Four-terminal Chicago O'Hare International Airport handles almost 76 million travellers per year making it the second-busiest US airport - after Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International with 89 million. The airport offers more connections to more cities more often than any other airport in the world. Readers of Business Traveler International and Global Traveler magazines have voted it the "Best Airport in North America".
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The airport has its own ATS train system connecting all terminals, the Metra station and the long-term car park (Lot E).
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Rail: The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs a 24-hour train service to downtown Chicago. The CTA station is located on the lowest level of the main parking garage at Terminals 1, 2 and 3 (accessible from Terminal 5 on the ATS system). Metra North Central commuter trains serves destinations in Lake and northern Cook counties, with five daily inbound and outbound trains between Antioch and Chicago Union Station. The station at the airport is situated near the remote long-term car parks and is on the ATS system.
Taxi: There are taxi ranks outside the Arrivals area of each terminal (journey time: 30-45 minutes to central Chicago).
Limousine: Limousines are available to Chicago and the suburbs, with companies listed on boards for reservations.
Bus: Continental Airport Express shuttle buses depart from all terminals for central Chicago and northern destinations. There is also an hourly shuttle and coach services to Midway Airport. There are a number of regional services available from the airport. The Bus and Shuttle Centre is located on the ground level of Terminal 5 car park. This is the pick-up point for most bus, shuttle and regional services, including hotel courtesy buses. Public transport services are available for disabled travellers.
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A multi-level parking garage and additional ground level car parks (Lots B and C) service Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Hourly, daily and valet parking is available. Lot D has hourly and daily parking for the International Terminal 5. There are also two car parks available for long-term parking (Lots E and G). Lot E is connected to the ATS rail system connecting all terminals; shuttle buses to the terminals are also available. A third long-term car park, Lot F, is closed until further notice. General parking information is available 24 hours a day (tel: +1 773 686 7530).
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Money and communications: There is a full service bank, ATMs, bureau de change facilities and a post office.
Eating and drinking: There is a variety of restaurants, bars, fast-food outlets and cafés.
Shopping: There are numerous shops, including duty-free shops in each terminal.
Luggage: Trolleys are available at all terminals. There are lost property desks staffed by the Chicago Police Department on the upper levels of all terminals.
Other facilities: There is a medical centre, AED units (defibrillators), baby-change facilities, a play area and a 24-hour interfaith chapel.
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The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport (tel: +1 773 686 8000) is the only hotel on the airport grounds, and is situated in Terminal 2. There are numerous other hotels which can be reached by phoning for a courtesy shuttle bus; these include the AmeriSuites, Best Western O’Hare, Clarion Barcelo’ Hotel, Comfort Inn O’Hare, Courtyard by Marriott, Days Inn O’Hare International, DoubleTree Hotel O’Hare-Rosemont, Four Points Hotel Sheraton, Hampton Inn O’Hare, Hampton Suites North Shore, Hawthorn Hotel & Suites, Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare, Holiday Inn O’Hare International, Hotel Sofitel Chicago, Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Hyatt Rosemont, Marriott Suites O’Hare, O’Hare Marriott Hotel, Radisson Hotel Chicago O’Hare, Ramada Hotel O’Hare, Residence Inn by Marriott, Residence Inn O’Hare Rosemont, Rosemont Suites Hotel O’Hare, Sheraton Gateway Suites, Suburban Lodge, Super B, Travelodge Chicago O’Hare and the Westin Hotel O’Hare. The airport’s website contains contact details for all these hotels.
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Information representatives provide assistance to hearing- and visually-impaired travellers. Disabled passengers are requested to confirm any special needs with their airline four days in advance. Facilities include ramps and lifts, escorted wheelchair services, TTY telephones, visual paging for hearing-impaired passengers and Braille buttons in lifts. The ATS system is fully accessible, with elevators provided at each of the five stops. The Travelers Aid office (tel: +1 773 894 2427) provides escorts for disabled people on request. Adapted hire cars for drivers with disabilities can be provided with two or three days’ notice. Disabled car parking facilities are provided for badge holders. Disabled toilets are located throughout the airport.
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There is a business centre located beneath the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport in Terminal 2. The Hilton Business Center (tel: +1 773 601 1743) provides a full service, including fax, photocopying, and packing and shipping. There is also a Laptop Lane facility (tel: +1 773 894 3100) in Terminal 1, providing workstations with computers, internet, fax, printing, IDD telephones and laptop connections. Individual airlines also have dedicated lounges which can be used by business travellers with loyalty cards.
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