At PreFlight Airport Parking, we have been helping Chicago O’Hare International Airport travelers enjoy easier trips for more than 10 years. Our convenient off-airport parking, complimentary shuttle service and helpful amenities give travelers an alternative to navigating the busy on-airport parking system.
Through our years of serving ORD travelers, we have learned what passengers need to know before heading to one of the world’s busiest airports. Whether you are looking for parking near O’Hare Airport, trying to find the right terminal, planning a meal before your flight or preparing for a connection, this Chicago O’Hare Airport guide can help make your trip easier.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport, commonly called O’Hare or ORD, is located northwest of downtown Chicago. The airport has four active passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal 5. There is no Terminal 4.
O’Hare is a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines and serves destinations across the United States and around the world. Because airlines and terminal assignments can change, confirm your operating airline, terminal and gate before leaving for the airport.
Before beginning your trip, check:
Your flight status
Your operating airline
Your departure terminal
Your gate and boarding time
ORD security checkpoint hours
Current traffic and construction alerts
Restaurant hours if you plan to eat
Your airline’s checked-baggage cutoff time
Pay close attention to the operating airline on your itinerary. Codeshare flights may be sold by one airline but operated by another, which can affect where you check in.
O’Hare was originally known as Orchard Field, which is the reason its airport code remains ORD. The Chicago City Council renamed it O’Hare International Airport in 1949 to honor Navy Lieutenant Commander Edward “Butch” O’Hare, a Chicago Medal of Honor recipient. A replica of his F4F-3 Wildcat aircraft and an exhibit about his life can be found in Terminal 2 near Gate E1.
Other facts and sights include:
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected after security.
Terminal 5 is separate from the other terminals.
The underground walkway between Concourses B and C features the colorful The Sky’s the Limit light installation.
A large brachiosaurus skeleton model can be found in Terminal 1.
The Hall of Flags is located in Terminal 3.
O’Hare became known as the world’s busiest airport during the 1960s.
Travelers should generally arrive:
At least two hours before a domestic flight
At least three hours before an international flight
Add more time during holidays, summer travel, spring break, winter storms and other peak periods. Travelers using off-airport ORD parking should also allow enough time to park, unload, ride the airport shuttle, check bags and go through security. TSA recommends accounting for every part of the airport journey, including parking, shuttle transportation, airline check-in and walking to the gate.
Early mornings and late afternoons can be particularly active because flight traffic overlaps with Chicago commuter traffic. Evening flights may also be affected by delays that accumulated earlier in the day.
Set your parking reservation time for when you plan to arrive at PreFlight, not your flight’s departure time. PreFlight recommends arriving at the parking facility at least 30 minutes before the time you want to be at the airport.
Planning to eat before your flight? Add another 30–60 minutes, especially if you want a sit-down meal.
O’Hare is large, and walking between gates can take longer than expected. Check your terminal and gate before entering security, but continue watching the airline app because gates can change.
Terminal 1 contains Concourses B and C and is the center of United Airlines’ main O’Hare operations. Some partner flights also use this terminal.
Terminal 1 includes:
Three TSA checkpoints
United Club locations
United Polaris Lounge
Restaurants and coffee shops
A Mother’s Room and lactation pods
A post-security service-animal relief area
The underground B-to-C pedestrian tunnel
The brachiosaurus exhibit
Terminal 1 can involve long walks, particularly when traveling from the main terminal to the far end of Concourse C.
Terminal 2 contains Concourses E and F and serves a mix of regional and domestic operations.
Terminal 2 includes:
One main TSA checkpoint
United Club locations
The Family Lounge near Gate F1
The Butch O’Hare aircraft exhibit near Gate E1
A Mother’s Room and lactation pods
The airport chapel and a USO center on the mezzanine level
An outdoor service-animal relief area near Door 2E
The airport’s CTA Blue Line station and the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel are also most easily accessed through the Terminal 2 area.
