Arriving at Chicago Airport for the first time might be confusing for you. In fact, some people who come for the second or third time still find themselves needing to adjust upon arrival. The airport is large and bustling. Therefore, if you are still unfamiliar with it, the chance of getting lost is very high.
Notably, there are two airports in Chicago: O’Hare and Midway International. However, “Chicago Airport” is a simplified term for O’Hare International, which is the primary airport in Chicago. Here is the guide about O’Hare that you need to familiarize yourself with before you arrive in Chicago!
About Chicago Airport
O’Hare International Airport is located at 10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60666, United States of America. Its distance from downtown Illinois is not too far, only 17 miles. However, when comparing its location with Midway International Airport, O’Hare is definitely farther.
Despite O’Hare International’s location being farther from the city, its size is significantly larger than Midway. Not only is it bigger, but O’Hare is also busier. The airport boasts around 8 runways, so it’s not surprising that O’Hare serves more flights than Midway.
In one day, the airport can handle up to 2,700 operations, which is why O’Hare is almost always packed with people. Throughout 2022, O’Hare earned fourth place as the busiest airport in the world, serving around 68.3 million passengers for both domestic and international flights.
This is not surprising because Chicago is a business and entertainment center, ranking only behind Atlanta, Dallas, and Denver, which have busier airports.
For your information, the 3-letter airport code for Chicago is ORD. So, make sure to input the correct code before you book a flight to Illinois.
Aside from the correct code, you must also be aware of other important information regarding O’Hare, including details about the number of terminals in O’Hare, which you can find below!
Chicago Airport Terminals
One of the most important things you need to know about an airport is its terminals, especially at large airports like O’Hare International, which has 8 runways capable of serving up to 2,700 flights. This knowledge is essential to avoid mistakes and ensure you can find the right gate for entering and leaving the airport.
In general, there are four terminals in Chicago Airport catering to two types of arrivals and departures. Terminal 1, 2, and 3 are used for domestic flights, while Terminal 5 is designated for international flights. It’s worth noting that there is no Terminal 4.
In the past, Terminal 4 O’Hare International Airport existed, operating from 1985 to 1993. This was in response to the high demand for international flights, leading airport officials to open Terminal 4 as a temporary international terminal. However, the terminal has since undergone a change in function and now serves as a shuttle bus terminal.
Read More: Your Perfect Chicago Airport Terminal Handbook Is Right Here
Chicago Airport Hotels
When you land in Illinois, there may be occasions when you need to book a hotel for one or a few days. If you are visiting for a holiday, booking a hotel in the city center could be a better option. However, if you find yourself in need of accommodation due to transit or a flight delay, you may want to consider looking for a hotel near the airport.
Interestingly, there are numerous hotels around Chicago Airport. Here are some of them:
- Hilton Chicago (0,1 kilometers from O’Hare)
- Loews Chicago (4,6 kilometers from O’Hare)
- Four Points by Sheraton (5,1 kilometers from O’Hare)
- Crowne Plaza Chicago (4,7 kilometers from O’Hare)
- Sheraton Suites (4,5 kilometers from O’Hare)
Chicago Airport Transportations
Another essential piece of information is how transportation in Chicago Airport works because you certainly do not want to be stuck in the airport after landing in Illinois. You need to explore and enjoy your stay in Chicago.
However, you must know how to navigate out of the airport area before exploring all corners of the city. In general, there are six transportation services that you can choose from. Here is the list:
- Airport Transit System (ATS)
- Train
- Bus
- Car rental
- Transfer
- Taxi
Chicago Airport Duty-Free
Before returning to your home country, it would be nice to shop for some duty-free products at Chicago Airport. There are many things that you can find here, including:
- Liquor
- Food
- Fashion
- Accessories
- Tobacco
- Parfum
- Special offers
Best Things to Do in Chicago
Last but not least, you must know what kind of activities you can do in Chicago. Here are some ideas for you:
- Explore Chicago’s iconic waterfront at Navy Pier
- Embark on an artistic odyssey at the Art Institute of Chicago
- Party till you drop at the Lollapalooza Music Festival
Aside from that, there are still many incredible things to discover in Chicago!
Those are the guides to Chicago Airport so you can get to know it better. So, are you ready to book the flight and the hotel now? If yes, you can go to Airpaz to find the best price!
