Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) Guide
Quick summary
O'Hare has four terminals (1, 2, 3 and 5 — 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.
Terminals at ORD
O'Hare is arranged as four passenger terminals numbered 1, 2, 3 and 5 — 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) — an automated people mover running 24/7 every few minutes — 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 — so signage and gate assignments can shift.
ORD parking rates & options
| Terminal garage — first hour | About $3 |
| Terminal garage — daily max | About $43 per day |
| Economy Lot G — daily | About $15 per day |
| Economy Lot E — daily | About $17 per day |
| Economy Lot F (covered) — daily | About $22 per day |
| Cell Phone Waiting Lot | Free |
🚆 Getting to & from the airport
The CTA Blue Line is the cheapest and most reliable way into the city — 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 40–45 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 — 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.
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🛋️ 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 Pass–style 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.
📶 Wi-Fi
Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout O'Hare — connect to the airport's complimentary '_O'Hare WiFi' network and accept the terms. No time limit.
😴 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 1–3 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 — 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 — it runs 24/7 and beats a taxi or rideshare on price and traffic.
- There is no Terminal 4 — 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 1–3, making it the go-to for an overnight layover.
ORD airport — FAQ
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.
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 40–45 minutes. From Terminal 5, ride the ATS to the domestic core first.
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 1–3 are also connected on foot airside, but Terminal 5 requires the ATS.
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.
Is there a hotel at O'Hare for an overnight layover?
Yes — 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
This guide is independent and not affiliated with Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Parking rates, terminal layouts, and transit options change often — always confirm on the airport's official website before you travel.