How much is a taxi from ORD to the Loop, downtown Chicago?

Taxi fares: about $45–$60. The ride takes 30–60 min depending on traffic.

Which airlines fly from ORD?

Airlines at ORD include United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Frontier Airlines, Air Canada, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Aer Lingus, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, ANA (All Nippon Airways), Japan Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines and Austrian Airlines. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave ORD on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h 30 min: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to the Loop, downtown Chicago, an hour there and getting back through security.

Are there lounges at ORD?

United Clubs and Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1); American Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounge (Terminal 3).

Is there a hotel at ORD?

Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport, connected to Terminals 1–3 by tunnel.

How long do I need to connect at ORD?

We recommend at least 55 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our ORD connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at ORD?

Economy Lots E and G, linked by the free ATS train. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

Where do international flights arrive at ORD?

Arriving from abroad, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked bags, drop them at the recheck belt and go through TSA security again before your connection. International flights arrive at Terminal 5; most connections then ride the ATS train to Terminals 1–3.

How do I find cheap flights from Chicago?

Add ORD as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from Chicago drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Chicago · airport guide

ORD Airport guide

Q: Do I have to go through security again if I change terminals at ORD?

It depends on the terminals. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are linked inside security by walkways. Terminal 5, home to most international flights, is separate: the usual route is the free ATS train plus another TSA check. An airside Terminal Transfer Bus links Terminal 5 with Terminals 1 and 3 at set times, and your airline will tell you if you can use it.

Chicago O'Hare International Airport has Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5. The quickest way from ORD to the Loop, downtown Chicago is the CTA Blue Line (about 45 minutes, $5 from O'Hare).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to the Loop, downtown Chicago

45 min

CTA Blue Line, $5 from O'Hare

Taxi

30–60 min

about $45–$60

Connecting here

55 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h 30 min+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from ORD to the Loop, downtown Chicago is the CTA Blue Line (about 45 minutes, $5 from O'Hare). Connecting here, allow at least 55 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include United, American, Delta, Southwest and Alaska.

Terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5
Taxi: 30–60 min, about $45–$60
Connecting: At least 55 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal
Lounges: United Clubs and Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1); American Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounge (Terminal 3)
Hotel: Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport, connected to Terminals 1–3 by tunnel

Getting from ORD to the Loop, downtown Chicago

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

CTA Blue Lineto the Loopabout 45 min$5 from O'Hare
Taxi or rideshare30–60 minabout $45–$60

Inside ORD

Terminals and connections

Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are linked inside security by walkways. Terminal 5, home to most international flights, is separate: the usual route is the free ATS train plus another TSA check. An airside Terminal Transfer Bus links Terminal 5 with Terminals 1 and 3 at set times, and your airline will tell you if you can use it.

How long a layover you need at ORD

Lounges

•United Clubs and Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1)
•American Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounge (Terminal 3)

Sleep, showers and hotels

•Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport, connected to Terminals 1–3 by tunnel

Parking at ORD

•Economy Lots E and G, linked by the free ATS train
•Main Garage next to Terminals 1–3
•Terminal 5 parking

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check ORD's official site.

ORD tips

•United is in Terminals 1 and 2, American in Terminal 3.
•Give any connection involving Terminal 5 extra time.

Can you leave ORD on a layover?

With at least 3 h 30 min between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To the Loop, downtown Chicago and back, the fastest way1 h
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h 30 min

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at ORD

Major airlines that fly from ORD (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

United Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
American Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Alaska Airlines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
JetBlue Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees
Frontier Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Air Canada Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
British Airways Carry-on 56 × 45 × 25 cm Bag fees
Lufthansa Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
Air France Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
KLM Carry-on 55 × 35 × 25 cm Bag fees
Aer Lingus Carry-on 55 × 40 × 24 cm Bag fees
Turkish Airlines Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm Bag fees
Emirates Carry-on 55 × 38 × 20 cm Bag fees
Qatar Airways Carry-on 50 × 37 × 25 cm Bag fees
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
Japan Airlines Carry-on 55 × 40 × 25 cm Bag fees
LOT Polish Airlines Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm
Austrian Airlines Carry-on 55 × 40 × 23 cm

ORD airport FAQ

The quickest option is the CTA Blue Line to the Loop: about 45 minutes for $5 from O'Hare. A taxi takes 30–60 min (about $45–$60).

Cheap flights from Chicago (ORD)The latest fare drops we've found from ORD.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

Cheap flights from Chicago

Pick your home airports and we'll email you when fares drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Get flight deals free See Premium+ plans

Free plan available · 14-day free Premium+ trial · Cancel anytime