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Chicago Airport Guide

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Chicago airport

Chicago airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the vast international airport and major hub 17 miles (27 km) northwest of the windy city. It is universally refered to worldwide by it's three letter airport code, which is a throwback to it's original name of Orchard Field Airport when it was a Douglas manufacturing plant for C-54 military transport aircraft during World War II. It was renamed after Edward "Butch" O'Hare, the U.S. Navy's first Medal of Honor recipient during that war. It was later famous for the world's first jet bridge. It was the world's busiest airport for decades until 1999, and is now the world's fourth-busiest airport for passenger counts, with 54 million passengers a year. It is a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines

Chicago O'Hare has six parallel runways and two crosswind runways.

Which makes it all the more surprising that the airport is a bit of a shocker. By turns it can be more decrepit, run down, and just generally tired, than you would expect for a major hub.

Chicago airport

Chicago airport

Terminals 1-3 are interconnected airside. Terminal 5 is separated from the other terminals by a set of taxiways that cross over the airport's access road, requiring passengers to exit security, ride a shuttle bus or take the Airport Transit System and then re-clear security before boarding.

All non pre-cleared international flights arrive at Terminal 5.

Chicago Airport Terminal 1

United developed a new two-concourse Terminal 1 (dubbed "The Terminal for Tomorrow"), designed by Helmut Jahn. It was built between 1985 and 1987 on the site of the original Terminal 1; the structure, which includes 50 gates, is best known for its curved glass forms and the connecting underground tunnel between Concourses B and C. The tunnel is illuminated with a neon installation titled Sky's the Limit by Canadian artist Michael Hayden, which plays an airy, slow-tempo version of Rhapsody in Blue.

Chicago Airport Terminal 3

American renovated and expanded its existing facilities in Terminal 3 from 1987 to 1990; those renovations feature a flag-lined entrance hall to Concourses H/K

Chicago City Airport Pay in, First & Business Class lounges


Chicago Airport transport

Chicago Airport train

The CTA Blue Line's north terminus is at O'Hare and provides direct service to downtown via the Milwaukee-Dearborn subway in the Loop and continuing to west suburban Forest Park. Trains depart at intervals ranging from every four to thirty minutes, 24 hours a day. The station is located on the lower level of the parking garage, and can be accessed directly from Terminals 1-3 via tunnel and from Terminal 5 via shuttle bus.

The Chicago-area commuter rail system, Metra, has a transfer station, however it operates an occasional schedule on weekdays only.

Car Hire at Chicago Airport

Major car hire operators are located in the Arrivals Halls. To save time and ensure you get the car you want, book your rental in advance. Rental car operators from Chicago Airport include: Europcar, Thrifty, Avis and Budget.

Chicago Airport Hotel

There is just one airport hotel at Chicago airport.

The Hilton Chicago O'Hare is between the terminal core and parking garage and is currently the only hotel on airport property.

Chicago Airport Bars and Restaurants

Chicago airport

Berghoff Cafe at O'Hare Chicago Airport Restauran

Berghoff Cafe at O'Hare - Chicago Airport Restaurant

Open: 1100-2300 Airside, Terminal 1, Concourse C, by Gate C26
The décor, which has gorgeous Tiffany stained glass and wood trim, is very similar to that of The Berghoff Chicago Loop location.

The Berghoff Cafe at O'Hare serves a variety of foods, including the always-popular hot cut sandwiches, Ruebens, and sauerkraut. Every day, it prepares all of the bread from scratch in the bakery within The Berghoff Restaurant in downtown Chicago.

Classic favourites like Berghoff Root Beer and the now-official house-brewed beer from Adams Street Brewery are also available at the Berghoff Bar. At the Berghoff Cafe in the O'Hare International Airport, everything is freshly prepared for each customer.


Chicago airport

Chicago airport

Beaudevin bar Airport Restaurant

Open: 1100-2300 Airside, Terminal 1, Concourse C, by Gate C17
Beaudevin, is an internationally acclaimed wine bar, also found in Brussels, Paris and Miami. Beaudevin celebrates the beauty of wine with a wide selection of marques and vintages from around the world. Savour a variety of small plate items to enhance the experience, and a selection of fine spirits, beer and specialty coffees.


Chicago airport

Chicago airport

Stanley's Blackhawks Kitchen & Tap

Open: 0600-2000 Airside, Terminal 2, Concourse E, Gate E5
An offshoot of a Downtown spot, named for the city's pro hockey team & serving Southern food & drink.

Stanley's Blackhawks Kitchen & Tap is right on the 'main drag' of the concourse, and pays homage to the local professional hockey team and winner of six Stanley Cup Championships, featuring menu items from Chicago and the area.

Chicago airport

Chicago airport

Bubbles Wine Bar

Open: 0500-2330 Terminal 3, Concourse H, Gate H4
Right on the concourse, this is a sleek spot for champagne, wine & beer with light Mediterranean snacking plates, plus breakfast.

Chicago airport
ORD: Chicago Airport Guide - Terminal map, airport guide, lounges, bars, restaurants & reviews with images
Airport review with maps by
rating: 5 out of 10 2.5 Star Rating
Chicago Airport Code: ORD
ICAO Code: KORDTimezone:UTC+28:08 (DST+31:08)
Elevation: 680 ft (207 m)Runways: 8
Latitude: 41.977Longitude: -87.908

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