USA: Chicago O'Hare Airport
How to get to and from hundreds of the world's airports by car, bus, train and other forms of public transport. Updates and requests for inclusion in these pages are welcomed. Information is from many sources including personal visits and may no longer be accurate.
Legal Disclaimer Last Update 08-Sep-13Chicago - O'Hare (ORD):
Location: 29 km/18 Miles NW of the City centre.
Website: Chicago O'hare Airport
Airport Overview: A huge airport with 5 terminals. The Shuttle Bus centre is located between Terminals 1, 2 & 3. Terminal 4 does not exist. Terminal 5 is for most international flights. It is possible to walk between terminals 1, 2 and 3 in 5-10 mins. Terminal 5 is much further away and walking is not possible (nor permitted as there is a runway in between!). Use the ATS instead (see below).
| Airline Locations: | |
|---|---|
| Terminal 1: | All Nippon Airways (ANA), Continental & Continental Express, Lufthansa (departures only), United & United Express (Ticketing and baggage claim only). |
| Terminal 2: | Air Canada, Delta (domestic), Delta Shuttle, United & United Express, US Airways & US Airways Express. |
| Terminal 3: | Air Choice One, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines (domestic and international departures), American Connection, American Eagle, Iberia (Departures), Japan Airlines (departures), JetBlue, Spirit & Virgin America. |
| Terminal 4: | Does not exist. |
| Terminal 5: | International Long haul carriers, including Aer Lingus, Aeromexico, Air France, Air India, Alitalia, American (international arrivals), Asiana, British Airways, Caribbean, Cayman Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta (Paris flights), Etihad, Frontier, Iberia (Arrivals), Japan Airlines (arrivals), KLM, Korean, LOT, Lufthansa (arrivals), Pakistan Intl (PIA), Royal Jordanian, SAS, Swiss, TACA, Turkish Airlines, United (arrivals), USA 3000, Virgin Atlantic etc. |
Airport Map: Click here.
Airport Transit System (ATS): The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a quick, convenient, and economical way to get around the airport. The ATS is a free, 24-hour rail system that operates between the 3 domestic terminals, the Intl terminal and long-term parking. From beginning to end: Terminal 1 to Parking Lot E, the travel time is 9 mins. Route: Terminal 1 - Terminal 2 - Terminal 3 - Terminal 5 - Parking Lot E.
| By Taxi: | |
|---|---|
| General: | There are differences if you want to reach a cab into the city vs. to the suburbs. City: Taxis wait outside the baggage reclaim area on the ground level of each terminal. Taxis fares are posted there, near the taxi despatcher's desk. Suburbs: If you do not want to be overcharged the best option is to call one of the suburban taxi companies (p.e: American Taxi Dispatch (800-244-1177) or 303 Taxi (773) 763 0303)) for a flat fare rate to the suburbs. After a call, they give you a cab number, then you walk out of Baggage Claim to the second lane and watch for your cab. |
| Taxi Meters: | Initial charge $2.25, then $1.80 for each extra mile. $2 for every 6 mins waiting. For the first additional passenger between the age of 12-65 $1. Each extra passenger $0.50. No extra charge for baggage or for the use of credit cards. $1 surcharge for trips to or from the airport. |
| Approximate Costs: | To the city centre/downtown area, including the Loop, Michigan Ave, Gold Coast & River North: $35-42/30-70 mins depending on traffic. To McCormick Place $40-45. To Addison $50, Argonne Lab $85, Arlington Heights $39, Aurora $106, Batavia $104, Belwood $41, Chicago Heights $131, Cicero $38, Darien $68, Deer Park $66, Des Plaines $20, Elgin $77, Forest Park $47, Gary $125, Glenview $36, Highland Hills $74, Highland Park $52, Inverness $58, Joliet $112, Lake in the Hills $98, Lansing $122, Melrose Park $25, Northbrook $41, North Chicago $101, Oak Lawn $56, Rosemont $11, Skokie $39 & Waukegan $107. To Midway Airport $58-62. From the city centre to O'Hare $39-45. Note: At quiet times I have travelled to O'Hare from the city center in just 25 mins, but this is unusual. |
