How much does it cost to park at O’Hare per day?
If you plan on parking your car at O’Hare International Airport for an extended period of time, then the Economy Lots are the best option. The daily rates range between $15 and $22 per day with Lot G providing the most economical on-airport parking with a rate of $15 per day.
Where can I park at O’Hare Airport?
How much is short term parking at O Hare?
Hourly parking is for short–term parking (less than three hours).
What means economy parking?
Economy parking will be the least expensive parking the airport offers. However, if you’ll be at the airport short-term, keep in mind that the first few hours in economy parking cost about the same as the first few hours in terminal parking.
Does O’Hare Airport have free parking?
Yes, Chicago O’Hare airport parking is free at the Cell Phone Lot. This lot is only for drivers waiting to pick up arrival passengers. To get to the Cell Phone Lot, follow the signs to the arrival lanes (Terminals 1, 2, & 3). Stay to the left until you pass Terminal 3.
Can we park car in airport for 2 days?
The short answer is yes, you can leave your car at the airport, since most airports have long term parking. Generally, it’s cheaper to park at an off-airport lot than at the airport itself, but not always.
How early should I get to O Hare?
Do you have to reserve parking at O Hare?
Reserved parking allows travelers to secure a parking space near the terminal before ever leaving home, eliminating the need to search for parking– even if the garage may be full at the time of arrival. Advance booking ensures a convenient, covered space and saves time that would otherwise be spent looking for parking.
Is SpotHero legit?
Spot Hero and their promise of “Guaranteed Parking Spots” is total hogwash and a fraud and a scam and their paid receipt and Parking Pass isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.
Is it safe to park your car at the airport?
Not really. On-site airport-owned and -operated lots and garages lots are open to the public so anyone can access them. If they’re monitored at all, it’s by a drive- or bike-by security guard or when a camera happens to be showing the area where your car is. Airport lots and garages also tend to be poorly lit.
Where do you park for Terminal 5 at O Hare?
How do I pick someone up from O’Hare Airport?
Passengers arriving at O’Hare can be picked up on the lower level, outermost curb. Follow the signs for Arrivals upon entering O’Hare. Curbside waiting is prohibited at O’Hare International Airport. Any unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense.
How much does it cost to leave your car at the airport for a week?
Shorter-term parking at the airport can cost you well over $30 to $50 a day and are a rather exorbitant option for trips longer than a couple of days.
Where is the best place to park at Midway?
The two economy parking locations are the best option for long-term parking at Midway International Airport. The parking rates are the same throughout each economy lot. Free shuttle buses run every 10-15 minutes to and from each economy parking location and the main Midway terminal building.
What is the difference between short-term parking and long-term parking?
Short–term parking is a great option for those picking up and dropping off passengers, as well as those in need of a parking space for a few minutes to a few hours. In general, long–term parking is a more cost-effective solution compared to short–term parking options.
Comprehensive guide to O'Hare parking rates and facilities
O’Hare International Airport maintains a variety of parking facilities directly on its campus. Each lot is tailored to a different type of traveler: quick pick-ups, daily commuters, or long-term vacationers. The Hourly Garage is situated right at the terminal core and is best for stays under four hours. The Daily Garages (connected to Terminals 1, 2, and 3) provide covered parking with direct terminal access via enclosed walkways. For the lowest price per day, the Economy Lots G and H are the go-to choice, with free, frequent shuttle service.
While exact rates fluctuate seasonally, the Economy Lot G is consistently O’Hare’s most affordable on-site option at $15 per day. Lot H rates can go up to $22 per day. The Daily Garage typically runs above $30 per day, offering the trade-off of premium location. Hourly Garage fees begin low for the first hour and escalate, making it costly for all-day stays. Valet parking is available at the main terminal area for those wanting a hands-off experience, though it commands a premium price.
