Car Hire Chicago Airport

Chicago O'Hare Airport Mini Guide

Tell me About Chicago?
It’s the third most populous city in the US and home to a great variety of cultures including mainly Chinese, Indian and Irish. It’s renowned for its hospitality and its position on Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. The city leans heavily on culture and art and has its own museum district called the Museum Campus. There, museums and exhibitions on almost every topic can be found. The city is also famous as the home of deep pan pizza, now a worldwide phenomenon and a product of the Italian community famous for the twenties era of ‘The Mob’.

How do I get Into Chicago?
If coming in from abroad the chances are that you’ll arrive at Chicago O’Hare Airport, one of the world’s busiest. It’s a little further out than Midway Airport but has flights from four continents. From here to the city is around seventeen miles and the best ways to get there are either to take the metro Blue Line or the airport shuttle bus that makes stops on the way to the central business district. Hire car is another good option as you’ll get the use of it during your stay to explore the city and its environs.

What’s O’Hare Like?
The airport is breath-taking, it’s no wonder it’s been voted the best US airport for ten years. That doesn’t mean to say it’s perfect, a large proportion of American cancelled flights originated there and there are often delays. If you are delayed then a lot of the frustration will be taken away just by exploring the airport with its incredible architecture and facilities.

What Will I Experience on Arrival?
First thing that will hit you is the sheer size of the airport. There are four terminals, each with replicated facilities. If you lose your way around, there are several information desks and concierges to help you. If you’ve pre-booked a hire car you’ll need to go to the lower level in arrivals to complete the paperwork and collect your car. Other ground transportation is available from this level too. For the train into the city you’ll have to go up a level to departures. If you need assistance because of reduced mobility, there are dedicated staff on hand to help but don’t forget to give them notice.

What is the Procedure for When I Leave?
The only delay usually encountered is going through security in the light of the threat of terrorism. Once you’ve checked in your luggage and passed through security there are dozens of restaurants and nearly a hundred shops to tempt you to part with your dollars. All manner of food can be bought and nearly every item you might want to purchase for your trip is available in the shops. To help entertain the children there is a children’s museum in the main terminals with a host of hands-on activities to keep them occupied. Finally, the airport is fully equipped with free Wi-Fi for the business traveller or those that simply want to keep in touch.

Many of the world’s cultures are represented in the city of Chicago. A hire car can take you through its Chinatown or to the Indian area around Rogers Park. Chicago is known mainly for its Irish community and the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade is world famous as the Chicago River is stained green and the bands of the police and fire department march through the streets.

On hot summer days, many residents head for the beaches of Lake Michigan, accredited as one of the cleanest urban beaches in the world. There you can swim, surf, sail or just sunbathe.