| Shared Ride Costs: | Per person costs from the airport for shared taxis are as follows: Downtown Chicago $22, Midway Airport $35. |
| Taxi Companies: | AAA Universal Taxi Inc, Tel 1 888 344 8294, 303 Taxi (773) 763 0303, Airport Taxi & Limo (800) 707 0380, Yellow Cab (312) 829 4222 (TAXI CAB), Luxury Limo & Taxi (866) 666 5255, Metro Cabs 1 888 277 1969, Norshore Cab (800) 244 9200, Real American Taxi (847) 255 9600, Airport Suburban Limo & Taxi (773) 587 2598, USA Taxi & Limo (630) 901 4878, Suburban Taxi (847) 297 5556 & Checker Taxi (312) CHECKER. Chicago Transportation offers flat rate travel. Tel (773) 616 7272. |
| By Bus & Coach: | |
|---|---|
| General: | The Bus/Shuttle center is a central bus station, where most airport buses and shuttles stop. Parking Shutles also stop here. It is opposite the Hilton Hotel, close to Terminal 3. It is one level above the CTA train station. Follow signs in the terminal for the Bus/Shuttle Center. There is also a hotel booking board in the center as well as an information desk. |
| CoachUSA to Milwaukee: | Route: Chicago O'Hare Airport (Terminal 5) - Chicago O'Hare Airport (Shuttle Bus Center) - Kenosha, WI - Racine, WI - Milwaukee Airport (Bus center just south of Terminal) - Milwaukee Coach USA bus terminal 4960 S 13th St - Milwaukee 5th St just north of St Paul - Waukesh, Goerkes Corners Park & Ride. Timings: Buses leave O'Hare Terminal 5 heading north towards Milwaukee daily at 0620, then every hour 0820-2020 & 2220. Buses leave O'Hare Shuttle Bus Center heading north towards Milwaukee daily at 0645, then every hour 0845-2045 & 2245. Buses leave Milwaukee Airport heading for Chicago daily at 0415, 0555, then every hour 0700-1800 & 2000. Buses leave Milwaukee Coach USA bus terminal heading for Chicago 10 mins later. Buses leave Downtown Milwaukee (4th St just N of St Paul*) heading for Chicago daily at 0355, 0535, then every hour 0640-1740 & 1940. *Note: The bus stop in downtown Milwaukee is near the Milwaukee Intermodal Station (Greyhound and Amtrak) and is a little tricky to find. It is marked by a small sign on a post half a block north of St Paul on 4th, opposite PC Clinik, on the edge of a small car park. If you stand outside the Post Office and look towards the elevated freeway, it is on the left a short distance in front. Travel Times: To Kenosha 45 mins, Racine 1 hour, Milwaukee Airport 1:20, Milwaukee city 1:45 & Waukesha 2:10. Cost: To Kenosha $24 ($43 round trip), Racine $25 ($44), Milwaukee $27 ($48) & Waukesha $31 ($54). Contact: Tel 1 (877) 324 7767 or see www.wisconsincoach.com. |
| CoachUSA to Michigan City, IN: | Route: Chicago O'Hare Airport Terminal 5 - Chicago O'Hare Airport (Shuttle Bus Center Door 4) - Chicago Midway Airport - Crestwood (5545 West 127th) - Highland (8144 Indianapolis) - Portage (Centralk & Irving) - Michigan City (US 421 & Kieffer Rd). Timings: Buses leave O'Hare airport Terminal 5 daily every hour 0450-2250. Buses leave O'Hare airport shuttle bus center airport daily every hour 0515-2315. Buses leave Michigan City daily every hour 0420-1820. Travel Times: To Crestwood 1 hour, Highland 1:30, Portage 1:50 & Michigan City 2:20. Note: Buses do not make all stops, and passengers may need to change buses. Cost: To Portage & Highland $27 one way ($48 round trip), Crestwood $23 ($43), & Michigan City $29 ($52). Contact: Tel 1 800 248 8747 or see www.coachusa.com. |
