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O’Hare International Airport Insider Guide
ORDLarge, busy, multiple terminals. Good lounge coverage, plenty of food, and a train to the city.
🚇
45min
Transit to city
🛂
35min
Immigration
🔒
25min
Security buffer
✅
Leave with 6–10 hours+
Leave the airport?
OK to leave:
6–10h
10h+
🛋️
Lounges
| Terminal | Lounge | Access | Showers | Good for | Price (paid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T1 | United Clubs / Polaris | Star Alliance/United biz/elite | Polaris: Yes | Buffet, bar | Paid varies for UC; Polaris N/A |
| T2/T3 | Admirals Clubs | AA/oneworld biz/elite | Some AA Flagship have showers (not all) | Snacks, drinks | Paid AC varies; check desk |
| T5 | Delta Sky Club | Delta/Amex/eligible | Limited | Buffet, bar | Paid varies |
| T5 | Swissport/Aspire/other contract lounges | PP/Dragon/Paid | Some | Snacks, drinks | About $35–60 USD; confirm at desk |
Terminal split matters—international T5 is separate from domestic terminals; allow transfer time.
📝
Traveler notes
- Security can be long at peaks; add buffer.
- Inter-terminal transfer (T5 to others) takes time; factor it in.
🛏️
Sleep / Rest
- Limited comfortable seating; use lounges if you can.
🍽️
Food
- Plenty of fast and sit-down options; T5 has improved but still limited compared to T1/T2/T3.
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Showers
- Polaris Lounge (intl), some contract lounges in T5; AA Flagship if applicable.
🧳
Luggage Storage
- Limited/none; travel light.
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Transit to City
- CTA Blue Line: ~45–60 minutes to downtown; cheap and reliable.
- Taxi/Rideshare: 30–90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Buffer: Back at ORD 3h international, 2h domestic; add for security/transfer time.
🔌
Essentials
- SIM/eSIM: Buy in city; airport options limited.
- ATMs: Decline DCC; pay in USD.
- Wi‑Fi: Free.
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