Layover in Chicago (ORD)
Chicago O'Hare (ORD). Here's how much of a layover you can really use, and what fits in it.
About Chicago
Chicago is the home of the blues and the truth of jazz, the heart of comedy and the idea of the skyscraper. Here, the age of railroads found its center, and airplanes followed suit. "Stormy, Husky, Brawling / City of Big Shoulders," Chicago is a Heartland boomtown, its ethos defined by urban planner Daniel Burnham's immortal vision: "Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood." It is one of the world's great cities and the third largest city in the United States, behind only New York City and Los Angeles.
From Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA.
How much time can you use?
After getting off the plane, immigration for international arrivals, the trip into town and back, and security.
| Layover | Domestic arrival | International arrival |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | Stay at the airport | Head straight to your gate |
| 6 hours | About 2h 45m in the city | Stay at the airport |
| 8 hours | About 4h 45m in the city | About 3h 5m in the city |
| 12 hours | About 8h 45m in the city | About 7h 5m in the city |
Getting into Chicago
About 50m each way by CTA Blue Line to the Loop, roughly 25 km (16 mi).
Worth seeing near the center
- Loop breakfast counters
- Millennium Park and the Riverwalk
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Architecture river cruise
- Deep-dish pizza
- Navy Pier walk
- Jazz and blues clubs
Questions
Can I leave the airport on a layover in Chicago?
On a domestic connection, you need roughly 5 hours or more to get into Chicago and back with time to enjoy it. If you're arriving internationally and must clear immigration, plan on about 7 hours or more.
How do I get from ORD to central Chicago?
Allow about 50m each way by CTA Blue Line to the Loop; the center is about 25 km (16 mi) from the airport.
How early should I head back to ORD?
Be back through security about 1h 20m before a domestic departure and 2h 10m before an international one, plus the ride back.
Build a plan for your exact flight
Guide data from OurAirports, © OpenStreetMap contributors and Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA). Times are estimates for planning; check transit schedules and airline rules before you leave the airport.