Chicago OHare International Airport (ORD) Taxis

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is a large airport serving the city of Chicago in the United States of America. It is the largest airport in the state of Illinois, and also the third largest airport in the world. Chicago O’Hare Airport has a very strong international presence, and is rated as the fourth busiest international gateway to the U.S. The Airport has the IATA code of ORD, and is also simply known as O’Hare. Chicago O’Hare International Airport taxis and limousines are available from the airport terminal, and by taxi is often considered as a convenient way to travel to various locations. Taxis are, however, a more expensive form of ground transport than some airport buses and trains.

The airport of Chicago O’Hare consists of four large passenger terminals, and nine concourses. Various airline companies operate from each terminal, but the main ones include United Airlines from Terminal 1, US Airways and Delta Air Lines from Terminal 2 and American Airlines from Terminal 3. There is no Terminal 4 at the airport, since the construction of Terminal 5, which is the airport’s international terminal. Passengers can move from Terminal 5 to the other three terminals by the Airport Transit System, which is the people mover train in operation at the airport. The train also takes passengers from the various terminals to the remote parking lot on the airport grounds. However, there is no need to transfer to a different terminal if the passenger is using an airport taxi for transport, as taxis are available from outside the lower levels of all four terminal buildings.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport has many forms of ground transport for arriving and departing passengers. Several buses travel to downtown hotels and businesses, and regional buses are available as well to further locations. The CTA Blue Line train is perhaps considered as the most convenient form of transport, and the cheapest way to travel to the city as well. However, taxis remain an important part of the airport’s transport system. Although taxis are quite expensive - a trip to downtown Chicago will cost between $35.00 and $40.00 - buses may also be quite costly, as their prices could cost around $25.00 per person for a trip to the city. A conventional taxi should be able to transport up to four passengers, and will not charge ‘per passenger’. Only transport on the PACE buses and the CTA Blue Line trains will be significantly cheaper than a taxi.

Reservations for taxi services from Chicago O’Hare International Airport are not required, as taxis are generally always available from outside the terminal buildings, especially during the busier hours of the airport. However, passengers are welcome to call a taxi company in advance of their arrival and ensure a vehicle will be available. The Chicago O’Hare International Airport taxi companies and their telephone numbers include the American United Cab Association (773-327-6161), Blue Ribbon Association Inc. (773-508-9100), Flash Cab Company (773-992-0303), Checker Taxi Association Inc. (312-733-4790), King Drive Cab Affiliation (773-488-8000), Sun Taxi Association Inc. (773-736-3883), Yellow Cab Affiliation Inc. (773-907-0020), 5 Star Taxi Association Inc. (773-866-9933), Chicago Carriage Cab (312-326-2221), Gold Coast Taxi Association (773-271-0163), KOAM Taxi Association (773-973-3535), 24 Seven Taxi Affiliation (773-878-8294), Wolley Cab Association Inc. (312-225-5411) and the Globe Taxi Association Inc. (773-725-6200).

Passengers who would like to arrange a wheelchair accessible taxi can contact the United Dispatch at 1-800-281-4466. Special vehicles are sometimes recommended to be reserved in advance. Limousines and Suburban Taxicabs can be arranged from Chicago O’Hare International Airport as well for transport to all the suburbs. There is a list of pre-arranged limousine services nearby the airport information booths, on the lower level of all terminal buildings. Arriving passengers can call their limousine service once they have collected their baggage, and will be given details regarding how and where to meet their driver. It will take between five and twenty minutes for the vehicle to arrive at the designated pickup location. Certain limousine companies also offer ‘meet and greet’ services. The driver will then meet the passengers in the baggage reclaim area of their terminal, and will escort them to the vehicle. The driver is also able to assist with luggage.

Conventional Chicago O’Hare International Airport taxis have meters which record the length of the journey travelled, and the taxi fare is then calculated accordingly. In general, a taxi in Chicago will cost $2.25 for the first 1/9 mile, $0.20 for each additional 1/9 mile and for every 36 seconds of elapsed time, $0.20. Extra charges could also be applicable for each passenger and for luggage loaded. From the Chicago O’Hare Airport, the following are Straight Meter locations, whereas all other areas are a Meter and One-Half: Bedford Park, Calumet City, Des Plaines, Elk Grove, Elmwood Park, Evergreen Park, Harwood Heights, Merrionette Park, Niles, Oak Lawn, Oak Park, Riverdale, Rosemont and Stickney. A full list of straight meter locations can be found at http://www.cityofchicago.org.

When travelling by taxi in North America, passengers have the right to a clean and safe vehicle, a driver who does not use a cell phone whilst driving and may choose to have the air conditioning on or off. Passengers are also entitled to pay by credit card and a receipt for their payment. Taxi passengers are expected to treat their driver with respect and courtesy, to use their seatbelt and to pay for their journey by taxi.

Taxis can be taken from all areas in Chicago to the O’Hare Airport as well. Always leave sufficient time for your journey, in case of traffic congestion. Find out further details regarding the Chicago O’Hare International Airport taxis from the airport at the customer service number of 1-773-686-2200. The Landside Operations office can also be contacted at 773-686-8040.