Terminal 3 contains Concourses G, H, K and L and is the center of American Airlines’ O’Hare operations. Additional domestic carriers also use this terminal.
Terminal 3 includes:
Multiple TSA checkpoints
American Airlines Admirals Club locations
American Flagship Lounge
The Terminal 3 Rotunda
Yoga Room
USO center
Numerous restaurants and shops
Mother’s Rooms and lactation pods
Several post-security animal relief areas
The Hall of Flags
Terminal 5 contains Concourse M and serves many international airlines, Delta Air Lines and other carriers. Most international passengers who have not completed U.S. preclearance arrive through Terminal 5.
Terminal 5 includes:
A 24-hour TSA checkpoint
U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities
Delta Sky Club
Air France, LOT, Wingtips and Swissport lounges
Newer dining and retail options
Multiple Mother’s Rooms
Indoor and outdoor animal relief areas
A 24-hour Interfaith Room near Gate M25
Do not assume that every international flight departs from Terminal 5. Some international departures use Terminals 1 or 3, and some passengers arriving from preclearance airports may arrive at another terminal. Always check with the operating airline.
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 have pedestrian connections after security. Domestic connecting passengers can generally walk between these terminals without going through TSA screening again.
Allow plenty of time. Walking from a distant Terminal 1 gate to Terminal 3 can take longer than expected, especially with children, luggage or mobility limitations.
The Airport Transit System, or ATS, connects Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5 outside security. Travelers using the ATS to change terminals must normally exit security and be screened again.
A secure Terminal Transfer Bus is also available to eligible connecting passengers with a same-day boarding pass. It runs approximately every 15 minutes from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. between Terminal 5 and designated locations in Terminals 1 and 3. Current stops include Terminal 1 Gate C18B, Terminal 3 Gates G17 and K20, and Terminal 5 Gate M13. Outside the bus’s operating hours, travelers must use the ATS and reenter through security.
International passengers arriving from a location without U.S. preclearance must clear immigration, collect checked luggage and pass through customs—even when connecting to another flight. Connecting passengers can then recheck their bags and proceed to the correct terminal.
Travel tip: Do not pack essential medication, documents or a change of clothes only in checked luggage. International connection times may be affected by immigration, baggage delivery, customs and terminal transfers.
PreFlight Airport Parking ORD is located at:
4155 Mannheim Road
Schiller Park, IL 60176
PreFlight provides short- and long-term off-airport parking near O’Hare Airport with complimentary shuttle transportation to ORD.
The four-level facility is approximately 2.5 miles from the airport. Normal shuttle travel time is approximately 7–15 minutes, although Chicago traffic, airport congestion and weather can increase the trip.
Premium Covered Parking is located on the ground floor and offers the facility’s widest stalls. It is the most convenient option for accessing the lobby and includes access to available EV-charging outlets.
Economy Covered Parking is located on Floors 2 and 3. It provides protection from rain, snow, ice and direct sunlight while offering wider stalls than the rooftop area.
Rooftop Parking is located on Level 4 and is generally the lowest-priced PreFlight ORD parking option.
During Chicago winters, travelers selecting rooftop parking should be prepared for snow, ice and cold temperatures upon their return. Keep an ice scraper and winter supplies inside the vehicle.
PreFlight’s current parking page identifies Premium Covered, Economy Covered and Rooftop options. Availability and prices vary by date, so reserve ahead to compare options and secure the rate available for your trip.
Make a reservation online or through the PreFlight app.
Scan your reservation barcode at the entrance.
Follow the signs to your reserved parking floor.
Park and take your luggage to the lobby on Level 1.
Board the complimentary shuttle to O’Hare.
After your flight, follow the return-pickup instructions and track the shuttle online or in the app.
Scan your reservation again when exiting the garage.
Turn up your phone’s screen brightness before scanning your reservation barcode. The facility is cashless, so credit or debit cards are required for any additional charges.
