Chicago O'Hare International Airport Overview

O'Hare International Airport is the main airport for Chicago, Illinois, and a major connecting point for travel across the United States and beyond. It is a hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, so it offers a very wide choice of domestic and international routes. The airport is named after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, a US Navy pilot. Its code, ORD, comes from its earlier name, Orchard Field.

Where O'Hare Is in Relation to Chicago

The airport sits on the city's Northwest Side, about 27 km from downtown Chicago and the Loop. It borders the suburbs of Rosemont and Des Plaines, where many airport hotels and a large convention centre are located.

O'Hare Terminals and Facilities

O'Hare has four passenger terminals, numbered 1, 2, 3 and 5. Here is how they are generally used:

• Terminal 1: United Airlines and several of its partner airlines.
• Terminal 2: United Express, Air Canada and JetBlue, among others.
• Terminal 3: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and partners such as British Airways and Japan Airlines.
• Terminal 5: most other international carriers, plus Delta Air Lines and Frontier.

Terminal assignments can change, so check yours before you travel. The free Airport Transit System, an automated train, links all terminals with remote parking and the car rental facility. You will find a wide range of restaurants, shops and lounges throughout the airport.

Airlines and Destinations from Chicago O'Hare

With two major hub carriers and dozens of foreign airlines, O'Hare connects Chicago with cities across North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America. It is a common transfer point for travellers crossing the United States. Check the current schedule for the routes and airlines that suit your trip.

Getting Between O'Hare and Downtown Chicago

• CTA Blue Line: trains run around the clock from the station beneath Terminals 1, 2 and 3, reaching the Loop in about 40 to 45 minutes.
• Metra: commuter rail serves a nearby station with limited weekday service.
• Taxi and ride-hailing: available at each terminal; journey times depend heavily on traffic.
• Car rental: companies are grouped at the Multi-Modal Facility, reached by the airport train.

Things to Do Near O'Hare and in Chicago

Chicago's lakefront, museums, architecture river cruises and deep-dish pizza are easy to reach from the airport by train. Closer to O'Hare, Rosemont offers concerts, sporting events and trade shows.

Travel Tips for O'Hare International Airport

O'Hare is large, so leave extra time for security and moving between terminals. If you are connecting to or from Terminal 5, allow time for the airport train. Winter weather can cause delays, so check your flight status before leaving. For international departures, arriving three hours early is sensible.

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