Summary

• Don't confuse O'Hare with Midway - the distance between them is 30 miles!
• CTA Blue Line is best for quick downtown access from O'Hare for $5.00.
• Metra North Central Service is the fastest for northern suburbs at about $6.25.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the world's busiest airports, serving as a hub for domestic and international travel. The global hub is roughly 14 miles from downtown Chicago; it is well-connected by various public transportation options and well-maintained highways, making it easy and reasonably affordable to reach the city center or other destinations in the Illinois area. However, if you are new to the airport, it might get confusing, so to avoid feeling overwhelmed, here's a detailed guide to navigating all these transport options.

First, make sure you're going to the correct airport

Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport are two major air travel hubs serving Chicago; mistaking one for the other (and believe me, it happens!) could result in a costly mistake.

O'Hare (ORD), located 14 miles northwest of downtown, is one of the largest airports in the world and serves as a primary international gateway. It's connected to various destinations globally and offers extensive amenities and transportation options, including - as we will see later - direct access to public transport.

In contrast, Midway (MDW), situated about 8 miles southwest of the city center, is smaller and primarily handles domestic flights. It's known for its convenience to the city, with the CTA Orange Line providing a quick connection to downtown.

The distance between the two airports is 30 miles, which is a long way to go if you're trying to make a connecting flight! This is particularly crucial for travelers making connecting flights, as the transfer from one airport to the other could take at least an hour by car, more during peak traffic times. However, if you find yourself connecting between the two airports, look at our guide!

Get all the latest airline route news right here.

CTA Blue Line

According to Chicago Airport's official website, one of the most straightforward and economical ways to travel between O'Hare and downtown Chicago is using the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) services, specifically the Blue Line. The Blue Line operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, all year around, directly connecting O'Hare to downtown.

The travel time between O'Hare and downtown is approximately 45 minutes, and a single journey costs $5.00. The Blue Line is accessible at all airport stations (excluding Terminal 5) located at Terminals 1, 2, and 3, following signs that direct to "CTA Trains" or "Trains to the City." From Terminal 5, passengers must take a free airport shuttle train to reach the Blue Line station.

Metra's North Central Service

For those heading to the northern suburbs of Chicago, the Metra North Central Service is the fastest and most convenient route. However, in this case, the service only operates on weekdays, with trains running between Antioch and Chicago Union Station.

The nearest station to O'Hare is the O'Hare Transfer Station, which can be easily accessed via a shuttle bus from terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. The journey from O'Hare Transfer Station to downtown Chicago typically takes around 35 minutes and costs around $6.25.

Traveling by Bus: Pace Bus Services

Pace is Chicago's suburban bus system. The system offers several routes from O'Hare to various destinations around Chicago's suburbs.

Key routes include Pace Route 250, which serves destinations such as the Davis Street CTA Station, and Pace Route 330, which connects to the Amtrak/Metra stations. Buses run on weekdays and Saturdays, and fares range from $2.00 to $2.25, depending on the payment method and travel time.

Are you connecting flights?

Within O'Hare, the Airport Transit System (ATS) is a free-automated train that connects all airport terminals (1,2,3 and 5) and the Multi-Modal Facility, where, according to Travel and Treasure, you will find rental cars and parking lots are located. The TS operates 24/7, facilitating easy transfers between terminals and other airport facilities. Also, the airport has recently re-started the inter-terminal bus service after it was halted because of the pandemic.

Which airline goes where?

Ubers, Lyfts, and Taxis

For those preferring a direct route to their destination without public transport, popular ridesharing apps like Lyft and Uber, as well as regular taxis, are readily available. Depending on traffic, taxi fares to downtown Chicago range from $40 to $70, while rideshare costs can vary from $35 to $50. Both services can be accessed from designated zones outside each terminal.

Additional tips for frequent flyers

For frequent travelers or those planning extensive travel within Chicago, considering a multi-day or unlimited ride pass from CTA or Metra can save some money.

Chicago O'Hare is an international airport, so various signs in multiple languages facilitate navigating through O'Hare, making it accessible for international travelers.

By utilizing public transport options, visitors and residents can enjoy convenient and cost-effective travel to and from one of the world's busiest airports, ensuring a smooth start or end to their journey in the windy city.

Always check the latest transit schedules and fare information on the CTA or Metra websites to ensure the most efficient travel plans.

• 

  Chicago O'Hare International Airport

  IATA/ICAO Code:

  ORD/KORD

  CEO:

  Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) Commissioner Jamie Rhee

  Runways :

  4L/22R - 2,286m (7500 ft) | 4R/22L - 2,461m (8075 ft) | 9L/27R - 2,286m (7500 ft) | 9C/27C - 3,428m (11,245 ft) | 9R/27L - 2,428m (7,967 ft) | 10L/28R - 3,962m (13,000 ft) | 10C/28C - 3,292m (10,801 ft) | 10R/28L - 2,286m (7500 ft)

  Airlines:

  American Airlines, United Airlines

  Country:

  United States

  Passenger Count :

  54,020,339 (2021)

  Terminals:

  Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Terminal 3 | Terminal 5