Travel delays happen. When a stay extends beyond the reserved time, PreFlight instructs customers to pay the additional amount when exiting rather than creating a second reservation. The reservation rate is applied to qualifying additional days.
PreFlight shuttles normally run every 5–10 minutes, with real-time shuttle tracking available online and through the app. Traffic and airport conditions may affect travel and wait times.
For Terminals 1, 2 and 3, proceed to the Terminal 2 baggage-claim area and exit through Door 2C, near the information desk. Continue to the middle curb between Doors 2C and 2E.
Detailed directions:
From Terminal 1 without checked luggage: Stay inside security and follow signs to Terminal 2. Exit baggage claim through Door 2C.
From Terminal 1 baggage claim: Exit through Door 1F and walk toward the Terminal 2 middle curb.
From Terminal 2: Exit baggage claim through Door 2C and proceed to the middle curb.
From Terminal 3: Exit baggage claim through Door 3A and walk left toward the Terminal 2 middle curb.
Between midnight and 8 a.m., call or text PreFlight for domestic-terminal pickup:
Call: 847-678-9234
Text: 224-330-9402
After clearing customs and collecting your luggage, call 847-678-9234 to arrange pickup. Proceed to the lower-level outer curb outside Door 5E.
Cold-weather tip: Travelers can walk inside the airport toward Terminal 2 and use Door 2C rather than remaining outside for an extended period.
PreFlight ORD offers amenities designed to make O’Hare parking easier, including:
Complimentary airport shuttle transportation
Luggage assistance
Public restrooms
Complimentary beverages
Baggage scale
Flight-information displays
Tire-inflation assistance
Battery jump-start assistance
EV charging through 120-volt outlets, subject to availability
Wheelchair-accessible shuttle availability
Real-time shuttle tracking
Drivers using an EV outlet must bring their own charging cable. EV charging is not guaranteed, so travelers should arrive with enough charge to make alternate plans if all outlets are occupied.
Travelers who need a wheelchair-accessible shuttle should call 847-678-9234 at least 24 hours before arrival. The phone number in the original draft was for another PreFlight location and should not be used for ORD.
PreFlight members can earn one point for every dollar spent and redeem eligible points for free parking. Members can also track their stays and receive access to parking offers.
Security wait times at ORD vary by terminal, checkpoint, flight schedule and time of day. Check current checkpoint conditions before leaving for the airport and after arriving.
As of July 2026, the airport lists these general checkpoint hours:
Checkpoint 1: 3:30 a.m.–11 p.m.
Checkpoint 2: 4 a.m.–8:30 p.m.; TSA PreCheck during the same hours
Checkpoint 3: 3:45 a.m.–8 p.m.
Checkpoint 5: 3:15 a.m.–11 p.m.
TSA PreCheck: 3:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Checkpoint 6: 3:45 a.m.–8 p.m.
Checkpoint 7: 3:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Checkpoint 7A: 3:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Checkpoint 7A TSA PreCheck: 3:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
Checkpoint 8: Approximately 4 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Checkpoint 9: Temporarily closed
Checkpoint 10: Open 24 hours
TSA PreCheck: Approximately 3:45 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Checkpoint and TSA PreCheck hours can change because of staffing, construction, flight schedules and airport operations. Verify them before publishing and again before traveling.
Have your boarding pass and an acceptable form of identification ready. Review current TSA rules for:
Liquids and gels
Electronics
Medication
Food
Batteries
Prohibited items
REAL ID and acceptable identification
TSA advises travelers to pack carry-on bags in an organized way and check questionable items before reaching the airport.
TSA Cares assists travelers with disabilities, medical conditions and other special circumstances during security screening. Call 855-787-2227 at least 72 hours before travel when possible. Airline wheelchair or curb-to-aircraft assistance must be arranged separately through the airline.
O’Hare offers dozens of restaurants, cafés, bars and grab-and-go markets throughout its terminals. Options range from familiar national chains to Chicago restaurants and local specialties.
