Airport Guide for Chicago O'hare International

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  February 08, 2012  

Currently the world's number two airport in terms of passenger traffic, handling a staggering 77 million+ passengers every single year, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) stands roughly 29 km / 18 miles northwest and central Chicago and next to Bensenville, Franklin Park, Rosemont and Wood Dale. O'Hare Airport features four terminals, around 180 gates and six runways, and handles around one million annual flights. Transfers to and from the terminals are made by its AS train network, which is a fast, convenient and free service.

The airport currently employs around 50,000 and also generates a further half a million jobs for the surrounding region, grossing some $40 billion for the economy. Covering over 7,000 acres / 2,830 hectares, Chicago O'Hare Airport shifts almost two million tons of freight annually.

The airports works hard not only to provide excellent service, but also to create a pleasant environment and has installed a number of attractions for the enjoyment of its passengers. These include the suspended Butch O'Hare Airplane (an authentic replica of the actual fighter plane flown by the airport's very own namesake), an enormous Brachiosaurus Dinosaur on loan from the Chicago Field Museum, and various art installations and even seasonal music festivals.

Located next to the I-90 and I-294 interstates, O'Hare Airport is served directly by taxi, rail, shared-ride van and bus. There is a 24-hour Blue Line train service to the downtown district, which is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) and runs every ten minutes during the day. Metra North Central commuter trains are also available and travel to the counties of Lake and Cook. Taxi cabs and shared-ride vans are to be found outside of all the terminals. Airport Express coaches depart every 10 to 15 minutes, linking destinations such as Arlington Heights and Schaumburg, which both lie to the north-west.

Connected by public transport, the 20,000-seater Allstate Arena is particularly near to O'Hare Airport, in the neighboring village of Rosemont, being used to host major concerts and wrestling. Rosemont is also home to the Chicago Rush football arena and the Donald Stephens Convention Center.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include restaurants, bars, shops, duty free, bureaux de change, a bank and ATMs. The Hilton Athletic Club provides a health club, sauna, steam room and massage. Laptop Lane, in Terminal 1, offers fax, Internet and photocopying services. The nearby Hilton hotel provides more extensive services. There is a medical centre, AED units (defibrillators), baby-change facilities, a play area and a 24-hour interfaith chapel. Disabled facilities are good; those with special needs should inform their airline in advance.

Parking: Long and short-term parking is available, as well as hourly parking next to the terminal, for those dropping off and picking up. Valet parking is also available.