Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Chicago gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from ORD to the city takes roughly 150 minutes by CTA Blue Line, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
A few things to sort out before you leave ORD:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for United States. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Chicago takes about 150 minutes by CTA Blue Line. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
From ORD, the CTA Blue Line gets you to Chicago in around 150 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 170 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the CTA Blue Line offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Chicago:
Transport to the city and back runs about $13 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $25 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $48 USD total.
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at ORD may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Chicago’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Exploring Chicago on a Layover
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Chicago, two standouts are:
- Millennium Park (The Bean) — A calm place to walk around and decompress before your next flight.
- Willis Tower Skydeck — A quick stop here is rewarding — great for photos.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ORD, you can spend time at Yoga Room & Urban Garden or try American Airlines Admirals Club. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Where to Eat
For food in Chicago, local travelers recommend Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse – Rosemont. If you have time for a second stop, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria – River North is another popular pick.
Back at ORD, Frontera Grill Express is the go-to. The Berghoff Cafe rounds out your in-terminal options.
Resting at the Airport
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at ORD, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at ORD for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Chicago or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Chicago with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Chicago may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.