Use the airport’s interactive map to search by terminal, gate and restaurant name before your trip. Restaurant hours can change based on passenger volume and flight schedules, so early-morning and late-night travelers should pack a backup snack.
Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless is located near Gate B11. It serves made-to-order Mexican sandwiches, breakfast items and other dishes. Online ordering may be available, which can be useful when your boarding time is approaching.
The Berghoff Café is located in Concourse C near Gate C26. This Chicago restaurant serves German-inspired dishes, sandwiches, breakfast and beverages. Seating near this area may also offer views of the airfield.
Beaudevin is a wine-bar-style option near Concourse C. It may be a good choice for travelers with time for wine, small plates or a lighter meal.
Terminal 1 also has coffee shops, fast-casual counters, snack markets and grab-and-go options. Choose a restaurant on the same concourse as your gate when time is limited because walking between Concourses B and C can take longer than expected.
Terminal 2 has fewer destination restaurants than Terminals 1, 3 and 5, but it still offers coffee, quick meals and sit-down options.
Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi is located in the Terminal 2 Main Hall and offers sushi, seafood and lighter options. Some seating areas provide views of aircraft on the ground.
Families using the Terminal 2 Family Lounge may want to purchase food first. The lounge is near Gate F1, so check the airport map for nearby restaurants rather than walking back through the terminal after children begin playing.
Terminal 3 has one of ORD’s largest selections of restaurants and Chicago-inspired food.
A second Tortas Frontera location operates near Gate K4. Made-to-order food may require extra preparation time, so order ahead when available or ask about the expected wait before purchasing.
Publican Tavern, near Gate K1, offers sandwiches, salads, breakfast, craft beer, wine and grab-and-go items. It is a good option for travelers who want a more substantial meal or a Chicago restaurant experience before flying.
Located in the Terminal 3 Rotunda, Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill is an option for travelers looking for familiar American food and a sports-bar atmosphere.
Garrett Popcorn offers a portable Chicago snack that can be taken to your gate or brought home. Its signature cheese-and-caramel mix is a popular option for travelers looking for a Chicago-themed gift.
Travelers looking for a sweet option may find Chicago-style cake and bakery items around the K Concourse. Availability and exact concepts should be checked on the airport map before publishing.
Terminal 5 has expanded its food selection with Chicago-inspired restaurants, coffee, bars, quick meals and international options.
Bar Siena, near Gate M34, offers Italian-inspired food and a sit-down dining experience. Hours may be limited on certain days, so verify before relying on it for a meal.
International travelers should eat before boarding if they have a long flight and are unsure when meal service will begin. Purchase water and snacks before going to the far end of Concourse M, particularly during late-night departures.
When your flight is boarding soon:
Choose a restaurant near your gate.
Select a grab-and-go market instead of table service.
Ask how long made-to-order food will take.
Order food online when the restaurant offers airport pickup.
Avoid crossing terminals for a specific restaurant.
Keep boarding time—not departure time—in mind.
Aircraft boarding can begin 30–50 minutes before departure, and the boarding door closes before the scheduled departure time.
O’Hare has multiple Starbucks, coffee counters, markets and breakfast restaurants throughout its terminals. Not every location opens for the first departure of the day, so check the interactive map and restaurant hours in advance.
Pack a backup breakfast for very early flights. Most solid foods, such as sandwiches, fruit, crackers and granola bars, can pass through TSA screening. Foods considered liquids or gels must follow carry-on liquid restrictions.
Travelers can generally find salads, fruit, snack boxes, smoothies, vegetable-based sandwiches and customizable dishes throughout ORD. Tortas Frontera may have vegetable-based items, while sushi restaurants and grab-and-go markets may offer avocado rolls, edamame and prepared snack boxes.
Menus and ingredients change. Travelers with food allergies or celiac disease should speak directly with restaurant employees and ask about shared preparation areas. An item described as gluten-free or plant-based may still be exposed to cross-contact.
