Rates last verified September 2026 against flychicago.com
Parking at O’Hare without a plan is one of the most expensive mistakes a Chicago traveler can make. Leave your car on the hourly level of the main garage for a full day and you’ll pay $79. Park in Economy Lot G or H instead and the same day costs $16, with a short shuttle and train ride to your terminal.
O’Hare’s economy lots can fill up during Thanksgiving, Christmas and spring break. Reserving ahead guarantees you a spot and locks in your rate.
Reserve O’Hare ParkingThis guide covers every official O’Hare parking option with current rates, when off-site lots are worth it, and the CTA Blue Line option that skips parking entirely.
Official O’Hare Parking Options
| Lot / Garage | Rate | Terminal Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Garage — Hourly (Level 1) | $3 first hour, $14 for 3–4 hrs, $36 for 4–8 hrs, $79 for 8–24 hrs | Walk to Terminals 1, 2, 3 | For pickups and short stays only |
| Main Garage — Daily (Levels 2–6) and Lots B & C | $43 for 8–24 hrs | Walk to Terminals 1, 2, 3 | Closest option for overnight trips |
| Terminal 5 Garage and Lot D | $43 for 8–24 hrs | Enclosed bridge to Terminal 5 | Best for international flights |
| Economy Lot F (covered, in the Multi-Modal Facility) | $30 for 4–24 hrs | Free ATS train from the same building | Covered, and no shuttle needed |
| Economy Lots G & H | $16 for 1–24 hrs | Free shuttle to the Multi-Modal Facility, then the ATS train | Cheapest on-site option |
How the Economy Lots Connect to the Terminals
The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a free automated train that links all the terminals with the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), where Economy Lot F sits on floors 4 and 5. If you park in Lot F, you walk straight to the ATS. From Lots G and H, a free shuttle bus runs to the MMF every few minutes, around the clock, and you board the ATS there. Budget 20 to 30 minutes from Lots G and H to your terminal door.
Off-Site O’Hare Parking: When It’s Worth It
Private lots along Mannheim Road and nearby streets offer shuttle service to the terminals. Their rates often land in the same range as, or above, the $16 on-site economy rate, so off-site mostly makes sense when you want covered or valet parking for less than Lot F, or when economy lots are full during peak travel weeks. Compare current prices before you book, and check each lot’s shuttle schedule if your flight is very early or late.
Reserving a spot ahead locks in your rate and guarantees you a space during busy travel weeks. Check off-site prices against the $16 economy rate before you commit.
Compare & Reserve O’Hare ParkingThe 7-Day Math
| Option | Rate | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Main Garage — Hourly level | $79/day | $553 |
| Main Garage — Daily levels | $43/day | $301 |
| Economy Lot F (covered) | $30/day | $210 |
| Economy Lots G & H | $16/day | $112 |
| CTA Blue Line | $2.50 in, $5 out | $7.50 |
Choosing Lot G or H over the daily garage saves $189 on a week-long trip. Choosing it over the hourly level saves $441.
The CTA Blue Line: No Parking at All
The CTA Blue Line runs between downtown Chicago and O’Hare 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The O’Hare station is connected to the terminals, so you walk from the platform into the airport without a shuttle. For a full breakdown of transit from both airports, see our Chicago airport transportation guide.
Why the fare is $5 leaving O’Hare: the CTA charges $5 for any pay-per-ride trip that starts at O’Hare, whether you pay with a Ventra card, a contactless bank card, your phone, or a single-ride ticket. Riding into O’Hare from elsewhere in the city is the regular $2.50. CTA passes (1-day, 3-day, 7-day, and 30-day) are exempt from the O’Hare fare.
| Trip | Travel Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Leaving from O’Hare | Varies by destination | $5.00 pay-per-ride, or use a pass |
| Downtown Loop stations to ORD | 45–55 minutes | $2.50 |
| Wicker Park / Milwaukee Ave to ORD | 35–45 minutes | $2.50 |
| Rosemont (park and ride) to ORD | About 5 minutes, one stop | $2.50 + parking |
Rosemont Park & Ride
The Rosemont Blue Line station, one stop from O’Hare, has a parking facility next to it. Park at Rosemont and ride the Blue Line into the airport, which avoids O’Hare parking rates on the way out. Check the current daily rate before you go, and remember the $5 O’Hare fare still applies on your ride back unless you use a pass.
