terminals 1 and 3, yoga in Terminal 3. Where each is, and what's missing: luggage storage.

Where can you smoke at O'Hare?

O'Hare's marked smoking areas are in Terminals 1, 2 and 3, all before security. Terminal 5 has none. Where they sit and what leaving security means.

Chicago souvenirs and gifts at O'Hare

Where O'Hare sells Chicago souvenirs and gifts by terminal and security side: the Field Museum shop, the galleries, Barbara's Bookstore, Hudson and hours.

Duty free at O'Hare: which terminals have it

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have a Duty Free Store and Terminal 5 has two Dufry shops. Gates, hours, what each lists and where allowance limits come from.

Hudson stores at O'Hare: where each terminal has one

Every Hudson at O'Hare by gate and hours: ten past security in Terminal 1, five in Terminal 2, seven in Terminal 3, two in Terminal 5.

Where to eat in Terminal 1 at O'Hare

Terminal 1 food by gate and listed hours: three counters before security, Concourses B and C past it, and Starbucks open 24 hours at B5 and B9.

Where to eat in Terminal 2 at O'Hare

Terminal 2 food at O'Hare by gate and listed hours: Concourse E and F restaurants, bars, the sushi bar, quick counters and missing hours.

Where to eat in Terminal 3 at O'Hare

Terminal 3 food at O'Hare by gate, security side and hours: the Rotunda at G1, bars and restaurants in H and K, markets, and where the hours run out.

Where to eat in Terminal 5 at O'Hare

Terminal 5 food at O'Hare by gate and listed hours: Concourse M bars and counters, the stops before security, and the places with no hours.

Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva at O'Hare

Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva check in at O'Hare Terminal 5, where international arrivals clear customs. The airport's steps, bags and rides after landing.

Air France, KLM, ITA Airways and Icelandair at O'Hare

Air France, KLM, ITA Airways and Icelandair check in at O'Hare Terminal 5. The Air France Lounge near Gate M17 names Air France and KLM. No lounge names ITA Airways or Icelandair.

American Airlines and Contour at O'Hare: Terminal 3 check-in

American and Contour check in at O'Hare Terminal 3. American has separate international, Priority and Flagship counters, kiosks and curbside check-in.

Austrian, SWISS, Finnair and SAS at O'Hare

Austrian, SWISS, Finnair and SAS check in at O'Hare Terminal 5, Lufthansa at Terminal 1. Which lounge names each airline and where customs is.

British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Japan Airlines at O'Hare

British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia and Japan Airlines check in at O'Hare Terminal 3. All Nippon Airways, the other Japanese carrier, is in Terminal 1.

Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Korean Air and Philippine Airlines at O'Hare

Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Korean Air and Philippine Airlines check in at O'Hare Terminal 5. How to reach it from Terminals 1, 2 and 3 by train or bus.

Copa, Avianca and Arajet at O'Hare

Copa, Avianca and Arajet check in at O'Hare Terminal 5. Copa and Avianca are named at the Wingtips Lounge. What the airport lists for customs and bags.

Delta, Frontier, Sun Country and WestJet at O'Hare: Terminal 5

Delta, Frontier, Sun Country and WestJet check in at O'Hare Terminal 5. Delta Sky Club hours and access, and how to reach Terminal 5 from the others.

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Turkish Airlines at O'Hare

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad and Turkish Airlines check in at O'Hare Terminal 5. The Swissport Lounge has closed. Which lounges still fit each airline.

Every airline at O'Hare, A to Z

Every airline at O'Hare from A to Z with its terminal and check-in, including United, which checks in at Terminals 1 and 2.

LOT, TAP Air Portugal and Air Serbia at O'Hare

LOT, TAP Air Portugal and Air Serbia check in at O'Hare Terminal 5. The LOT Business Lounge is near Gate M18, and the airport lists who gets in.

Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Ethiopian and Air India at O'Hare

Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines and Air India check in at O'Hare Terminal 5. Which lounge names each one, and which lounges a Priority Pass opens.

Which airlines use Terminal 1 at O'Hare?

United, Lufthansa and All Nippon Airways check in at O'Hare Terminal 1. SWISS and Austrian Airlines check in at Terminal 5.

Which airlines use Terminal 2 at O'Hare?

Five airlines are listed at O'Hare Terminal 2, and United has a second lobby there. Who checks in where, plus lounges and customs.