Families may have an easier experience choosing portable and familiar foods such as:
Sandwiches
Quesadillas
Pizza
Fruit
Snack boxes
Breakfast items
Crackers
Packaged snacks
O’Hare highlights several restaurants with children’s meals and aircraft views, including the Berghoff Café, Chili’s Too and other restaurants near terminal windows.
Pack enough snacks for the airport, the flight and a potential delay. Keep them in an easy-to-reach carry-on pocket rather than inside checked luggage.
Bring an empty reusable bottle through security and fill it inside the terminal. Chicago aircraft and terminal environments can feel dry, particularly during winter.
Do not rely entirely on in-flight beverage service. Turbulence, a short flight or an operational delay may prevent the crew from beginning service immediately.
Confirm your gate first. O’Hare concourses are large, and a restaurant that appears close on a general terminal map may still require a significant walk.
Stay inside your terminal. Do not leave security or travel to Terminal 5 solely for a restaurant.
Add time for made-to-order food. Tortas, burgers and sit-down meals may take longer during busy periods.
Pack a backup snack. Restaurant lines and hours can change.
Buy water before boarding. Flights may sit on the ground longer than planned.
Drink responsibly. Alcohol, cabin pressure and dehydration can make some travelers feel worse during a flight.
Save business-travel receipts. Meal expenses may qualify for employer or airline reimbursement, depending on the circumstances.
O’Hare has more than a dozen airline and independent lounge locations. Access may depend on airline status, ticket class, lounge membership, credit-card benefits or a purchased day pass.
United operates United Club locations near:
Terminal 1 Gate B6
Terminal 1 Gate B18
Terminal 1 Gate C10
Terminal 2 Gate E7
Terminal 2 Gate F9
The United Polaris Lounge is near Terminal 1 Gate C18 and is intended for eligible international premium-cabin passengers.
American Airlines lounge options include:
Admirals Club near Gate G8
Admirals Club near Gate L2A
American Flagship Lounge near the H/K crossover
Terminal 5 lounge options include:
Delta Sky Club near Gate M13
Air France lounge near Gate M17
LOT Business Lounge near Gate M18
Swissport Lounge near Gate M18
Wingtips Lounge near Gate M19
Access arrangements and lounge partnerships change frequently. Verify directly with the airline, lounge operator or credit-card program before your trip. Not every lounge accepts Priority Pass or one-time visitors at all times.
The Terminal 2 Family Lounge is located just beyond security near Gate F1. It offers:
Space for children to play
Colorful seating
Device-charging stations
Stroller parking
Occasional live entertainment
Purchase food and use the restroom before settling into the lounge, especially when traveling with multiple children.
Mother’s Rooms are available in every terminal and are open 24 hours. They include seating, a sink, electrical outlets, a changing surface and ADA-accessible space.
Main Mother’s Room locations include:
Terminal 1 near Gate B10
Terminal 2 between Gates E5 and F9
Terminal 3 Rotunda
Terminal 3 near Gate L6
Terminal 5 near Gates M8, M20, M32 and M37
Two locations on Level 1 of the Multi-Modal Facility
Additional lactation pods are available throughout Terminals 1, 2 and 3.
Oops Diapers 2Go machines may carry:
Diapers
Wipes
Formula
Bottles
Pacifiers
Snacks
Toys
Activity kits
Sizes and supplies can sell out, so these machines should be treated as a backup rather than replacing essential items packed in a carry-on.
O’Hare has animal relief areas before and after security.
Outdoor locations include:
Terminal 1 Arrivals near Door 1A
Terminal 2 Arrivals near Door 2E
Terminal 5 Arrivals near Door 5B
Multi-Modal Facility near Door 6
Post-security locations include:
Terminal 1 near Gate C10
Terminal 3 Rotunda
Terminal 3 near Gate L26
Terminal 5 near Gate M8
Terminal 5 sterile corridor before customs
Terminal 5 international baggage claim
Wheelchair, mobility, and curb-to-gate assistance must be arranged with the airline. Contact the carrier in advance and confirm the request again at check-in.
