Transiting through Chicago Airport
As one of the busiest airports in the world, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy during your layover in Chicago. You’ll be landing at Terminals 1, 2, or 3 if the first leg of your trip is domestic, or Terminal 5 if you’re arriving from overseas. Each terminal features countless shops and restaurants, including several local favorites, and comfortable business and airport lounges – for an extra special touch.
For those with an extended layout, you’ll have the option to travel into the city center and play tourist for the day, or you can get a proper night’s rest at a nearby hotel. Whatever you choose, you’ll have everything you need, including transportation, right at your fingertips.
Things to do at the airport during a Chicago Airport layover
The best way to spend a layover in Chicago Airport is by sampling some of Chicago’s favorite dishes at food outlets such as Billy Goat Tavern (T1), the Publican Tavern (T3), and Goose Island Brewery (T1). Of course, you’ll also find well-known fast food joints like Dunkin’ and Brioche Dorée spread across all terminals.
Once you’ve had your fill, spend some time browsing or window shopping amongst bookstores, newsagencies, and luxury boutiques, or pick out a few souvenirs for family and friends and travel accessories from one of the duty-free stores.
Passengers with more time to spare might like to schedule a massage at the Terminal Gateway Spa, get a haircut at the Hilton O’Hare barber shop, or stretch it out in the T3 yoga room – all of which are ideal for a 4-hour layover in Chicago.
Traveling with young children? The T2 Family Lounge is absolutely fantastic, with large play areas and interactive windows for watching planes take off. Best of all, face painters, balloon artists, and other entertainers are regularly scheduled to keep your little ones entertained.
Overnight layover in Chicago: nearby hotels and lounges
Catching up on some sleep on a long-haul trip can be an absolute game-changer. Forget trying to twist yourself into a pretzel while on board, and instead, lie down in a proper bed during your Chicago Airport layover. Several nearby hotels, including the Rose Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Loews, and Aloft, offer a complimentary 5-minute shuttle service to and from each terminal. Alternatively, if you’re transiting through T1 or T3, you can walk to the on-site Hilton O’Hare Airport Hotel.
If you only have around a 5-hour layover in Chicago, a more convenient option for getting some rest may be an airport lounge. With at least one available in each terminal, lounges, such as the United Airways Lounges and the SAS Lounge in Terminal 5, are ideal for some peace and quiet, a dedicated work space, or, in some cases, a place to nap and take a shower.
No time for a nap, but still want to freshen up? The American Airlines Admirals Club (T3, Concourse H) and the United Club (T1, Concourse C) allow you to use the showers for a fee, without having to pay for a lounge pass.
*Be sure to check out our Chicago Airport Guide for a complete overview of lounges in each terminal.
What to do in Chicago during a layover?
A long layover in Chicago doesn’t have to be spent at the airport. So long as you have at least 7-8 hours between flights, ideally longer, you can easily spare a couple of hours Downtown visiting some of the Windy City’s most popular attractions.
To maximize the amount of time you have to explore, consider taking a Chicago Airport taxi or pre-booking a private Chicago Airport transfer with Welcome, as these options will take just 30 minutes each way. For travelers with a little extra time, you can catch the train to Union Station in 50 minutes.
From Union Station, you can board a bus over to the Riverwalk area. Chicago River Boat Architecture Tours depart from here and are a great way to take in Chicago’s rich history, without having to walk or battle the elements.
Alternatively, you could head straight to the Navy Pier, where you’ll find classic carnival vibes and a giant Ferris wheel, a great way to spend your layover in Chicago if you have kids. Afterwards, you can wander through Millennium Park – complete with an ice rink in the wintertime – and visit the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago Museum.
If you can’t decide what to do, but want to squeeze in as much as possible, consider booking a private sightseeing ride with Welcome Pickups for the day!
Flight connections
Visa Required: An ESTA or Transit Visa is required for international arrivals.
Average Flight Connection Time: Travel time ranges from 15 minutes between gates in T1, T2, and T3 using the Airport Transit System and 20 minutes between terminals when using the terminal transfer bus. For international arrivals, allow at least 1 hour and 30 minutes to clear Immigration and Customs.
Minimum Time Needed to Leave the Airport: 7-8hours
How you transit through Chicago O’Hare Airport will depend on whether you are transferring between two domestic flights or if you have an international connection.
Transferring between domestic flights is easy, as you won’t need to clear security or pick up your bags, unless you’ve booked with separate airlines. However, even in this instance, your airline carriers may be able to transfer your luggage for you. It’s possible to walk between Terminals 1-3, or you can take the 24/7 Airport Transit System.
For passengers arriving from overseas, regardless of whether you’re connecting with another international flight or heading somewhere domestically, you’ll need to collect your luggage and go through Immigration and Security. If you already have your boarding pass for your next flight, you can use the Terminal Transfer Bus between 11:30 and 21:30 to get to T1-T3 and re-check your bags at a transfer counter.
Otherwise, you’ll need to follow the standard Chicago Airport Departures procedures.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Chicago Airport during a layover? 
A shorter layover of 4 hours or less could be spent sampling some famous Chicago dishes, like a Chicago Dog or deep-dish pizza, followed by some light browsing and shopping. If you have a 6-hour layover in Chicago, that’s the perfect amount of time to check in to an airline lounge and lap up the complimentary food and beverages.
Any longer than that, you could potentially leave the airport and go sightseeing around town. You can pre-book a private transfer with Welcome, so you don’t need to worry about purchasing train tickets or navigating different transport networks.
What to do with a 4-hour layover in Chicago?
A short layover at Chicago Airport is best spent grabbing a bite to eat or shopping in the duty-free area. With four hours, you could also squeeze in a massage at one of the spas and check out the art exhibitions in T5.
How long of a layover do I need in Chicago?
To leave the airport, we recommend having at least a 7-hour layover in between each flight; otherwise, it’s really not worth your time. Keep in mind that it can take up to 2 hours to connect between domestic flights, and up to 3 hours when you factor in an international connection.
Can I leave the airport during a layover in Chicago?
Yes, so long as you have enough time and the appropriate visa or authorization, it’s possible to leave the airport. When planning your airport, be sure to allow for a return journey of 2 hours to the Downtown area; we don’t recommend leaving the airport if you have less than a 6-hour layover in Chicago.
What is the minimum layover time in Chicago?
The domestic terminals (T1-T3) are easily accessible via the Airport Transit System, and you can transfer between gates in as little as 20 minutes, although, due to the size of the airport, 1-2 hours is a much safer timeframe. Once you factor in an international leg to your journey, the minimum recommended layover time is 2-3 hours.
Do I need a visa for a layover in Chicago?
International arrivals will either need an ESTA if they are from a visa-waiver country or a Transit C Visa in most other cases.
Do you have to go through Customs on a layover in Chicago?
If you’re arriving from overseas, yes, you will need to clear Immigration, collect your luggage, and pass through Customs on your arrival. This rule applies even if your luggage has been checked through to your final destination by your airline.