| CoachUSA to South Bend, IN: | Route: Chicago O'Hare Airport Terminal 5 - Chicago O'Hare Airport (Shuttle Bus Center Door 4) - Chicago Midway Airport - Crestwood (5545 West 127th) - Highland (8144 Indianapolis) - Portage (Centralk & Irving) - Michigan City (US 421 & Kieffer Rd) - South Bend Airport, IN (Rear Building B) - South Bend (Notre Dame, Holy Cross Dr/Notre Dame Ave). Timings: Buses leave O'Hare airport T5 daily every 2 hours 0450-2050. Buses leave O'Hare airport shuttle bus center daily every 2 hours 0515-2115. Buses leave Notre Dame daily every 2 hours 0410-1810. Buses leave South Bend Airport daily every 2 hours 0430-1830. Travel Times: To Crestwood 35 mins, Highland 1:10, South Bend Airport 3:45, Notre Dame 4:05 & Mishawaka 4:25. Note: Buses do not make all stops, and passengers may need to change buses. Cost: To Highland $27 one way ($48 round trip) & South Bend $40 ($69). Contact: Tel 1 800 833 5555 or see www.coachusa.com. |
| CoachUSA/Van Galder Bus to Rockford: | Route: Chicago O'Hare Airport Terminal 5 (Lower level exit 5E) - Chicago O'Hare Airport (Shuttle Bus Center) - Rockford (Best Western Clock Tower Resort) - Rockford (Holiday Inn, on request only) - Rockford Bus Terminal (7559 Walton St). Timings: Buses leave O'Hare airport T5 daily every hour 0600-2000, 2030, 2130 & 2230. Buses leave O'Hare airport shuttle bus center daily every hour 0630-2030, 2100, 2200 & 2300. Buses leave Rockford Bus Terminal daily at 0330, 0410, then every hour 0500-1900. Travel Times: To Rockford Bus Terminal 1:50. Cost: Adults Rockford $20 one way. Children 16 and under $10. Contact: Tel 1 800 747 0994 or see www.vangalderbus.com. |
| CoachUSA/Van Galder Bus to Madison via Rockford: | Route: Chicago O'Hare Airport Terminal 5 (Lower level exit 5E) - Chicago O'Hare Airport (Shuttle Bus Center) - Rockford (Best Western Clock Tower Resort) - Rockford Bus Terminal (7559 Walton St) - South Beloit (Road Ranger McDonalds) - Janesville Bus Terminal (3120 N Pontiac) - Madison Dutch Mill Park & Ride - Madison UW Memorial Union (800 Langdon). Timings: Buses leave O'Hare airport T5 daily at 0600, 0700, 0830, 1030, 1230, 1400, 1530, 1700, 1800, 1900, 2000, 2030, 2130 & 2230. Buses leave O'Hare airport shuttle bus center 30 mins later. Buses leave Madison UW Memorial Union daily at 0220, 0500, 0700, 0830, 1000, 1130, 1300, 1430, 1630 & 1800. Travel Times: To Madison UW Memorial Union 3 hrs - 3:30. Cost: Adults Madison $29, Janesville $28, Beloit $27 & Rockford $20 one way. Children 16 and under $10. Contact: Tel 1 800 747 0994 or see www.vangalderbus.com. |
| Peoria Charter Coach to Joliet, Normal & Peoria: | Route: O'Hare Airport Bus/Shuttle Center - O'Hare Terminal 5 - Chicago Midway Airport - Joliet (Louis Joliet Mall) - Pontiac (BP Station I-55 & Route 116) - Normal (Bone student center) - Peoria (City Link) - Peoria (Bradley University). Timings: Buses leave O'Hare Airport Terminal 5 daily at 1015, 1500, 1900 & 2215. Buses leave O'Hare Terminal 5 daily at 1020, 1505, 1905 & 2220. Buses leave the Bus/Shuttle Center at 1015, 1500, 1900 & 2215. Buses leave Bradley University daily at 0400, 0600, 1030, 1420 & 1750. Buses leave Illinois State University (Bone Student Center) daily at 0450, 0705, 1130, 1525 & 1850. Buses leave Joliet Mall daily at 0840, 1305, 1700 & 2030. Travel Times: To Joliet ~1 hour, Pontiac ~2 hrs, Normal 2:40 & Peoria 3:40. Cost: To Peoria $37, Normal $35, Pontiac $28 & Joliet $23. Pay the driver cash or credit card (on-line only). Contact: Tel 1 800 448 0572 or (309) 688 9523. Wifi on board. |
| Express Air Coach: | Ground shuttle non-stop daily service between W. Lafayette, IN and Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Private Charter is also available for customized trips. Contact: Please contact us at 765-743-3120 |