Accessible curb ramps are available throughout the terminal loading areas. Restrooms, elevators, drinking fountains, telephones, and other public facilities are designed to meet ADA requirements.
O’Hare participates in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. Wearing a sunflower lanyard, bracelet, or other sunflower item discreetly indicates that a traveler may need additional time, patience, or support.
The sunflower does not guarantee priority service or replace assistance that must be arranged with an airline.
O’Hare provides sensory-friendly planning resources for neurodivergent travelers and passengers with sensory sensitivities. Families can review airport guides and visual resources before traveling so the terminal experience feels more predictable.
Travelers Aid staff and volunteers can help with:
Directions
Terminal transfers
Regional transportation
Social stories and visual travel instructions
Support for travelers with disabilities, illness or trauma
Crisis intervention
Limited emergency supplies
Printing travel documents
Travelers Aid operates seven information desks and has volunteers throughout the airport. In-person individual assistance may be available when arranged in advance, subject to staffing.
Each terminal’s baggage-claim area has a self-service repair station near an information desk. Stations include tools, an air compressor, a padded bench and wheelchair charging equipment for minor luggage, equipment or assistive-device repairs.
O’Hare offers unlimited free Wi-Fi before and after security in every terminal. Connect to Boingo Hotspot or _Free_ORD_Wi-Fi and follow the prompts.
Power stations with seating, counter space and electrical outlets are available throughout the terminals. Each power station includes a wheelchair-accessible workspace.
Charge your phone before leaving home and pack a fully charged portable battery. Keep portable batteries in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.
The Yoga Room is located on the mezzanine level of the Terminal 3 Rotunda and is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. It includes exercise mats, mirrors and space for meditation or stretching. Shoes, food and drinks should be left outside the practice area.
A 24-hour Interfaith Room is located after security in Terminal 5 near Gate M25. It includes prayer space, seating, shoe storage and a Qibla compass.
O’Hare also has a pre-security chapel on the Terminal 2 mezzanine level. Prayer materials and facilities for multiple faiths are available.
Eligible active-duty military personnel and their dependents can use USO centers in:
Terminal 2, mezzanine level before security
Terminal 3 Rotunda, mezzanine level after security
Amenities may include refreshments, internet access, children’s areas, television, reading materials and travel information. Hours depend partly on volunteer availability.
For a shorter layover:
Explore airport art.
Walk through the Terminal 1 light tunnel.
Visit the Butch O’Hare exhibit.
See the brachiosaurus model.
Use the Yoga Room.
Have a Chicago-inspired meal.
Visit an eligible airport lounge.
For a longer layover, stay aware of terminal-transfer and security requirements. Leaving the airport for downtown Chicago is usually not practical unless you have a substantial amount of time and have accounted for train travel, traffic, security and boarding.
O’Hare does not have one central lost-and-found office. Contact the organization responsible for the area where the item was lost.
Aircraft, airline gate or ticket counter: Contact the airline.
TSA checkpoint: Submit a report through TSA.
Airport Transit System: Call 773-462-0400 or email lost@ohareats.com.
Parking facility keys: Call 773-686-7530.
Other items in airport parking: Call Chicago Police at 773-686-2385.
Restaurants: Call 773-377-7804.
Hudson News: Call 773-686-7535.
Terminal 5 customs area: Call U.S. Customs at 773-686-3157.
Public terminal areas: Call Chicago Police at 773-686-2385.
A smoother O’Hare experience begins before you reach the terminal. Confirm your flight information, reserve your Chicago O’Hare airport parking, arrive early and leave enough time for the shuttle, airline check-in, security and the walk to your gate.
PreFlight Airport Parking ORD offers convenient off-airport parking near O’Hare with covered and rooftop options, complimentary shuttle transportation, luggage assistance, EV-charging availability and helpful vehicle services.
Reserve your PreFlight ORD parking before your next trip to secure your space and access the best available rate