Chicago O'Hare International Airport - ORD Airport Information

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Chicago O'Hare is one of the world's busiest airports. In 2008, it saw nearly 70 million passengers, second only to Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson Airport. O'Hare is the main airport for passengers traveling to and from the Chicagoland area. In addition, many fliers traveling from other cities in the Midwestern US fly to O'Hare to catch connecting flights to their final destination.

Alternative Airports

Midway Airport (12 miles from Downtown Chicago) is a smaller airport served mainly by Southwest Airlines and AirTran.
General Mitchell Airport, Milwaukee (126 miles away) is connected to Chicago's Union Station by a high speed train.

General Overview

Address: 10000 West O'Hare, Chicago, Illinois 60666
Website
Airport map
Major airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta/Northwest and most major international carriers.
Parking: parking at O'Hare is expensive at $26-$30 per day. Hourly parking is $4 for three hours, after which daily rates apply.

Ground Transportation
Chicago's CTA runs an elevated train line, known as the Blue Line, in between O'Hare and Downtown Chicago. In addition, the Metra commuter rail system connects the airport with outlying areas of the metro. Taxis can be hailed outside of the terminals. Fares between the airport and city center are between $40 and $50. Rental car agency representatives are located near the baggage claim areas of terminals 1, 2, and 3. Shuttles are provided to transport customers from baggage claim to the rental car parking lots.

Terminal Information
Chicago O'Hare currently has four working terminals. These are connected by an automated tram system. Terminal 1 is home to United Airlines and its affiliates. American Airlines and American Eagle dominate Terminal 3. Terminal 5 is the international terminal. It is serviced by major international airlines from Europe, Asia and Latin America. Terminal 2 hosts low-cost carriers and will be the new home base for Delta's Chicago operations.

Places to Eat
Each terminal at O'Hare has a food court and at least one sit-down restaurant. In addition, there are places to get a drink in each terminal. Airport fast-food staples like McDonald's and Manchu Wok are prevalent, but there are also plenty of Chicago-themed options, including vendors serving pizza and hot dogs.

Amenities
O'Hare offers wireless internet. However, it is not free. The tram service in between terminals is efficient, but sometimes overcrowded. In addition to serving the terminals, the tram also has a stop at the public transportation station near the airport.

Insider Tip
If your flight leaves after 10 p.m., as many international flights do, most food vendors will be closed. Only a handful of shops remain open during all airport hours.

O'Hare can be very crowded. It is best to arrive early and, if possible, take advantage of the automated check-in available on the ticketing levels.