O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Arriving on an international flight at O'Hare Terminal 5 involves immigration inspection, luggage collection, customs clearance, and onwards terminal or ground transport connection.

• Disembark the aircraft and follow the designated international arrival corridor to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) passport control.
• Present your passport, ESTA approval or valid visa, and complete standard entry questions at the immigration counter.
• Proceed to the baggage reclaim hall located past passport control to collect your checked bags.
• Pass through customs inspection with all personal luggage before entering the public arrival hall.
• If transferring to a domestic flight from Terminals 1, 2, or 3, recheck bags at the airline transfer counters immediately outside customs and take the Airport Transit System.

• Train

  CTA Blue Line Train ('L')

  Direct rail service operating 24 hours a day from the O'Hare station (connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3) to central Chicago (The Loop).

  Time:

  Roughly 45-50 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically $5.00 USD from the airport station

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Taxis are available from designated stands outside the arrival doors of all terminals. Metered fares apply.

  Time:

  Roughly 35-75 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  Typically $40.00-$60.00 USD plus tip

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

  Pick-up locations are designated at specific loading zones (Upper Level/Departures for Terminals 1-3, or lower level at Terminal 5).

  Time:

  Roughly 35-75 minutes depending on traffic

  Typical cost:

  Typically $40.00-$70.00 USD depending on demand

• Train

  Metra Commuter Rail (North Central Service)

  Connects O'Hare Transfer Station via ATS to Chicago Union Station. Operates on a limited weekday schedule.

  Time:

  Roughly 35-40 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically $6.75-$10.00 USD

Transfers between non-connected terminals require landside travel using the free Airport Transit System (ATS).

• Passengers arriving on non-precleared international flights must clear CBP processing and customs at Terminal 5 regardless of final destination.
• Re-check baggage at the dedicated airline transfer desks located outside the customs hall if holding a single ticket through-booking.
• Board the Airport Transit System (ATS) train outside Terminal 5 to reach Terminals 1, 2, or 3.
• Re-enter security screening at your departure terminal before proceeding to the gate. Allow at least 2 to 3 hours total transfer time.

Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout all passenger terminals.

• Select the official network '_FlyChicago' on your device.
• Open a web browser to view the connectivity splash page.
• Accept the terms of service to establish an internet session.

Banking, ATM services, and foreign currency exchange are available across all terminals.

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) compatible with major international card networks are situated in both landside and airside zones.
• Foreign currency exchange counters are positioned in Terminal 5 arrivals and select locations in Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
• Payment by credit or debit card is accepted by nearly all retail, dining, and public transport operators in Chicago.

Dining facilities are distributed across all active terminals, with varied options before and after security.

• Terminals 1, 2, and 3 feature extensive food courts and sit-down dining options airside.
• Terminal 5 offers a range of fast-casual and sit-down dining outlets both landside and airside.
• Operating hours vary by venue, with limited options available during late-night hours.

Airline lounges and independent spaces are located across the terminal layout.

• United Club lounges operate in Terminals 1 and 2; American Airlines Admirals Clubs operate in Terminal 3.
• Terminal 5 features international airline lounges and multi-airline shared lounge facilities.
• Access relies on cabin class, frequent flyer status, or purchasing a day pass where offered.

Accommodations are situated directly on airport grounds and in the adjacent suburban area.

• The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is located on site, connected directly to Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via underground walkways.
• Numerous off-site hotel options are located nearby in Rosemont, operating shuttle buses to and from the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF).
• Access the MMF via the Airport Transit System (ATS) from any terminal.

Standard baggage services including re-check, carts, and lost property assistance are available.

• Baggage re-check counters for connecting flights are located immediately following the Terminal 5 customs area.
• Self-service luggage carts are available near baggage claim areas for a rental fee.
• Left-luggage or secure bag storage is not provided inside terminal security areas due to safety regulations.

Dedicated facilities are provided for travellers with infants and young children.

• Private Mother's Rooms for nursing and infant care are located in every terminal.
• Baby changing tables are installed in standard public restrooms throughout the airport.
• Interactive play spaces for children are situated airside in Terminals 2 and 5.

• Service animal relief areas
• Multi-faith chapel
• Mother's rooms for nursing
• Automated external defibrillators (AEDs)
• Device charging stations
• Currency exchange booths
• Travellers Aid assistance counters

Local emergency number: 911 (Police, Fire, Medical).

• In an emergency, dial 911 from any mobile or public phone, or notify airport security or staff.
• Medical emergency response within the airport is handled by Chicago Fire Department paramedics.
• For lost foreign passports or consular services, contact your embassy or consulate located in central Chicago.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• https://www.flychicago.com/ohareOfficial airport source
• https://www.cbp.gov/Government source
• https://www.transitchicago.com/Official transit source
• https://metra.com/Official transit source
• https://www.chicago.gov/Government source