- Terminals
- 4 terminals (1, 2, 3 domestic; 5 international)
- Distance to city
- About 17 miles (27 km) northwest of downtown Chicago
- Getting downtown
- CTA Blue Line train (~45 min), taxi, rideshare
- Min. connection time
- ~60 min domestic; 2–3 hrs international (Terminal 5 changes)
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
Chicago O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the United States and a major hub for both United and American Airlines, as well as a key international gateway to the Midwest. Its four terminals handle a huge volume of connecting traffic, and the CTA Blue Line offers a cheap, direct ride into the heart of Chicago.
This guide covers the terminal layout, the airport transit system, and getting downtown.
Terminals & Layout
O'Hare has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handle domestic flights (Terminal 1 is United's hub; Terminal 3 is American's), and Terminal 5 is the main international terminal. Terminals 1–3 are connected airside, but Terminal 5 has historically been separate, reached by the airport transit system.
The Airport Transit System (ATS) — an automated people mover — links the terminals and the remote parking and rental-car centre. International arrivals at Terminal 5 connecting to a domestic flight typically clear customs, then transfer to Terminals 1–3.
Getting To & From Downtown
| Option | Time to downtown Chicago | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| CTA Blue Line | ~45 min | Cheap, direct, and runs 24/7 to downtown (the Loop). Station beneath Terminals 1–3. |
| Taxi | 30–60 min | Flat-rate to downtown zones; traffic-dependent. |
| Rideshare | 30–60 min | Pickup at the designated areas; surge at peaks. |
| Metra (from O'Hare Transfer) | Varies | Commuter rail option for some suburbs. |
Layovers & Connections
Domestic connections within Terminals 1–3 can work from about 60 minutes since they're connected airside. International connections via Terminal 5 need 2–3 hours, as you clear customs and transfer terminals using the ATS. Winter weather can cause delays at O'Hare, so build in buffer during snow season.
For a long layover, the CTA Blue Line runs 24/7 and reaches downtown Chicago in about 45 minutes, making a city trip feasible on 5+ hours — Chicago's downtown is compact and walkable once you arrive.
Planning a flight through ORD?
Estimate your flight time and compare fares before you book — then find a hotel right by the airport for early departures and long layovers.
Food, Lounges & Sleep
- All terminals have solid dining, including Chicago staples; Terminal 5 and Terminal 1 are well served.
- United and American lounges plus Priority Pass options across the terminals.
- An on-site hotel and many nearby airport hotels (with shuttles) suit early flights and layovers.
- Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Carry-On Essentials for ORD
A few things that make a long day at O'Hare International Airport far more comfortable:
A Memory-Foam Travel Pillow
Long flights and layovers
After a long flight or a red-eye layover, a supportive neck pillow is the difference between landing rested and landing wrecked.
Check Price on AmazonAn RFID Passport Holder
Staying organised airside
Keeps your passport, boarding pass, and cards together and scan-proof — no more digging through your bag at the gate or worrying at busy checkpoints.
Check Price on AmazonA Slim Portable Charger
Delays and long layovers
Gate changes, delays, and a phone full of boarding passes drain the battery fast — a pocket power bank keeps you connected through the longest layover.
Check Price on AmazonCompression Socks
Long-haul flights
On long-haul flights, compression socks keep your legs comfortable and reduce swelling — frequent flyers swear by them for arriving fresher.
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
The CTA Blue Line is the best option — cheap, direct, runs 24/7, and reaches downtown (the Loop) in about 45 minutes from the station beneath Terminals 1–3. Taxis and rideshares take 30–60 minutes depending on traffic.