O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the world's great aviation hubs, serving the Chicago metropolitan area and acting as a primary hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. Located on the northwest side of Chicago, O'Hare connects travelers to destinations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
O'Hare's strength lies in its dual-hub status, hosting the primary hub for United Airlines in Terminal 1 and a major hub for American Airlines in Terminals 2 and 3. This concentration of two legacy carriers creates an exceptionally dense route network, with nonstop service to hundreds of domestic cities and dozens of international destinations.
The airport is organized around four numbered terminals, with Terminal 5 serving as the international facility for non-U.S. flag carriers. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by an underground pedestrian tunnel and the Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover. O'Hare is undergoing a major multi-year modernization program that will add new gate capacity and improve the terminal experience significantly.
O'Hare's origins trace to Orchard Place Airport, a World War II aircraft manufacturing facility — which explains the ORD IATA code derived from 'Orchard.' The airport was converted to civilian use after the war and named after Navy aviator Edward 'Butch' O'Hare, a Medal of Honor recipient, in 1949.
O'Hare replaced Midway Airport as Chicago's primary commercial facility in the 1960s as jet aircraft required longer runways than Midway could accommodate. The airport held the record as the world's busiest airport for much of the 1980s and 1990s before Atlanta took the title.
O'Hare has four passenger terminals. Terminal 1 is United Airlines' home base, featuring its signature United Club facilities and domestic and international United routes. Terminals 2 and 3 are primarily American Airlines, handling domestic and some international operations, along with partner and regional carriers. Terminal 5 is the international terminal, serving foreign flag carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, Air France, KLM, and many others.
The Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover connects all terminals and the remote parking facilities. The CTA Blue Line rail station provides direct access to the terminal complex.
United Airlines and American Airlines together account for the majority of O'Hare's operations, providing extensive domestic connectivity and international long-haul routes to Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Terminal 5 houses a broad array of international carriers, making O'Hare one of the most internationally connected airports in North America.
O'Hare offers nonstop service to over 200 destinations worldwide, including major European capitals, Asian hubs, and cities throughout Latin America.
O'Hare's amenities vary by terminal, with ongoing improvements as part of the O'Hare 21 modernization project. United's Terminal 1 features multiple United Club locations and a wide selection of dining and retail. Terminal 3 (American) has been progressively upgraded. Terminal 5 is functional and serves its international traffic well.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals. Nursing rooms, interfaith chapels, and pet relief areas are accessible in each terminal. Several restaurants and bars in Terminals 1 and 3 are open around the clock to serve early departures and late arrivals.
O'Hare is served directly by the CTA Blue Line, which connects the airport to downtown Chicago (the Loop) in approximately 45 minutes. The Blue Line station is located between Terminals 2 and 3 and is accessible from all terminals via the ATS people mover. Rideshare services operate from designated zones on the upper levels. Taxi service is available on the arrivals level of each terminal. The airport is accessible via I-90 and I-190 for drivers.
O'Hare provides a large parking complex with short-term, long-term, economy, and valet options. The main parking garage is connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via enclosed walkways. Remote economy lots offer shuttle service to the terminals at lower rates. The O'Hare CTA Blue Line is a cost-effective and traffic-free alternative to driving and parking for many travelers.
Allow generous connection times at O'Hare, particularly if your itinerary requires changing between Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 — the ATS people mover is required and adds time. Terminal 5 transfers require exiting security and re-entering, which can take 30 minutes or more.
O'Hare is one of the busiest origin-and-destination airports in the world, and its location in the upper Midwest makes it particularly susceptible to winter weather delays. If you have a tight connection and weather is a factor, check your options in advance. TSA PreCheck is available at all terminals, and CLEAR operates in Terminals 1 and 3.
O'Hare is a cornerstone of Chicago's economy and one of the most important transportation assets in the United States. The airport supports hundreds of thousands of jobs in the region and contributes tens of billions of dollars in economic activity annually. Its dual-hub status for United and American creates a significant corporate travel market that anchors Chicago's role as a global business center.
O'Hare is undergoing the O'Hare 21 program, a comprehensive modernization and expansion initiative that includes a new Terminal 2 replacement, additional gate capacity, a consolidated terminal headhouse, and an expanded Global Terminal (international facility). The program also includes roadway and ATS improvements. When complete, the modernized O'Hare will significantly increase gate count, improve passenger flow, and enhance the overall terminal experience.
ORD is a primary commercial airport and a major international gateway. It functions as a dual-hub airport and a key connection point between North America, Europe, and Asia.
Airports within approximately 60 miles of O'Hare International Airport that may provide additional scheduled commercial, regional access.
O'Hare International Airport is one of the defining airports of American aviation — a powerhouse hub shaped by geography, legacy carrier dominance, and decades of growth. Travelers who understand the terminal layout and plan for connection time will find O'Hare an efficient gateway to virtually anywhere in the world.
Take the CTA Blue Line from the O'Hare station (located between Terminals 2 and 3) to downtown Chicago's Loop. The ride takes approximately 45 minutes and runs 24 hours. This is the fastest and most reliable option, as road traffic around O'Hare can be heavy.
United Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at O'Hare, which houses its gates, check-in counters, and United Club lounges.
American Airlines operates primarily from Terminals 2 and 3 at O'Hare, handling both domestic and some international routes.
Terminal 5 is accessible via the Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Note that transferring to Terminal 5 from a domestic arrival requires exiting security and re-clearing at the international terminal.
For the most current flight schedules, parking availability, terminal maps, and ground transportation updates, visit the official O'Hare International Airport website.
O'Hare International Airport Official Site