- Economy Lot G: $15/day, shuttles every 10-15 minutes
- Economy Lot H: up to $22/day, covered waiting areas
- Daily Garage (Terminals 1-2-3): ~$30-$40/day, indoor walkways
- Hourly Garage: incremental pricing, first hour cheapest
- Terminal 5 Daily Garage: similar to main daily rates, dedicated to international travelers
- Valet: available at T1 and T2/T3
- Cell Phone Lot: free, 30-minute max wait
Understanding short-term parking fees and restrictions
Short-term parking at O’Hare is meant for brief stays. The Hourly Garage charges by the hour, with the first hour often around $3, increasing each hour after that. Once you exceed four hours, the daily maximum rate kicks in, which can be $60 or more. Therefore, if you think you’ll be at the airport for more than three hours, it’s generally cheaper to move your car to the Daily Garage or an Economy Lot.
Note that the Hourly Garage has a height clearance limit, so vehicles over a certain height may need to use the bus/shuttle center or surface lots. Payment machines accept cash and cards, and you can pay at the exit gate. Keep your ticket handy; a lost ticket incurs a maximum daily charge.
Parking for Terminal 5: the dedicated daily garage
Travelers flying internationally from Terminal 5 should head to the Terminal 5 Daily Garage. It’s a multi-level structure connected to the terminal by an enclosed bridge on Level 4, making it effortless to roll luggage directly to check-in. Rates are comparable to the main terminal daily garages, offering a convenient but not necessarily budget-friendly option.
For those looking to save, the Economy Lots also serve Terminal stop at designated locations outside the terminal; look for signs for “Economy Parking Shuttle.” The trip from Lot G to T5 takes around 15 minutes, so factor that into your schedule. There is no separate valet service at Terminal 5.
Accessible parking and services for travelers with disabilities
O’Hare provides accessible parking in all its garages and lots. Spaces are wider and located near elevators and shuttle stops. A valid state-issued disability placard or plate is required. In the Daily and Hourly Garages, accessible spots are on every level, close to the pedestrian bridges that lead to the terminals.
Economy Lot shuttles are equipped with wheelchair lifts, and drivers are trained to assist passengers. If you need additional help, you can request assistance from the airport’s operations center or your airline. Advance planning is recommended, especially during peak travel times.
Payment, tickets, and what to do if you lose your ticket
All O’Hare parking facilities accept cash and major credit/debit cards at automated exit stations and manned booths. Some lots also support contactless payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay. Always retain your parking ticket—it’s your proof of entry and determines your fee. If you lose your ticket, you will be charged the maximum lost-ticket fee, which is typically the daily rate multiplied by the number of days your vehicle has been in the lot, or a fixed high amount.
If you have a lost ticket, press the help button at the exit gate for assistance. A parking attendant will verify your entry date via your license plate and calculate the correct fee. Pre-paid or online reservations can speed up exit; simply scan the barcode at the gate.
How early should I arrive at O’Hare if I’m parking?
When you factor in parking, the airport generally recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This timeline accounts for finding a parking space, waiting for a shuttle (if using Economy Lots), walking to the terminal, checking bags, and clearing security. During holidays or busy summer weekends, add an extra 30–60 minutes to be safe.
If you have reserved parking in the Daily Garage, you may need less buffer time since your spot is guaranteed and the walk is short. Always check live security wait times on the airport’s website before departing.
Smart strategies to slash your O’Hare parking bill
Long-term travelers can unlock significant savings by choosing an Economy Lot, especially Lot G. Booking online through the official airport parking portal often gives you a slight discount and guarantees a space when lots might otherwise be full. Off-airport private lots and hotel park-and-fly packages can also undercut on-site rates while including shuttle service comparable to the airport’s own shuttles.
For short trips, consider alternatives: the CTA Blue Line train runs 24/7 from downtown to O’Hare for a fraction of the parking costs. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft might be cheaper than a week of parking. And always use the free Cell Phone Lot if you’re picking someone up—it eliminates hourly fees entirely. Learn more about how to get an Uber at the airport or check our Frequently Asked Questions for other travel tips.