| LEX Express to the Chicago Suburbs: | Route: Northbrook Mall - Woodfield Mall - O'Hare Airport (T5 and Bus/Shuttle center) - Midway Airport (outside baggage claim) - Oakbrook Mall - Crestwood, IL (CoachUSA terminal). Timings: Buses depart O'Hare every 90 mins throughout the day and night, at 0430, 0600, 0730, 0900, 1030 etc. Contact: Tel (800) 223 9313 or (217) 352 6682 or see www.golexexpress.com. Reservations are required. |
| CTA Shuttle Bus: | There is a CTA shuttle bus that runs from the Bus/Shuttle Center to Rosemont CTA station on the Blue Line. |
| Hotel Shuttles: | Several local hotels have free shuttles for guests, including: Hyatt, 4 Points Sheraton, Westin, Marriott, Sofitel O'Hare, Embassy Suites & Holiday Inn Select. |
| By Shuttle Van: | |
|---|---|
| General: | The Bus/Shuttle center is a central bus station, where most airport buses and shuttles stop. It is opposite the Hilton Hotel, close to Terminal 3. It is one level above the CTA train station. Follow signs in the terminal for the Bus/Shuttle Center. There is also a hotel booking board in the center as well as an information desk. |
| GO Airport Express: | Routes: Runs door to door shuttles from O Hare Airport (Terminals 1, 2 & 3) to Downtown Chicago (including most hotels), Lincoln Park & Suburbs. For a full list of suburbs served, see the website. There are 3 different routes served: Route A: North Hotels, Route B: Central Hotels & Route C: South Hotels. Timings: Departures from the airport are every 10-15 mins 0600-2230. Reservations are NOT needed for travel FROM the airport. Departures from Chicago city center hotels are available every 30 mins. Reservations ARE needed for travel TO the airport. Reservation possible by phone or online. Cost: To downtown Chicago $27 adult one way (child 6-12 accompanied by an adult $13, child under 6 free), adult round trip $37. 2 people travelling together to the same destination: adult one way $19 each. Credit cards accepted. Contact: (773) 247 1200, 1 800-894-1313 or 1 800 2 THE VAN. There is a GO Airport Express desk in the baggage reclaim areas of terminals 1, 2 & 3. Note: GO Airport Express was previously known as Continental Airport Express. |
| Omega Airport Shuttle to Midway Airport: | Runs an hourly service from O'Hare airport to Chicago Midway airport. Timings: Shuttles leave the Shuttle Bus Center (Door 4) every hour 0750-2350, and from O'Hare Terminal 5 (Door 5E) daily every hour 0800-0000. Shuttles leave Midway airport every hour 0700-2200. Latest timings and locations are available in printed schedules from the information booths on the lower level of each terminal or on the Omega Web site. Travel Times: 50-75 mins or more depending on traffic. Cost: The one-way fare is $45. Contact: Tel (773) 734 6688. |
| Illini Shuttle to Champaign: | Runs shuttles from O'Hare airport to Champaign, Urbana & University of Illinois. Free wifi on board. Reservations are required. Route: Woodfield Mall/Parking Lot B4 west of Firestone - O'Hare Airport Bus Shuttle Center Door 4 - Oakbrook Mall/Parking Lot Summer 4C - Chicago Ridge Mall/N of Sears Auto Service - University of Illinois Armory/NW Corner near Ice Arena - University of Illinois Atgeld Hall/Wright Street side - University of Illinois ISR/South Side or Levis North Side - Hilton Garden Inn, 1501 S Neil, Champaign. Timings: Shuttles leave O'Hare Shuttle Bus Center daily at 0930, 1230, 1600, 1800 & 2045. Buses leave the Hilton garden Inn, Champaign daily at 0430, 0730, 1100, 1300 & 1600. Travel Time: To Champaign Hilton Garden Inn 3:10. Cost: To or from O Hare airport $39.95 one way. Contact: Tel (217) 344 6700 or see www.illinishuttle.com. |
| Continental Airport Express: | Runs shuttles from O'Hare airport Terminal 5 to Downtown Chicago Hotels, Lincoln Park & most suburbs. Timings: Shuttles leave the airport every 5-10 mins 0600-2330, and hourly to Hyde Park. Cost: To Chicago City center $25. Contact: See desk kerbside. |
| By Train: | |
