Chicago Visitors Guide - 2026
Visiting Chicago starts at O’Hare and Midway International Airports
2026-01-21 11:30:24
Conveniently situated in the center of the country, VISITING Chicago starts at our two first-class airports, whether arriving from the east, west, north, or south. Chicago likes things in twos: two Major League Baseball teams, two major daily newspapers, and two international airports! There is nowhere else on earth like Chicago. From the moment you arrive at Chicago O’Hare or Midway International Airports (O’Hare and Midway), you will be connected to the Second City which is second to none.
WORLD-CLASS CONNECTIVITY
O’Hare lies just 17 miles from downtown Chicago and is one of the most connected airport hubs in the country. O’Hare has eight total runways — the most of any commercial airport in the United States. A mere 10 miles from downtown, Midway is a premier point-to-point airport for leisure and business travel.
Connect with colleagues, family, and friends in Chicago. OAG, the leading data platform for the global travel industry, ranked O’Hare the #1 most connected airport in the U.S. and #7 worldwide in 2025. Chicago’s airports are hubs to three of the four largest carriers in the United States — American Airlines, United Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. Four airlines offer dual services out of O’Hare and Midway: Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Volaris.
With more than 45 passenger airlines arriving in Chicago from more than 270 airports worldwide, it’s no wonder Chicago was voted the Best Big City in the U.S. nine years in a row by the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
THE O’HARE EXPERIENCE
This is an exciting time for Chicago’s airports. Major investments have been made at O’Hare to provide passengers with an experience fit for the global gateway that it is.
TERMINAL 5 EXPANDED AND RENOVATED
At 350,000 square feet, the Terminal 5 extension at O’Hare boasts 10 new gates, expanded seating, new restrooms, and more amenities — from art installations to an interfaith room, and a mix of local and national restaurants and retail shops including Bar Siena, The Hampton Social, and Chick-fil-A. Large, bright windows offer airfield views, while open seating areas, modern furniture, and plentiful charging stations provide comfort and convenience. The expansion brings the total number of security checkpoint lanes to 13 and also improves immigration facilities.
AIRLINE LOUNGES
Whether arriving early at the airport or waiting for others to arrive in Chicago, travelers can work or relax in the various airline club lounges. Day passes can be purchased by nonmembers at most of the clubs. At O’Hare, the most recent lounges to open are the LOT Business Lounge and Air France Lounge in Terminal 5, which both feature areas for relaxation, work, and dining.
The United Club in Terminal 1 is nearly twice the size of the previous United Club it replaced near Gate C16. With available seating for 400, there is no shortage of space for lounge-goers to work at individual tables, one-person desks, couches, lounge chairs, and coworking-style desks. American Airlines’ Admiral’s Club in Terminal 3 will also receive a refresh as part of the Terminal 3 development project.
THE MIDWAY EXPERIENCE
At Chicago’s Southwest Side airport, passengers are treated to a collection of Chicago favorites while enjoying an elevated travel experience, thanks to the Midway Modernization Program — the most significant capital program at Midway in nearly 20 years.
SHOP, DRINK & DINE
The redeveloped Central Market, located at the intersection of Concourses A and B, is home to a mix of new and existing brands including EVOLVE by Hudson, Connie’s Pizza, and White Sox Bar & Grill. The airport now boasts nearly 70 concessions brands, and the expansion increased Midway’s total concessions area, nearly doubling the amount of shopping and dining options.
THE CLUB MDW
For the first time in the airport’s 97-year history, Midway offers a shared-use passenger lounge. The Club MDW opened in September 2024 and is conveniently located in the airport’s Central Market at the intersection of Concourses A and B. It is available for all travelers regardless of airline and class of service, and it offers complimentary food and beverage service to all patrons in an inviting, relaxing environment. The lounge is accessible through Priority Pass, the world’s largest airport lounge membership program.
ACCESSIBILITY
Chicago’s airports are fully accessible to all passengers. In 2025, sensory maps, “point-of-view” videos, sensory bags, and social stories are among the newest resources designed to help neurodivergent travelers, specifically those with sensory sensitivities, feel more comfortable or prepare for their experience at Chicago’s airports.
COMPANION PLUS RESTROOM
The Companion Plus Restroom at O’Hare is a first-of-its-kind amenity, providing a restroom, shower, and other ADA features for disabled passengers. It is located in Terminal 2 near security checkpoint 5 (Gate F3).
HIDDEN DISABILITIES SUNFLOWER PROGRAM
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program offers additional support to travelers with invisible disabilities, such as autism, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and hearing loss. Lanyards, bracelets, hats, and other sunflower items with a green background and a sunflower enable individuals to discreetly indicate that they have a nonvisible disability and may need additional assistance, understanding, or more time. Sunflower lanyards and basic information cards are available at all information desks at O’Hare and Midway.
MOTHER’S ROOMS AND LACTATION PODS
Eleven parent-friendly Mamava lactation pods are conveniently located at the airports to augment the Mother’s Rooms already in place. The pods are freestanding spaces intentionally designed with easy-to-clean surfaces and app-enabled access for a comfortable and private option to breastfeed or pump.
VISUAL INTERPRETING THROUGH AIRA
Passengers who are blind or have low vision can receive assistance with the help of the Aira app, which is free for users inside both airports. The app connects users with a trained visual interpreter, who will provide assistance from information conveyed by surroundings either from a camera view or what is shared on a screen.
PASSENGER ASSISTANCE
Travelers Aid Chicago at O’Hare and Volunteer Information Services at Midway are both programs that provide resources and information to passengers traveling through the airports.
SERVICE ANIMAL RELIEF AREAS
Interior and exterior service animal relief areas (SARAs) are available at both airports for passenger convenience.
LOCAL FAVORITES
Sample Chicago’s top local spots at O’Hare and Midway Airports.
REFRESHING BREWS
Pair a Cruz Blanca Mexican lager with award-winning sandwiches from Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless (ORD Terminals 1, 3, 5). From pale ale to pilsner, Goose Island Beer Company (ORD Terminals 1, 3) has you covered. Belly up to the bar at Harry Caray’s Shortstop (MDW Concourse A) and pair a cold draft with toasted ravioli.
QUICK EATS
Handhelds from fast-casual favorites, like a smash burger from The Hampton Social (ORD Terminal 5) or a buffalo chicken mac from The Orange Line (MDW Concourse B), are great on the go. Burger Federation (ORD Terminal 3) touts the “Best Burger in the City” with its Little Miss Figgy Burger.
KIDS’ PICKS
For your lil’ flyers, touch down at Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizzeria (MDW Concourse A) for a mini cheese pizzetta and fruit combo. Sports fans will find chicken fingers and Pitcher’s Pasta on the junior meal menu at Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill (ORD Terminal 3).
TAKE THE ‘L’ TRAIN TO & FROM THE AIRPORT
• Best fare into town: Just $5 (including any transfers to other lines)
• Fly direct to the Loop with fast, frequent service (under 45 minutes to downtown)
O’HARE Catch the Chicago Transportation Authority (CTA) Blue Line at O’Hare Station, which directly connects to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Use the Airport Transit System (ATS) to connect to Terminal 5.
MIDWAY The Midway Station of the CTA Orange Line is located next to the airport terminal and connected by an enclosed walkway.
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