Airport Guide: Chicago O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare Airport is one of the biggest airports in the world and after Atlanta the second biggest in the United States. It serves over 70 million passengers a year and got four terminals as well as eight runways. As the airport can be a little confusing, we give you a little overview about the facilities and other aspects of Chicago O’Hare Airport.
With 70 million passengers a year, Chicago O’Hare Airport is not only one of the buzziest, but also one of the most confusing ones in the whole world. Only a few people living in the USA did not interfere via Chicago O’Hare Airport at least once as both, American Airlines and United Airlines, got a hub at Chicago O’Hare Airport.
American Airlines is the most important carrier at Chicago O’Hare Airport
The two ultra-large airlines offer flights to dozens of destinations from Chicago. While most destinations are located in the US, there are also several international destinations in Europe, Asia and South America.
Most important carriers at Chicago O’Hare Airport:
- American Airlines and its subsidiary American Eagle: Dozens of domestic and international destinations
- United Airlines and its subsidiary United Express: Dozens of domestic and international destinations
- Spirit Airlines: Several domestic destinations
- Frontier Airlines: Several domestic destinations
Shopping and eating at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Chicago O’Hare Airport is a real paradise for all those who love shopping. There are dozens of different shops spread out through the airport. Especially Terminal 3 is filled with shops that stretch from clothing to books. The focus is on luxury items, souvenirs and books. The choice is even larger when it comes to food.
There are dozens of eating options at Chicago O’Hare Airport
There are dozens of restaurants and fast food shops in all terminals. McDonald’s for example operates a restaurant in all four terminals. Even though there is a lot of fast food, there are also some healthy options and many little cafés that offer cakes and other sweet delights.
- Get an overview of the shops at Chicago O’Hare Airport
- Learn more about restaurants at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Sleeping at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Like many other airports in the USA, Chicago O’Hare doesn’t offer dedicated sleeping areas for passengers transferring at the airport. However, there are several airport hotels nearby. The closest one is Hilton Chicago O’Hare which is located right at the terminal and may be reached by foot.
Luxury hotels in the city like The Langham Chicago are very expensive as well
There are also Best Western, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Extended Stay America, Aloft, Radisson, Loews, Crowne Plaza, Westin and Hyatt properties nearby. Even though there is a big choice, passengers will have to accept quite high prices. Most hotels charge at least 100 US-Dollar (~ 90 Euro) a night with four star properties charging even higher rates on regular dates.
Lounges at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Due to its immense size, Chicago O’Hare Airport is the home to dozens of different lounges. Star Alliance for example operates a total of eight lounges (four United Clubs, the United International First Lounge, the SAS Business Lounge as well as the Swiss Business and First Class Lounges).
The Admirals Club Chicago is one of the lounges at the airport
The oneworld alliance operates another five lounges (two American Airlines Admirals Clubs, the American Airlines Flagship Lounge and the British Airways First Class and Terraces Lounges). Moreover, SkyTeam airlines and independent operators do also offer lounge services at Chicago O’Hare Airport.
Transportation at Chicago O’Hare Airport
The most important mode of transport at Chicago O’Hare Airport is the metro. Blue Line trains operate 24 hours a day, seven hours a week and connect Chicago O’Hare with the city center in approximately 30 minutes. The final destination of the Blue Line trains is Forest Park.
There is a very good metro connection from O’Hare to the city center
Other options taking public transportation are the Metra North Central Service commuter trains which can be reached by taking a shuttle bus. There are also regional buses to other cities in the area. Apart from that, there are several parking lots for passengers arriving at Chicago O’Hare Airport by car. Taxis and limousine services are also available. However, rides to the city center are way more expensive by taxi than by metro.
- One-way tickets from O’Hare to the city center by metro cost 5 US-Dollar (~ 4.50 Euro)
- Taxi rides to the city center cost 30 to 40 US-Dollar (~ 27 to 36 Euro) depending on the destination
Great review. I used to fly into O’hare for a trade show at the convention center nearby. I did learn that it was so big that I almost didn’t give myself enough time to walk back to my gate to board my flight home.
Thanks a lot! 🙂 I can fully understand that. O’Hare is just that large, you can easily get lost there!
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