O'Hare International Airport ORD: Departures and guide

Flying from/to O'Hare International Airport

Find out the best way to get from O'Hare International Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, bus or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to O'Hare International Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

From Chicago to O'Hare International Airport

Chicago is home to the imposing and world famous Willis Tower. The Willis Tower attracts millions of travelers annually who come to catch breathtaking views of Chicago and neighboring states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. The city offers a number of ways that travelers can commute from the city center to O'Hare International Airport. The city provides public transportation like Metra and CTA L trains which provide economical and easy travel. Travelers can board the CTA Blue Line at the city center and get off at the station situated just within the O'Hare International Airport. There are also bus transit lines which have schedules that travel the O'Hare International Airport route and include the 330, the 250 and Chicago 'L'. Travelers in large groups can book shuttles or limo service which makes the journey faster, comfortable and economical.

What's the best way to get to O'Hare International Airport from the city center?

O'Hare International Airport can be easily accessed via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). It is the most accessible, economical and practical option to use. Trains in Chicago are referred as the L and the Blue Line trains are the easiest and most economical route to O'Hare via public transit. The Blue Line provides service 24 hours 7 days a week, with more schedules during weekdays especially during rush hour. Travelers can also connect to other CTA lines via the Blue Line, and with well-scheduled departing and arriving trains, travelers experience very minimal waiting times.

Distance from Chicago city center to O'Hare International Airport

O'Hare International Airport is situated 18 miles (29.1 kilometers) from Chicago city center. The Blue Line is the most affordable way to travel to the airport and takes around 45 minutes. Travelers usually get off at terminals 1, 2 and 3 and it's easy to walk to the airport in just a few minutes. Shuttle buses also run between the city center and the airport every 5-7 minutes and operate 24/7 running between the Chicago Union Station and the airport terminals. The fastest way to the airport is by using shuttle buses, which takes about 27 minutes. There is also a direct bus connection that departs from the Union Station to the airport that operates three schedules daily and will take you 45 minutes to reach the airport. 

Facilities at O'Hare International Airport

The airport boasts of a wide range of facilities to help travelers relax and pass the time before their flight. The airport also has a health club complete with a pool and fitness club. There is also a yoga room where travelers can relax and unwind. Each terminal has a Mother's Room that offer traveling, nursing mothers with a spacious, private place for breastfeeding. The airport also offers an Urban Garden, the world's first aeroponic garden at any airport and is a great place for sitting and relaxing while reading or having a meal.

Accessibility of the airport for those with limited mobility

The CTA bus transportation system is an accessible route for individuals with limited mobility. All CTA buses have the capability of kneeling, lowering the bus and making it easy for travelers with limited mobility to board. There are no elevators since the low floor eliminates the need for the same. Instead there is a hydraulic-door ramp which folds from the floor, thus creating more space for additional luggage or a wheelchair. Every bus has a ramp, wheelchair securement parts, and priority seating areas clearly distinguished by icons. In addition, all accessible CTA L stations are fitted with elevators and gap fillers to close the gap between the train and the platform.

Traveling to O'Hare International Airport like a local

The best way to travel to O'Hare international Airport is via the CTA which operates a network of buses servicing almost every part of the city. There are two categories of trains: elevated (the L and subway) which takes around 45 minutes. Most of CTA L stations are also easily accessible and have elevators, tactile strips on the platform edge and gap fillers to close the gap between the train and the platform. The airport has a wide range of restaurants such as Billy Goat Tavern, Tortas Frontera, the Publican and numerous others that offer travelers a chance to sample Chicago's diverse food. The best ticket to buy is the CTA.