Travel Guide To Chicageo, Illinios O’hare International Airport Arriving In Chicageo, Illinios O’hare International Airport Travel Tips

July 26, 2025

If you’re arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), you can expect a well-organized entry process. Upon arrival, you’ll go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing, where you’ll need to present your passport and any required documents. If you’re arriving from a preclearance airport, you may skip the customs process and proceed directly to baggage claim or your connecting flight. After clearing customs, you’ll need to retrieve your luggage and recheck it if you’re continuing to another terminal. For those transferring between terminals, the free Airport Transit System (ATS) is available, though you’ll need to go through TSA screening again.

Travel Guide To Chicageo, Illinios O'hare International Airport Arriving In Chicageo, Illinios O'hare International Airport Travel Tips travelanycountry

Immigration and Customs: All travelers must clear the CBP immigration processing area. Have your passport and required documents ready for inspection.
Baggage Claim: After clearing immigration, retrieve all of your luggage—even if you’re catching a connecting flight and it’s tagged to your final destination.
Customs and Agriculture Screening: After clearing customs, you’re free to exit Terminal 5. Ground transportation options include taxis, rideshares, and shuttles.
Connecting Flights: Checked-through travelers should recheck their bags at the counters just outside the CBP area. United Airlines and American Airlines passengers can recheck their bags immediately after customs.
Security and Final Connections: When transferring between terminals via the ATS, travelers must clear TSA screening. Duty-free liquids over 3.4 ounces must be in a tamper-evident bag and screened to pass security.
Transportation Options: The CTA Blue Line provides 24-hour service to downtown Chicago, with a trip time of about 48 minutes. The ATS is free and operates 24 hours with 3 to 5 minute intervals.
Luggage Storage: Luggage storage is not currently available at O’Hare. Consider checking if your airline allows early bag drop or store items with a nearby hotel.

When arriving at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), expect a large and busy airport with four terminals. To navigate efficiently, familiarize yourself with the layout, utilize the Airport Transit System (ATS) for terminal transfers, and be prepared for potential security wait times. Consider using the cell phone lot when picking up arriving passengers.

Upon Arrival:

Immigration and Customs:.If arriving internationally (Terminal 5), expect to clear immigration and customs. Have your passport and other required documents readily available.
Baggage Claim:.After immigration, proceed to baggage claim for your checked luggage, even if connecting. Porters are available to assist with luggage, and tips are accepted.
Customs and Agriculture:.After baggage claim, you will go through customs and agriculture inspection.
Connecting Flights:.If connecting, recheck your bags with your connecting airline and head to your departure terminal. If connecting domestically within terminals 1-3, you may use the ATS or the terminal transfer bus (operating 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.).
Exiting Terminal 5:.For Chicago-bound passengers, exit Terminal 5 after clearing customs and agriculture.
Ground Transportation:.Utilize taxis, rideshares, or the ATS to reach rental car lots, Pace buses, or the Metra train.

General Tips:

Early Arrival:Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights, especially during peak times.
TSA Guidelines:Be aware of TSA guidelines, including the 3-1-1 liquids rule for carry-on luggage.
ATS:The ATS connects all terminals, parking areas, and the rental car center.
Terminal Transfer Bus:This bus connects terminals 1-3 and Terminal 5 for connecting flights (11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.).
Pick-up/Drop-off:Pick up arriving passengers on the lower level, outermost curb. Curbside waiting is prohibited; use the cell phone lot while waiting.
Accessibility:O’Hare is wheelchair accessible. Arrange for wheelchair assistance with your airline in advance.