Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Also known as: O'Hare Airport, Chicago O'Hare, ORD Airport, O'Hare International Airport.
Private transfer from ORDSee pricesSee pricesAbout Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is Chicago's main airport and one of the busiest in the world, with about 84.9 million passengers in 2025. It sits on the city's Northwest Side, about 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop. Chicago's second airport, Midway (MDW), is smaller and closer to downtown on the Southwest Side.
O'Hare is a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines and an operating base for Frontier, with flights across the United States and to Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. With eight runways, it has more than any other airport in the world.
There are four passenger terminals, 1, 2, 3 and 5, linked around the clock by the Airport Transit System people mover, which also serves the Multi-Modal Facility with all the on-airport rental car companies. Terminal 5 handles most international arrivals. A new O'Hare Global Terminal is planned to replace Terminal 2 by 2030.
The CTA Blue Line runs from O'Hare straight into downtown Chicago, and the Kennedy Expressway leads directly into the airport.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Chicago Department of Aviation
- Runways
Eight, the most of any airport in the world; the longest, 10L/28R, is 13,000 ft (3,962 m)
- Passengers per year
About 84.9 million in 2025
- Opened
1944; named O'Hare in 1949
- Hubs
United Airlines and American Airlines
Arrival tips for Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Check which terminal you land at: Terminal 1, 2, 3 or 5. Each has its own baggage claim, and drivers meet you at your terminal.
If you arrive on an international flight, you will most likely land at Terminal 5, which houses O'Hare's US Customs and Border Protection facilities. Clear passport control, collect your bags and pass through customs there. If you are eligible, Global Entry or Mobile Passport Control can shorten the line.
Domestic passengers go straight to baggage claim in their terminal.
To change terminals or reach the rental cars, take the Airport Transit System, which runs 24 hours a day between all terminals and the Multi-Modal Facility. The CTA Blue Line station is reached from Terminals 1, 2 and 3. In winter, snow can slow the roads, so allow extra time for your ride.
Ground transportation
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Book a transfer from ORDPrivate transfer from O'Hare
A pre-booked driver meets you at your terminal and takes you to the Loop, River North, the suburbs or Midway. Useful in winter weather and with luggage.
CTA Blue Line
Trains run from O'Hare, the line's northern end, directly into downtown Chicago. Cheap and avoids expressway traffic.
Taxi from O'Hare
Taxis serve all terminals; the Kennedy Expressway leads straight downtown, but traffic can be heavy.
Metra and Pace
Metra's North Central Service stops at the Multi-Modal Facility on weekdays in the peak direction only, and Pace buses link to several Metra stations.
Rental car
All on-airport rental companies are at the Multi-Modal Facility, reached by the Airport Transit System.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Airport Transit System
A free people mover running 24 hours a day between Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5 and the Multi-Modal Facility.
Terminals
Terminal 1
United, Lufthansa and All Nippon Airways, with Concourses B and C.
Terminal 2
Most United Express flights, some United flights, Air Canada and JetBlue, with Concourses E and F. It will be replaced by the O'Hare Global Terminal.
Terminal 3
American, Alaska, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines and some United flights, with Concourses G, H, K and L.
Terminal 5
Delta, Frontier and international airlines not using Terminals 1 to 3, with O'Hare's customs facilities for international arrivals.
Airlines and destinations
Main airlines at O'Hare and the terminal each uses.
Aer Lingus T3
Air Canada T2
Alaska Airlines T3
All Nippon Airways T1
American Airlines T3
British Airways T3
Delta Air Lines T5
Frontier Airlines T5
Iberia T3
Japan Airlines T3
JetBlue T2
Lufthansa T1
United Airlines T1
Also some flights from Terminals 2 and 3.
Facilities
Airport Transit System
24-hour people mover between all terminals and the Multi-Modal Facility.
Multi-Modal Facility
All on-airport rental car companies, extended parking, the Metra station and Pace and intercity buses.
CTA Blue Line station
The Blue Line's northern terminus, with direct trains downtown.
International arrivals
US Customs and Border Protection in Terminal 5.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Request wheelchair or mobility assistance through your airline when you book, and confirm it at least 48 hours before you fly.
Reduced mobility
Terminals are far apart; use the Airport Transit System or ask your airline for assistance if you need to change terminals.
Service animals
Rules for service and emotional support animals are set by each airline, so check with yours before you travel and carry the required documents.
Assistance on arrival
Airline staff meet passengers who requested assistance at the aircraft and accompany them through customs and baggage claim to the curb.
Parking
Multi-Modal Facility
Extended parking at the Multi-Modal Facility, linked to all terminals by the Airport Transit System.
Frequently asked questions
How far is O'Hare from downtown Chicago?
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is about 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the Loop. The CTA Blue Line runs directly downtown from the airport, and by road the Kennedy Expressway leads straight into the city, though traffic can be heavy at rush hour.
How many terminals does O'Hare have?
O'Hare has four passenger terminals: 1, 2, 3 and 5. There is no Terminal 4. They are linked 24 hours a day by the Airport Transit System. A new O'Hare Global Terminal is planned to replace Terminal 2 by 2030.
Which terminal is international at O'Hare?
Terminal 5 houses O'Hare's US Customs and Border Protection facilities, so most international arrivals land there, along with Delta and Frontier. Some international airlines depart from Terminals 1 and 3 with their alliance partners.
Is O'Hare the same as Midway?
No. Chicago has two main airports. O'Hare (ORD) is the larger one, 17 miles northwest of the Loop and a hub for United and American. Midway (MDW) is smaller and closer to downtown on the Southwest Side. Check which one your ticket shows.
Is there a train from O'Hare to downtown Chicago?
Yes. O'Hare is the northern end of the CTA Blue Line, which runs directly into downtown Chicago. Metra's North Central Service also stops at the Multi-Modal Facility, but only on weekdays in the peak direction.