Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major gateway to Chicago, the Midwest, and destinations around the world.
From beloved Chicago restaurants and local shopping to public art and helpful travel tips, here’s how to make the most of your time at O’Hare.
O’Hare offers an extensive domestic and international flight network, making it a popular choice whether you’re headed to Chicago, connecting to another destination, or traveling overseas. As a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, ORD connects travelers across the U.S. and around the world.
Located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, O’Hare connects to the city by the CTA Blue Line, Metra, taxis, rideshare services, and rental cars.
You don’t have to leave the airport to get a taste of Chicago. From local restaurants and beloved hometown brands to art and architecture, there’s plenty of Chicago character to discover before your flight.
Did You Know? Despite its nickname, the “Windy City” may not have gotten its name from the weather. One popular explanation traces the phrase to Chicago’s outspoken politicians and civic boosters in the late 1800s. Today, the nickname is synonymous with the city.
Chicago is known for its food, sports, architecture, and rich cultural history—which you can experience right at O’Hare.
From hometown favorites to picks from CLEAR Ambassadors, here’s where to eat, shop, and explore before boarding.
Chicago’s food scene goes well beyond deep-dish pizza. From neighborhood taverns and Chicago-style hot dogs to acclaimed chefs, craft breweries, and globally inspired cuisine, there’s plenty to discover.
CLEAR Ambassadors recommend Tortas Frontera, with locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5. It’s also a favorite with O’Hare travelers. Created by Chicago chef Rick Bayless, Tortas Frontera serves handcrafted tortas, fresh-made guacamole, and dishes inspired by the flavors of Mexico.
Have time to sit down? Head to Publican Tavern in Terminal 3, Concourse K, another CLEAR Ambassador pick. Inspired by one of Chicago’s celebrated restaurants, it serves elevated pub fare and local craft beer.
You’ll also find beloved Chicago brands throughout O’Hare. Stop by Goose Island Beer Co. for a local craft beer, or pick up Garrett Popcorn in Terminal 1, Concourse B, for a classic Chicago treat.
Looking for something to remember Chicago by? O’Hare offers plenty of local finds, from hometown fashion and books to museum-inspired gifts and handcrafted chocolates.
Stop by ChiBoys in Terminal 3 for apparel inspired by Chicago’s architecture, neighborhoods, and culture, including a collection created with O’Hare.
Browse Barbara’s Bookstore, with locations throughout Terminals 1, 2, and 3, for your next in-flight read or books celebrating Chicago’s history and culture. In Terminal 1, the Field Museum Store offers museum-inspired gifts, books, apparel, and keepsakes, while Hoypoloi, An Uncommon Gallery showcases artwork and handcrafted pieces.
For one last Chicago treat, visit Vosges Haut-Chocolat in Terminal 1 for handcrafted chocolates from the Chicago-founded chocolatier.
Whether you have an hour before boarding or extra time between flights, O'Hare offers plenty of ways to relax, explore, and experience a little more of Chicago.
Families traveling through Terminal 2 can visit the Family Lounge near Gate F1, where kids can play while adults recharge devices or park a stroller.
Our CLEAR Ambassadors recommend visiting the Aeroponic Garden in the Rotunda between Terminals 2 and 3. The indoor vertical garden grows herbs and vegetables used by airport restaurants and offers an unexpected place to slow down and stretch your legs before your flight.
While you’re there, O’Hare travelers recommend exploring Chicago: Home of House, an exhibit celebrating the history and global influence of house music, which was born in Chicago. The exhibit traces the genre from its roots in basements, high schools, and underground clubs to its influence on music, fashion, dance, and culture around the world.
In Terminal 2, a new Chicago Blues exhibit celebrates Buddy Guy and the city’s blues heritage. Look for the Chicago legend’s signature polka-dot guitar, performance clothing, awards, archival images, and other pieces from his career.
If you’re traveling through Terminal 1, look for the four-story Brachiosaurus replica from Chicago’s Field Museum before heading underground between Concourses B and C. There, The Sky’s the Limit transforms the walkway into a 744-foot light-and-sound installation and has become a favorite among frequent O’Hare travelers.
In Terminal 5, architecture enthusiasts can explore Icons of Chicago, a long-term exhibit featuring large-scale models of three landmarks that helped define Chicago’s skyline: Willis Tower, 875 North Michigan Avenue, and Marina City. The tallest model stands 18 feet high.
Have several hours between flights? The CTA Blue Line connects O’Hare with downtown Chicago. Once there, you can stroll through Millennium Park, see Cloud Gate, better known as “The Bean,” or explore the Chicago Riverwalk.
If you leave O’Hare, give yourself plenty of time to return before boarding.
If your connection is short, check your departure gate as soon as you land. O’Hare is a large airport, and some gates require longer walks than others. Follow airport signage and use moving walkways where available to keep your connection on track.
For more airport-specific information, visit O’Hare’s official connecting flights page.
A little planning can make your travel day more enjoyable. From accessibility services to helpful travel tools and dedicated support, these resources can help you navigate your travel day with confidence.
Before heading to the airport, make sure to download the free CLEAR App to know exactly when to leave—based on current traffic, real-time airport conditions, security wait times, and the walk to your gate.
CLEAR Concierge is your personal airport concierge for a stress-free airport experience. Your dedicated CLEAR Ambassador will meet you at the curb when you arrive, help with bags and check-in, and bring you straight through airport security and to your gate or lounge. If you're arriving at O’Hare, CLEAR Concierge Arrival Service greets you at the gate when you land, helps with your bags, and brings you straight to ground transportation or your connecting flight.
CLEAR Concierge is perfect for families, travelers with multiple bags, or anyone else who could use an extra hand through the airport,
O’Hare participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, giving travelers with non-visible disabilities a discreet way to indicate that they may benefit from additional time, patience, or assistance. Sunflower lanyards are available at airport information desks.
Travelers with sensory sensitivities can use O’Hare’s sensory maps to identify high- and low-sensory areas before traveling. Sensory bags with calming tools, including fidgets, headphones, and visual aids, are also available at airport information desks.
O’Hare offers free Aira visual interpreting for travelers who are blind or have low vision, along with live video American Sign Language interpretation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing travelers.
The Companion Plus Restroom in Terminal 2 offers additional accessibility features for travelers who need caregiver support. For more information about these and other services, visit O’Hare’s Accessibility page.
Chicago O’Hare has four passenger terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. United Airlines primarily operates from Terminals 1 and 2, while American Airlines is based in Terminal 3. Terminal 5 serves many international flights along with several domestic and international carriers.
For current airline and terminal information, visit O’Hare’s Airline Directory.
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected after airport security, so travelers can walk between them without leaving the secure area. Travelers connecting between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 or 3 may also be able to use O’Hare’s Terminal Transfer Bus without exiting airport security.
As a major hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, O’Hare serves destinations across the U.S. and around the world. Gate assignments can change, so check your boarding pass or the airport’s flight information displays when you arrive.
CLEAR+ Lanes are available in Terminals 1, 2, and 5, helping Members speed through airport security in seconds before heading to their gate.
Not a CLEAR+ Member? Join CLEAR+ and turn travel days into great days.
Traveler Tip: Departing from Terminal 3? Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected after airport security. Depending on your airline, checkpoint access, and departure gate, you may be able to speed through security in the CLEAR+ Lane in Terminal 1 or 2 before walking to Terminal 3.
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