Getting from downtown Chicago to O’Hare International Airport in just 15 minutes would be possible in the near future. Today, plans have been revealed for the new O’Hare Flyer train service from the Loop to ORD Airport – and it will transport you much faster than the Chicago Transit Authority’s Blue Line service.
O’Hare Flyer Train to ORD in 15 minutes
The upcoming faster way to get from ORD Terminal 2 to downtown is the new O’Hare Flyer Express, a new-tech battery-electric train planned for $2.25 billion. To be running on dedicated tracks (using the existing freight rail rights-of-way), it would depart the Loop, a new downtown station in Chicago, every 15 minutes. The privately-funded project is at the development stage and will take off later in 2027 or early in 2028.
Which airlines operate from Terminal 2 at O’Hare Airport?
Air Canada, JetBlue Airways, United Express, and United Airlines (select flights) operate from Terminal 2, one of the international terminals at ORD. Alaska Airlines and select Delta flights do also operate from the same terminal.
- Air Canada: All departures and arrivals
- JetBlue: All inbound and outbound flights
- United Express: All domestic flight operations
How to transfer from Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 in ORD Airport?
You can get from T2 to T5 both airside and landside. Many connecting travelers transfer to Terminal 5 where major airlines operate international flights from Chicago to India and other countries. The Airport Transit System (free automated train) operates 24 hours outside the secure area and connects to T5 in about 10 minutes. You can also take the airside shuttle bus to T5 from Terminal 1 Concourse B, without needing to clear TSA security. T1, T2, and T3 are inter-connected within the secure airside area.
Downtown Chicago to ORD Airport: How long it takes currently
Currently, public transportation takes 30 minutes to 60 minutes to get you from downtown to O’Hare Airport in Chicago depending on the time of the day and traffic. ORD International Airport is nearly 20 miles northwest of downtown Chicago.
What is the best way to get from O’Hare Airport to downtown Chicago now?
Most people recommend the CTA Blue Line, a rapid transit train, as the best, fastest and safest service between the airport and downtown in Chicago, currently. The 27-mile long Blue Line operates 24 hours a day between the airport and Forest Park through downtown. The Blue Line train halts at the O’Hare station that directly connects to ORD Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
