Inside Chicago O’Hare (ORD) Airport
Chicago O’ Hare Airport is one of the busiest in the US, with more than 70 million people a year passing through its terminal doors. If you’re going to fly through there, then it pays to know what’s on offer when it comes to flights, amenities and parking.
Terminals And Airlines
O’Hare Airport uses four terminals, each with restaurants, shops, ATMs and business services. Most of the international carriers use Terminal 5, while other flights are routed through Terminals 1, 2 or 3. You can find the airport layout here (PDF).
Most domestic carriers and a wide range of international ones fly though O’Hare Airport. In general, the airline you travel with will determine your gate, though there are occasional exceptions. The normal boarding gates for airlines flying out of O’Hare are listed in this O’Hare airport guide.
Amenities
As well as the services listed above, O’Hare Airport has other useful amenities including:
- facilities in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, including a visual paging system and accessible transport between terminals.
- Taxi service
- Wi-fi internet and several power workstations where passengers can recharge electronic devices free of charge.
- Touchscreen virtual concierges
The airport has also made provision for those on a layover as there are several attractions within the airport complex itself. These include:
- a brachiosaurus in Terminal 1, B Concourse
- the Butch O’Hare WWII Fighter Airplane Exhibit, Terminal 2
- Kids on the Fly, an interactive play area for kids up to 12
Parking
O’Hare offers a wide range of airport parking options, including a cell phone lot for those picking up passengers. Other options for parking at Chicago O’Hare Airport include three offsite airport parking lots: O’Hare Thrifty Airport Parking, O’Hare ACE Rent A Car Airport Parking and O’Hare Avistar Fasttrack Airport Parking.
Beyond The Airport
If you have more time between flights, then there are some great attractions within 15 miles or less of the airport. Here are five recommendations to get you started:
- If you happen to be traveling with kids – or if you’re a big kid yourself – then the Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumberg is a must-see.
- For dinner with a difference, including knights and jousting, check out Medieval Times.
- Spend some time with the animals in the beautiful surroundings of Brookfield Zoo which includes a Center for Animal Well Being
- Get a guided shopping tour of Chicago’s best boutiques with Chicago Shopwalk.
- Find out more about Frank Lloyd Wright and visit some of his great designs.
What would you add to the recommended attractions list?
Tags: Airport Parking, Attractions, chicago airport, chicago airport parking, chicago attractions, offsite airport parking, ord airport, ord airport parking
May 24th, 2009 at 6:53 am
I just wanted to add that ORD has really improved the shopping and food options in the past year or so. You can now actually find a few healthy options and several sit-down restaurants, as well as shops that have a few more necessities and interesting tidbits.
May 25th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Yes, I was there two days ago, Andy and thought the range of food was pretty good.
May 26th, 2009 at 4:58 am
[...] attending a conference for one of my clients. That was partly the inspiration behind my post on O’Hare International. So did the airport and the trip in general live up to expectations? Heading [...]
June 14th, 2009 at 10:36 am
[...] attending a conference for one of my clients. That was partly the inspiration behind my post on O’Hare International. So did the airport and the trip in general live up to expectations? Heading [...]
September 24th, 2009 at 4:01 am
[...] the series a bit to give more information on airport facilities. The posts on Hobby Airport and Chicago O’Hare are good [...]
October 6th, 2009 at 2:45 am
That is a lot of people in and out those doors, I have now idea that this was one of the USA’s busiest airports, learn something new every day. Its great to see that there are so many services that are coming out there and are available.
October 17th, 2009 at 12:58 am
meeting relatives at Ohare Sunday morning. We want to meet in a cafe before security, near Terminal 2. What would you recommend? Where is the Rotunda and how do you get there from the United Express check in desk? thanks.
November 5th, 2009 at 3:34 am
I have to say that having information on a airport ahead of time really is helpful, especially if you are new to the place. I have to say that having no idea of a place can be very intimidating, this is really a busy airport indeed and it has a lot of great services. Thank you for taking the time to do a post like this.
February 9th, 2010 at 2:49 am
Go Chicago Card by Smart Destinations is the perfect way to visit Chicago. It is your passport to over 30 attractions in the Windy City. Get discounts on admission, skip lines, extra discounts in restaurants, retail outlets, priority boarding/seating.