Chicago, Illinois: O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

After a Chicago, IL trade show draws to a close, many exhibitors and attendees take a plane home from O’Hare International Airport (ORD). At the Windy City’s main aviation hub, you’ll feel the true hustle and bustle of this midwestern metropolis. O’Hare serves over 70 million people each year and boasts more than 200 destinations from its nearly 50 airlines. Fortunately, its 7,200 acres of space include many ways to spend time that are much more interesting than scrolling through your phone while you wait at your gate.

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Travel Times and Insider Tips

Due to Chicago’s heavy traffic and the 20-mile ride from trade show venue McCormick Place on the city’s south side, you should plan on at least an hour’s drive from your convention to the airport (an hour and a half if you’re leaving during rush hour).
If your trade show was at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, you’re less than two miles from ORD so you’ll just need to give yourself ten or 15 minutes to get to the airport.
O’Hare has over 200 gates, and since sometimes airlines change the gates for departing flights, check your flight’s information occasionally to make sure you’re in the right place.

Top Places to Eat

ORD boasts a robust list of on-site restaurants where you can try some local flavors. The iconic Berghoff Café and Billy Goat Tavern & Grill both have locations in the airport, as does the mouth-watering Goose Island Beer Company.

You can also choose your favorite franks between Chicago Style Hot Dogs and Gold Coast Dogs (just don’t ask for ketchup!) or savor a sweet treat at Eli’s Cheesecake.

Things to Do

Find your Zen in a Yoga Room, which is open from 6am to 10pm every day.
Relax with a massage, manicure, or pedicure in one of the Terminal Gateway Spa locations.
Visit the family lounge with play areas and games if you’re traveling with the kids.
Immerse yourself in the airport art collection found in each terminal.

Souvenirs and Other Things to Buy

Thanks to the more than 215 gift shops, specialty retail stores, and automated and vending locations sprinkled throughout ORD, it’s easy to pick up some last-minute gifts or souvenirs for that special someone in your life (or, of course, just for yourself). And some of these locations are all about Chicago! The on-site Field Museum shop and the I Love Chicago store have plenty of locally-inspired apparel and knickknacks, or you can just bring home a big tin of Garrett Popcorn or a bag of treats from Nuts on Clark.

Oddities and Fun Facts