Whether you’re flying into or out of Chicago, IL, you’re going to want to become familiar with the O’Hare International Airport. Being in an unfamiliar place with a time limit can be stressful and only make traveling more hectic.
Here’s a quick, simple guide to learn more about navigating Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport.
Parking
There are many different types of parking options to consider at O’Hare.
The bottom floor of the main parking garage next to the airport features parking for up to 24 hours for $3 an hour. There is also a daily parking option on the second level of the garage as well as in Lot B and C next to the garage. For longer trips, pay for economy parking with a covered stall on Lot F, G, or H of the Multi Modal Facility.
If you’re worried about the parking situation, you can pay to reserve a spot on the fourth floor of the main garage, pay for valet parking (near Terminals 1, 2, and 3), or have someone drop you off at the curb front pick up / drop off area in front of the airport.
Traveling from afar? Skip the parking by taking public transportation to the airport, or consider opting for a car rental ord if you want to avoid taking your own vehicle.
Terminals
To ensure you catch your flight in time, it’s a good idea to know where the terminals are. Fortunately, at O’Hare, the terminal numbers are clearly labeled. However, it’s important to note that there is Terminal 1, 2, 3, and 5. Meanwhile, Terminal 4 has been transformed into a bus depot.
Terminal 1 features Concourses B and C. Terminal 2 has Concourses E and F along with various airport services, waiting areas, shops, and prayer rooms. You can find Concourses G, H, K, and L in Terminal 3. And in Terminal 5, you’ll find one concourse: M.
While all terminals arrive and depart international flights, Terminal 5 is mostly dedicated to international flights.
Restaurants
Each terminal offers plenty of food options to pick from.
Terminal 1 features a salad restaurant, a place to grab bagels, grab-n-go pizza, a smoothie shop, a wok, among others. Terminal 2 food options range from hot dogs, to Mediterranean cuisine, to a healthy self-service restaurant featuring salads & other nutritious bites to eat.
If you’re in Terminal 3, you can expect things like burritos, macaroni, a bakery, various bars, and even a chocolate shop. Finally, in Terminal 5, you can grab bao buns, seafood, burgers, or even dine at a coffee shop.
Shops
So many places to shop, so little time!
Terminal 1 is home to a bookstore, Chicago-themed souvenirs, various accessory shops, and an electronic store. Terminal 2 also has a bookstore along with a candy shop, a place to purchase cosmetics, and a headphones store.
As for Terminal 3, you’ll find a bookstore as well, in addition to jewelers, a chocolate shop, and an electronics store. Then in Terminal 5, you’ll come across multiple Chicago-themed merchandise stores, a store to buy travel essentials, and a duty-free shop.
Conclusion
When traveling, the last thing you’re going to want to do is make matters more chaotic. Little things like learning more about the airport you’re flying into or out of can make traveling that much easier. From figuring out where to park to learning where to grab a bite to eat inside the airport can make traveling smoother and less stressful overall.