O’Hare Parking by Trip Length
| Trip Length | Best Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup / drop-off | Free cell phone lot on Bessie Coleman Drive | Free |
| 1–3 hours | Main Garage hourly (Level 1) | $3–$10 |
| 1–2 days | Economy Lot G or H | $16–$32 |
| 3–5 days | Economy Lot G or H | $48–$80 |
| 7+ days | Economy Lot G or H, or compare off-site | $112+ |
| Any length, staying in Chicago | CTA Blue Line | $7.50 round trip |
Cell Phone Lot: Free While You Wait
O’Hare’s cell phone lot on Bessie Coleman Drive is free for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. Wait there until your party is at the curb with their bags, then drive to the terminal. Circling the terminal roads instead can get you ticketed.
Construction alert: O’Hare’s terminal expansion is underway, and road and lot access can shift with little notice. Allow extra travel time and check current lot status at flychicago.com before your trip.
O’Hare vs. Midway
Flying into Chicago and not sure which airport works better? See our Midway Airport parking guide for a side-by-side comparison of parking costs and transit options.
The Loop and River North put you on the Blue Line, the most direct connection back to O’Hare for your return. Summer weekends and festival weeks fill fast, so book as soon as your flights are confirmed.
Find Chicago Hotels on Hotels.com Browse Chicago Vacation Rentals on VRBOO’Hare Parking FAQ
How much does it cost to park at O’Hare Airport?
Economy Lots G and H cost $16 a day, covered Economy Lot F costs $30 a day, and the main garage and Terminal 5 garage cost $43 a day on their daily levels. The hourly level of the main garage charges up to $79 for 8 to 24 hours.
What is the cheapest way to park at O’Hare?
Economy Lots G and H at $16 a day are the cheapest on-site option, with a free shuttle and train to the terminals. Off-site lots can be competitive, especially for covered or valet parking, so compare current prices before you book.
Can I get to O’Hare without parking a car?
Yes. The CTA Blue Line runs between downtown Chicago and O’Hare 24 hours a day. Riding to O’Hare costs $2.50, and any pay-per-ride trip starting at O’Hare costs $5. CTA passes are exempt from the $5 O’Hare fare.
Is there free parking at O’Hare Airport?
O’Hare’s cell phone lot on Bessie Coleman Drive is free for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. Circling the terminal roads instead can get you ticketed.
What is Rosemont Park and Ride for O’Hare?
The Rosemont Blue Line station, one stop from O’Hare, has a parking facility next to it. Drivers can park there and take a short Blue Line ride to the airport. The $5 O’Hare fare still applies on the return trip unless you use a CTA pass.
Quick Reference: O’Hare Parking
- Cheapest on-site Economy Lots G & H — $16/day, shuttle + ATS train
- Covered, no shuttle Economy Lot F — $30/day, ATS in the same building
- Closest overnight Main Garage daily levels or Lots B & C — $43/day
- International flights (T5) Terminal 5 Garage or Lot D — $43/day
- Never overnight here Main Garage Level 1 — up to $79/day
- No car needed CTA Blue Line — $2.50 in, $5 out, 24/7
- Skip the $5 fare Use a CTA 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day pass
- Picking someone up Free cell phone lot on Bessie Coleman Dr
O’Hare parking doesn’t have to cost $79 a day. Park in Economy Lot G or H, compare off-site lots for covered parking, or take the Blue Line, and you’ll spend your money on the trip instead of the garage.