Chicago O'Hare International (ORD): Terminal Guide and Flights to Frankfurt
Key facts
| IATA code | ORD (from Orchard Field) |
|---|---|
| Terminals | 1 (United), 2, 3 (American), 5 (international) |
| Between terminals | ATS train, 24/7, free |
| To downtown | CTA Blue Line (≈45 min), taxi/rideshare (30–60 min) |
| Nonstop to Frankfurt | United (T1), Lufthansa (T5) |
| Flight time to FRA | approx. 8–8.5 hours |
| Arrival in Frankfurt | Terminal 1 |
Frequently asked questions
What does ORD stand for at Chicago O'Hare?
ORD comes from Orchard Field (Orchard Place), the name of the airfield and village on the site before it was renamed in 1949 after Edward ‘Butch’ O’Hare, a World War II naval aviator. The original code stayed, which is why O’Hare’s code doesn’t match its name.
Which terminal is international at O'Hare?
Terminal 5 is the main international terminal: most foreign airlines, including Lufthansa, depart from there and almost all international arrivals clear customs there. United’s international flights, including to Frankfurt, typically depart from Terminal 1 (Concourse C), and American’s from Terminal 3.
Can you walk between terminals at ORD?
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected airside, so you can walk between them without re-clearing security. Terminal 5 is separate: take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) train, which runs 24 hours a day, and go through security again. Walking times between far gates can be 15–25 minutes.
What is the light tunnel at O'Hare?
The famous neon tunnel connects Concourses B and C in Terminal 1. Michael Hayden’s light installation ‘Sky’s the Limit’ uses changing neon tubes and music along the moving walkways — one of the most photographed spots in any US airport.
How far is O'Hare from downtown Chicago?
O’Hare is about 27 km (17 miles) north-west of the Loop. The CTA Blue Line runs 24/7 from Terminals 1–3 to downtown in about 45 minutes. A taxi or rideshare takes 30–60 minutes depending on traffic; rideshare pickups are on the upper level of the parking garage.
Is there a hotel inside O'Hare Airport?
Yes. The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport is connected to Terminals 1–3 via an underground walkway, so you can reach it on foot. Many other hotels in Rosemont offer free shuttles.
How long is the flight from Chicago to Frankfurt?
United and Lufthansa fly nonstop between O’Hare and Frankfurt. Eastbound flights take about 8 to 8.5 hours, usually departing in the late afternoon or evening and landing in Frankfurt the next morning. Germany is 7 hours ahead of Chicago. Both airlines arrive at Frankfurt Terminal 1.
I land at Frankfurt Airport from Chicago. How do I get to my hotel?
The easiest way is a pre-booked private transfer. With FlyRide Frankfurt you get a fixed price before booking, your driver monitors your flight from Chicago and waits at the arrivals exit of Frankfurt Airport (Terminal 1 for United and Lufthansa) with a name sign. We drive to Frankfurt city, the Messe, Wiesbaden, Mainz, Darmstadt, Heidelberg and anywhere in Germany. Book online, by phone (+49 176 56958737) or via WhatsApp.
Flying from Chicago to Frankfurt
Chicago–Frankfurt is one of the key transatlantic routes of the United–Lufthansa joint venture, popular with business travellers heading to the Frankfurt financial district and the Messe. Arriving at Terminal 1 after an overnight flight, your FlyRide chauffeur meets you in the arrivals hall — no taxi queue, no train change.
Note: Since 9 June 2026 Frankfurt's Terminal 2 is closed for renovation. Flights use Terminal 1 or the new Terminal 3. Always check your terminal in your airline app.
Flying from Chicago O'Hare International Airport to Frankfurt? Book your private ride with FlyRide Frankfurt
Your chauffeur tracks your flight from Chicago, waits for you in the Frankfurt Airport arrivals hall with a name sign and drives you door to door to your hotel, office or home — at a fixed price agreed before you book. Mercedes E-Class, V-Class and Vito, free child seats on request, 24/7 by phone and WhatsApp.
- Fixed price — no taximeter
- Flight monitoring & up to 60 min free waiting
- Meet & Greet at Terminal 1 and Terminal 3
- Rhein-Main, all of Germany and Europe
Facts checked October 2026. Airport facilities, opening hours and airline terminals change — please confirm with the airport or your airline before travelling.
Image credits: Disco Tunnel (14248869210).jpg — Paul VanDerWerf (CC BY 2.0) · O'Hare International Airport terminal 3.JPG — Christophe95 (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Concourse B, Chicago O'Hare airport.jpg — Dllu (CC BY-SA 4.0)
