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by Eric Vang
Source: Photo by Christopher Alvarenga
Make the most of your layover in
Chicago
Chicago O'Hare International Airport | ORD
by Eric VangLast Edit: May 2025
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major hub featuring four active terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 handle domestic flights, primarily serving United Airlines (T1) and American Airlines (T3), while Terminal 5 is dedicated to international arrivals and departures. During a layover, passengers can explore extensive shopping and dining options across all terminals, relax in numerous airline lounges, or utilize amenities like the yoga room or public art installations, particularly in Terminal 3.
Link to Airport's Official Website: https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/home/pages/default.aspx
Transportation from Airport
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Train: CTA Blue Line
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Airport Shuttle
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Taxi / Ride-Hailing
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Rental Cars
Luggage Storage Options
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Bounce
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Stasher
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LuggageHero
Must-See Attractions
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Category
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Layover Duration
Showing 5 of 5 attractions:
Photo by ChainStoreAge
Distance from Airport:4 km
otherFreeMedium Layover
Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Large outlet mall featuring over 130 designer and brand-name stores with discounted prices.
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Our Tip: Free shuttle service available from O'Hare terminals.
Opening Hours:Mon-Sat 10 AM - 9 PM, Sun 10 AM - 7 PM
Photo by Tripadvisor
Distance from Airport:28 km
landmarkFreeLong Layover
Millennium Park
Iconic downtown park featuring the famous Cloud Gate sculpture ("The Bean") and beautiful gardens.
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Our Tip: Prioritize seeing The Bean and Crown Fountain to maximize your short layover visit
Opening Hours:6 AM - 11 PM daily
Photo by Tripadvisor
Distance from Airport:30 km
otherFreeLong Layover
Navy Pier
Popular lakefront attraction offering dining, shopping, and entertainment options, including a Ferris wheel with city views.
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Our Tip: Consider a boat tour from Navy Pier for scenic views of the Chicago skyline
Opening Hours:10 AM - 10 PM (hours may vary by season)
Photo by Daily Herald
Distance from Airport:5 km
otherFreeMedium Layover
Rosemont Entertainment District
A vibrant area with restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues just minutes from O'Hare.
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Our Tip: Take the Blue Line train to Rosemont station for easy access
Opening Hours:Varies by venue, generally 10 AM - 10 PM
Photo by Tripadvisor
Distance from Airport:29 km
cultural experience$$$Long Layover
Art Institute of Chicago
World-renowned art museum housing an impressive collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works.
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Our Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid lines
Opening Hours:11 AM - 5 PM, closed Tuesdays
Local Cuisine
Photo by Tripadvisor
Main Course
Deep-Dish Pizza
A Chicago institution, deep-dish pizza features a thick, buttery crust filled with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Street Food
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
This all-beef frankfurter is topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, sweet pickle relish, a dill pickle spear, tomato slices, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt, all on a poppy seed bun.
Photo by Mashed
Main Course
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced roast beef is piled high on an Italian roll and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera, then dipped in savory jus.
Photo by Tripadvisor
Main Course
German-American Dishes
The Berghoff Cafe in Terminal 1 offers classic German-American dishes like Reuben sandwiches and house-made sauerkraut, showcasing Chicago's diverse culinary heritage.