Things to do at Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD), commonly known as O’Hare is a busy international airport located on the Northwest side of Chicago, Illinois. O’Hare is a major hub for many large airlines and has has non-stop flights to 228 destinations all over the world. In 2018 Chicago O’Hare Airport saw more than 83 million passengers pass through its doors and is a popular hub for transatlantic business travel.

The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport hotel is the only on site hotel however there are many nearby hotels to which free shuttles are available.

With lots of shopping, eating and wellness amenities, Chicago O’Hare takes good care of its millions of traveling customers. Here are some options for your next layover at Chicago O’Hare.

Things to do on a layover at Chicago O’Hare Airport

Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport

Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport offers unparalleled convenience and amenities to savvy travelers in a quiet, no fly-zone. Within walking distance to all domestic terminals via underground walkways and shuttles are available for international terminals. The hotel also has easy access to downtown via the Blue-line train. The fitness center and pool with sauna offer the perfect opportunity for business travelers to workout and refresh before or after their flight.

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Yoga Room | Terminal 3

There is nothing better than a good stretch before sitting into the cramped seats of an airplane. O’Hare offers passengers a tranquil space to relax, unwind and stretch in the free yoga room. O’Hare was one of the first airports to offer this wellness facility to its passengers and many other airports have followed suit. With floor to ceiling mirrors and frosted glass windows the space is open and inviting and bathed in natural light. The yoga room is open everyday from 6 am to 10 pm and can be found on the Mezzanine Level of the Terminal 3 Rotunda. Download the Sanctifly app and follow our guided yoga sessions next time you are at O’Hare.

Air France KLM Lounge | Terminal 5 | International Departure Lounge

Enjoy unlimited WiFi access and refreshments as you relax in style at the Air France KLM Lounge. Located in Terminal 5, this is an international departure lounge and is wheelchair accessible. A great place to get away from the chaos of the busy airport the only downside is that the restrooms are located outside of the lounge.

Terminal Getaway Spa

With 3 locations in Terminal 1 & 3, the Terminal Getaway Spa is the perfect spot for weary travelers. Treat yourself to a relaxing massage or a pampering facial and make the most of your airport downtime. The spa is open from 6.30 am to 9.30 pm. Services range in time frame from 10 minutes right up to 90 minutes so no matter how much time you have to spare, the Terminal Getaway Spa has an option for you.

Free things to do at Chicago O’Hare

Visit the Urban Garden

The Aeroponic garden at Chicago O’Hare is located in Terminal 3 over the corridor to concourse G. Aeroponic gardening is a method of growing plants without soil. Through regular watering and creating a misted environment the plants thrive in the urban space. More than just a refreshing slice of nature in the airport, the garden produces many different herbs and vegetables such as basil, chives, oregano, lettuce and green beans, all of which are used by the many restaurants throughout the airport to feed hungry passengers every day.

View the amazing airport art

Chicago O’Hare has long been a haven for traveling art lovers, with amazing art exhibits gracing the halls of the airport thanks to Chicago’s world-renowned public art program. Explore the rich culture of Chicago by following the O’Hare art trail next time you are at the airport.

Luggage storage options at O’Hare

If you decide to head into the city during you layover you may want to store your luggage. Unfortunately, due to security reasons, there are no luggage storage facilities at Chicago O’Hare.

One option is to use a service such as Vertoe. Vertoe offers private solutions to luggage storage. Search your city on their website and you can book a location to store your luggage. Vertoe has many options in Chicago and costs approx. $6 per item, per day.

Chicago Union station also offers luggage storage facilities for approx $20 for 24 hours. You can catch the Blue Line from O’Hare to Clinton, which is just a few minutes walk from Union Station.

Best Eats

Quick bite - Tortas Frontera

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Mexico at Tortas Frontera. There are 3 locations in O’Hare at Terminal 1, 3 & 5. The locations in Terminal 1 & 3 are open from 5.30 am to 9 pm and the location in Terminal 5 is open from 10 am to 5.30 pm. Enjoy fresh tortilla chips with salsa, soups, salads and of course freshly made Tortas. Absolutely delicious!

Sit down meal - Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi

If you are looking for a more substantial meal to see you through your next flight head to Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi in Terminal 1 & Terminal 2. Watch a professional sushi chef make each sushi roll to order, or enjoy traditional miso soup or the raw bar. Expand your palette and load up on nourishing omega 3 before the next leg of your journey.

6+ Hour Layover

If you have a 6+ hour layover at O’Hare why not get out of the airport and enjoy the surrounding area.

Head downtown - The easiest way to get downtown is via the Blue Line. Take the train to The Loop (that’s what the downtown stops are called) and start exploring the city. Go for a walk and enjoy the amazing sculptures on display in Millennium Park. If you want to see the city from a different angle (and are brave enough) climb to the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower and visit the sky deck. Opening times vary depending on the time of year so make sure you check the website before visiting on your next layover.

Walk or run at Catherine Chevalier Woods - If you don’t fancy heading downtown and dealing with the crowds then stay closer to the airport and visit Catherine Chevalier Woods. Located just 7 minutes away by taxi the park offers a peaceful and calming environment to connect with nature. The park has great unpaved trails perfect for walking or running. The park is open year round although visiting during a cold Chicago winter may not be ideal.

Top tip for your layover at Chicago O’Hare - Think about the weather before you plan your layover activities. Getting the chance to explore Chicago on a layover may seem exciting and a great opportunity but strolling around the city in January won’t do you any favors! Chicago gets COLD, with temperatures as low as 17 - 20 degrees F during the winter months. It will pretty much be freezing or below from November right through to March - April so there is a chance you many need to rethink that run in the park and opt for a cozy airport lounge or swim instead.

Transport Options - Getting to and from the airport

The Train - The best way to get downtown from Chicago O’Hare is the Blue Line. The subway will take you to The Loop, the name for the collection of subway stops in Chicago’s downtown.

The Bus - Several public bus routes operate out of O’Hare to take travelers all over the city. Suburban bus services and regional bus services are also available if you are looking to go further afield.

Taxi - Taxis can be picked up from all Terminals at O’Hare. Because the airport is so busy there are always a number of taxis lined up ready to take passengers onto their next destination.

Traveling with a group? consider a bus charter. Real luxury travel - For a pleasant journey in Chicago, choose luxury group transportation. Enjoy everything in style and comfort.

If you know of any wellness facilities in or around O’Hare and you think we should feature them in the Sanctifly app let us know. Fill in the form below.