|---|---|
| CTA Blue line Subway Train to Chicago: | The train station is connected to terminals 1, 2 & 3 by a pedestrian tunnel. Follow signs "CTA/Trains to city". From Terminal 5, first use the ATS train to get to Terminal 3, then follow the signs. Runs to points all over the City. Route: O'Hare - Rosemont - Cumberland - Harlem - Jefferson Park - Montrose - Irving Park - Addison - Belmont - Logan Square - California - Western - Damen - Division - Chicago - Grand - Then the train enters the Loop: Clark - Washington - Monroe - Jackson - La Salle -then out to the Western Suburbs: Clinton - UIC Halsted - Racine - District etc. until Forest Park. At peak times, the Blue line runs a fork to 54th/Cermak. Timings: Trains leave O'Hare heading for Forest Park daily every 6-10 mins, 24 hrs a day. Trains leave O'Hare heading for 54th/Cermak Mon-Fri only 0530-0930 and again 1445-1830. Cost: The CTA has applied a surcharge to trains leaving ORD. The fare for a single trip originating at ORD is now $5. The fare returning to ORD (i.e., for a trip originating elsewhere but terminating at ORD) is $2.25. journey. $10 1 day pass. $20 3 day travel pass. CTA travel cards are bought from machines in the station, and charged with money of any required amount. No change is given from these machines. Each time you use the train, value is deducted from the card. All day passes are also available. Contact: CTA Info 836 7000 www.transitchicago.com. |
| Rental Cars: | |
|---|---|
| On-Airport Rental Car Providers: | ALAMO/National, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, HERTZ, Thrifty & Enterprise all have phones in baggage claim of all terminals. Courtesy buses collect passengers from outside the baggage claim area of each terminal and take them to cars. |
| Airport to Airport: | |
|---|---|
| To Chicago Midway Airport: | By Taxi: $58-62/40-80 mins. Omega Airport Shuttle (see shuttle section above) runs services between O'Hare & Midway Airports, departing Midway every hour 0700-2200. Exact timings and locations are available in printed schedules from the info booths on the lower level of each terminal or on the Omega Web site. Travel Times: 50-75 mins or more depending on traffic. Cost: The one-way fare is $45. Contact: (773) 734 6688. CTA blue line Train, then change to Orange line to Chicago Midway. Cost: $2. |
| To Milwaukee Airport: | CoachUSA bus runs every hour, see bus section above. |
| Car Parking: | |
|---|---|
| General: | Car Parking Shuttles leave from the Bus/Shuttle Center. |
| Hourly Parking: | $2 for the first hour. |
| Daily Parking: | $31 per day. |
| Valet Parking: | $46 per day. |
| Cellphone Parking: | O'Hare airport now has a cell-phone parking lot. The idea is that when meeting arriving passengers, you can wait in this designated area free of chage, until your arriving passenger calls to say they are ready for pick-up. Vehicles must be attended at all times. It is at Economy Parking Lot F, less than 4 mins from the terminals. |
Money Services: ATMs/Cash machines are in all terminals. There is a Bureau de Change/Money exchange in Terminal 5 arrivals.
Notes: Hotel booking boards and transport information desks are in all terminals. Baggage carts are free in Terminal 5, but cost $4 at the other terminals.
Airport Hotels: The Hilton Hotel is next to Terminal 3. Renaissance Chicago O'Hare Suites (773) 380 9600, Wyndham O'Hare (847) 297 1234, Quality Inn 1 (847) 678 0670, O'Hare Marriott (773) 693 4444, Sofitel Chicago O'Hare, Hampton Inn (847) 671 1700, Spring Hill Suites by Marriott (773) 867 0000, Days Inn O'Hare West (847) 437 1650, Radisson O'Hare, Embassy Suites, Doubletree Hotel & Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare.
Website: Chicago O'hare Airport
Airport Tel No: +1 (773) 686 2200.
Updated Nov13 ADV. Last Visit Jun12.
