Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Guide
Quick summary
O'Hare has four terminals (1, 2, 3 and 5 β there is no Terminal 4), all linked by the free 24/7 Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover. The CTA Blue Line runs straight downtown for a $5 fare, and Economy lots start around $15/day.
The bottom line on ORD
The classic O'Hare trap is Terminal 5: it sits about a mile from the connected 1-2-3 core and is not walkable, so people chasing an international connection get caught riding the ATS and, because the terminals do not all connect airside, sometimes re-clearing security. Do not go hunting for Terminal 4 either β it does not exist.
The smart money skips the taxi line and takes the CTA Blue Line, which runs 24/7, costs a $5 fare, and reaches the Loop in about 40 to 45 minutes. If you are parking, an Economy lot at around $15 a day undercuts the roughly $43 terminal daily max by a wide margin.
AirportScore
Our own 1β5 rating of the ORD traveler experience, scored from the verified data on this page. See airport rankings β Β· How we score β
Traps most travelers fall for at ORD
- Terminal 5 sits about a mile from the connected 1-2-3 core and is not walkable, so an international connection can mean riding the ATS and β since the terminals don't all connect airside β re-clearing security.
- Don't go hunting for Terminal 4: it does not exist; the terminals are 1, 2, 3 and 5.
- For rideshare or a taxi, go up to the departures level at Terminal 2 or 3 rather than waiting at the arrivals curb, and use an Economy lot (~$15/day) over the ~$43/day terminal garage.
Terminals at ORD
O'Hare is arranged as four passenger terminals numbered 1, 2, 3 and 5 β there is no Terminal 4. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 form a connected horseshoe-shaped domestic core (Terminal 1 is United's hub, Terminal 3 is American's), and you can walk between them airside. Terminal 5 sits about a mile east and handles most international arrivals plus a growing number of domestic flights; it is not walkable from the others. The free Airport Transit System (ATS) β an automated people mover running 24/7 every few minutes β connects all four terminals plus the remote parking and rental-car center. Reaching Terminal 5 from the domestic core, or vice versa, requires riding the ATS and, because the terminals aren't all connected airside, transfers between domestic and international sometimes mean re-clearing security. The airport is in the middle of the multi-billion-dollar O'Hare 21 program, which will eventually replace Terminal 2 with a new Global Terminal β so signage and gate assignments can shift.
ORD parking rates & options
| Terminal garage β first hour | About $3 |
| Terminal garage β daily max | About $43 per day |
| Economy Lot G β daily | About $15 per day |
| Economy Lot E β daily | About $17 per day |
| Economy Lot F (covered) β daily | About $22 per day |
| Cell Phone Waiting Lot | Free |
Where the money actually goes at ORD
The gap between the cheapest and dearest parking here is $28 a day β $15 at the economy lot g β daily versus $43 at the terminal garage β daily max. Over a week that is $196, for the same trip.
Calculated from the published rates in the table above β not an estimate. Rates change, so confirm before you book.
π Getting to & from the airport
The CTA Blue Line is the cheapest and most reliable way into the city β the station is below the domestic terminals (follow 'Trains to City' signs through the pedestrian tunnels on the lower level), runs 24/7, reaches the Loop in about 40β45 minutes, and costs a $5 fare from O'Hare. From Terminal 5 you ride the ATS to the domestic core to reach the Blue Line. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) and taxi pickup is on the upper (departures) level at Terminals 2 and 3 β take the elevator up from baggage claim rather than waiting at the arrivals curb. There's also a free Cell Phone Waiting Lot, plus Metra commuter rail at a nearby station and various suburban shuttles.
ORD vs ATL vs DFW: which airport is easier?
How the traveler experience compares, side by side.
ποΈ Lounges
United dominates Terminal 1 with several United Clubs across Concourses B and C and a United Polaris Lounge near Gate C18 (for United Polaris and eligible Star Alliance business/first passengers). American Airlines Admirals Clubs are in Terminal 3, and there are Delta Sky Club and other carrier lounges as well; Terminal 5 has international-carrier and Priority Passβstyle options for arriving/departing international travelers. Because the domestic terminals (1, 2, 3) connect airside, you can usually reach a lounge in the core without re-clearing security, but Terminal 5 lounges require the ATS and possibly a security re-check.
πΆ Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout O'Hare β connect to the airport's complimentary '_O'Hare WiFi' network and accept the terms. No time limit.
π΄ Layovers & overnight
For a long layover, Terminal 1 (United) and Terminal 3 (American) have the widest range of food, shops and lounges, and you can move between Terminals 1β3 airside. There's no transit hotel inside security, so an overnight means exiting and re-clearing screening in the morning. The most convenient bed is the on-site Hilton Chicago O'Hare, connected by underground walkway to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 β ideal for overnight or early-morning connections; off-airport hotels with free shuttles are cheaper. Overnighters who stay in the terminal tend to settle in the quieter upper-level ticketing areas, as the airport doesn't offer dedicated sleep zones.
Insider tips
- Take the CTA Blue Line ($5) to downtown β it runs 24/7 and beats a taxi or rideshare on price and traffic.
- There is no Terminal 4 β the terminals are 1, 2, 3 and 5, so don't panic looking for it.
- Terminal 5 is a mile from the others; always ride the ATS and allow extra time to reach it.
- For rideshare/taxi, go up to the departures level at Terminal 2 or 3 rather than waiting at arrivals.
- The Hilton is connected underground to Terminals 1β3, making it the go-to for an overnight layover.
ORD airport β FAQ
οΌ β How much is parking at ORD?
Terminal garages run about $3 for the first hour up to roughly $43 per day. Economy lots are cheaper: Lot G is about $15/day, Lot E about $17/day, and covered Lot F about $22/day, all connected to the terminals by the free ATS people mover.
οΌ β How do I get from O'Hare to downtown Chicago?
Take the CTA Blue Line from the station beneath the domestic terminals. It runs 24/7, costs a $5 fare, and reaches the Loop in about 40β45 minutes. From Terminal 5, ride the ATS to the domestic core first.
οΌ β How do I get between terminals at ORD?
Use the free Airport Transit System (ATS), an automated people mover that runs 24/7 and links Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5 plus remote parking. Terminals 1β3 are also connected on foot airside, but Terminal 5 requires the ATS.
οΌ β Is Wi-Fi free at O'Hare?
Yes. Connect to the airport's complimentary '_O'Hare WiFi' network and accept the terms. It's free, unlimited, and has no time limit.
οΌ β Is there a hotel at O'Hare for an overnight layover?
Yes β the on-site Hilton Chicago O'Hare is connected by an underground walkway to Terminals 1, 2 and 3, making it the most convenient overnight option. Note there's no hotel inside security, so you'll re-clear screening in the morning.
Sources & official links
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often β always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.