O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

Overview

Among both the busiest airports in the world, and the most important air traffic hubs in the US, Chicago O'Hare International Airport is the primary flight destination in the American Midwest. Located 17 miles (27km) northwest of the Chicago Loop, the facility serves an astounding 77 million passengers each year.

Flights to Chicago O'Hare are available on a variety of arilines from dozens of cities worldwide, including nearly every major airport in the US and Canada. The facility is wildly popular, having earned the title of Best Airport in North America from several prominent travel publications numerous times over the last ten years.

The four passenger terminals at Chicago O'Hare can be a little confusing to first-time visitors, but the friendly staff is always on hand to help out. Visitors can enjoy a plethora of dining and shopping choices, or just stroll over to Terminal 1 to view the four-story brachiosaurus dinosaur skeleton in Concourse B.

Location

Chicago O'Hare is located 17 miles (30km) northwest of Chicago.

Getting to the city

Blue Line trains run every few minutes between the airport and downtown Chicago; the journey takes around 40 minutes and the fare is $2.25. For safety reasons travellers are advised against using the Blue Line at night. Taxi ranks are situated outside the arrivals hall in each of the airport terminals; the fare is around $40 for the 30-45-minute journey from the airport to downtown Chicago. There are two airport express services, Continental and Omega (phone: 773-734- 6688) which have coaches leaving from all the terminals every 10 minutes to central Chicago; the Omega Airport Shuttle also links O'Hare to Midway Airport.

Time

GMT -6 (GMT -5 from March to November).

Contacts

Tel: +1 773 686 2200 or 773 686 3700.

see full airport guide

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Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Overview

The smaller of Chicago's two airports, Chicago Midway International Airport is an important air traffic hub for the Midwest, offering service on several low-cost airlines to dozens of cities across the US. The majority of Midway's 250,000 flights each year are provided by budget carrier Southwest Airlines to destinations like Denver, Minneapolis, Orlando and Las Vegas.

Located eight miles (13km) from downtown Chicago, Midway is well-connected to both the city and sister airport Chicago O'Hare by efficient public transport, including buses and the famous elevated 'L' train.

The single terminal at Chicago Midway is a pleasant place, with a centralised shopping and dining area called Midway Boulevard. The airport even has a multimedia Battle of Midway Memorial with 3D holographic projections of World War II ships and airplanes.

Location

10 miles from Chicago between interstates I-90 and I-55

Getting to the city

Passengers transfering to Chicago can rent a car, or hire a limo or taxi. The Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line runs from the airport to downtown Chicago, and Continental Airport Express has door-to-door service on shuttles leaving every 15 minutes.

Contacts

Tel: +1 (773) 838-0600. Email: aviation@flychicago.com

see full airport guide

Chicago O'Hare International Taxis: the taxi fares above are intended as a guideline only.