Pick the Right Chicago Airport Lot Before Parking Becomes Part of the Delay
Compare O’Hare and Midway by real daily cost, terminal convenience, economy transfers, vehicle clearance and accessible routes—not just the first parking result on your phone.
Confirm ORD or MDW, save one preferred lot and one backup, then recheck live airport parking status before the final drive. Economy availability can change during busy travel periods.
Fast Answer: Which Chicago Airport Parking Should You Use?
Cheapest official O’Hare option: Economy G or H is $16 per 24 hours when available. Because these remote lots can fill, check the live ORD parking module and save Economy F as a backup.
Covered O’Hare long-term parking: Economy F costs $30 per 24 hours and connects to every terminal by the free Airport Transit System.
Closest O’Hare domestic parking: Main Daily Levels 2–6 costs $43 for 8–24 hours. Avoid Hourly Level 1 for a full travel day because the same 8–24-hour stay costs $79.
Best-value Midway long-term parking: Economy Garage/Lot costs $15 per 24 hours and uses free terminal shuttles approximately every 10–15 minutes.
Start Here: Is Your Flight From O’Hare or Midway?
Travelers searching “Chicago airport parking” often skip the most basic check. ORD and MDW are separate airports in different parts of Chicago, with different prices, garages and reservation systems.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Use this side of the guide when your airline confirmation shows ORD. O’Hare has Main Garage hourly/daily parking, outside Lots B/C, Terminal 5 parking and Economy F/G/H.
Chicago Midway International Airport
Use this side when your airline confirmation shows MDW. Midway has Terminal Garage hourly/daily parking plus lower-cost Economy Garage/Lot and a Daily Lot.
Third-party booking check: before paying an off-airport provider, confirm that the shuttle serves the exact airport code on your ticket.
Chicago Airport Parking Rates: ORD and MDW Side by Side
Official drive-up rates below are useful for trip planning. Prebook prices and live lot availability can differ, so confirm the airport’s current status immediately before travel.
| Parking option | Current useful price | Best use | Terminal connection |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORD Main Hourly | $3 first hr; $79 at 8–24 hr | Very short airport visits | Walk to domestic terminals |
| ORD Main Daily | $43 at 8–24 hr | Convenience / short trip | Walk to domestic terminals |
| ORD Lots B/C | $43 at 8–24 hr | Taller vehicles near domestic terminals | Terminal-area surface parking |
| ORD Terminal 5 Garage / Lot D | $43 at 8–24 hr | Terminal 5 flights | Enclosed bridge / terminal area |
| ORD Economy F | $30 at 4–24 hr | Covered long-term parking | Free ATS |
| ORD Economy G/H | $16 at 1–24 hr | Lowest-cost official ORD parking | Shuttle to MMF + ATS |
| MDW Hourly Garage | $4 first hr; $67 at 8–24 hr | Very short terminal visit | Walk to terminal |
| MDW Daily Garage | $43 at 8–24 hr | Convenient short trip | Walk to terminal |
| MDW Daily Lot | Current live status lists $30/day | Lower-cost near-airport daily parking | Check current shuttle/status |
| MDW Economy | $15 at 1–24 hr | Multi-day trip | Free shuttle every 10–15 min |
Midway Daily Lot status conflict: the airport’s current parking-status module lists the Daily Lot open at $30/day, while an older standalone Daily Lot page still says temporarily closed. Check the live Midway parking module before driving to Kilpatrick Avenue.
What Will a 3-Day, 5-Day or 7-Day Chicago Airport Trip Cost?
Daily-rate comparison makes the tradeoff easier to understand. These simple examples assume each stay reaches one full daily charge per calendar parking period; your exact charge depends on actual entry and exit time.
| Option | 3 days | 5 days | 7 days |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORD Main Daily — $43/day | $129 | $215 | $301 |
| ORD Economy F — $30/day | $90 | $150 | $210 |
| ORD Economy G/H — $16/day | $48 | $80 | $112 |
| MDW Daily Garage — $43/day | $129 | $215 | $301 |
| MDW Economy — $15/day | $45 | $75 | $105 |
Five-day example: ORD Economy G/H can save about $135 compared with Main Daily when available; MDW Economy can save about $140 compared with its Daily Garage. Decide whether that saving is worth the extra transfer.
O’Hare Airport Parking Options Explained
O’Hare has the more complex parking system. The key decision is whether you want terminal proximity, covered economy parking or the lowest possible official drive-up rate.
Main Garage Daily — Levels 2–6
- Location
- Adjacent to domestic terminals
- 0–1 hour
- $3
- 1–2 hours
- $6
- 2–3 hours
- $10
- 3–4 hours
- $14
- 4–8 hours
- $36
- 8–24 hours
- $43
- Clearance
- 6 ft 6 in
Main Garage Hourly — Level 1
- Recommended use
- Airport visits under roughly 3 hours
- 0–1 hour
- $3
- 1–2 hours
- $6
- 2–3 hours
- $10
- 3–4 hours
- $14
- 4–8 hours
- $36
- 8–24 hours
- $79
- EV
- 12 Level II chargers in Aisle 2 near Elevator Center 3
Terminal 5 Parking Garage and Lot D
- Garage
- Six stories
- Approx. spaces
- About 1,700 garage spaces
- Terminal connection
- Enclosed pedestrian bridge
- 8–24 hours
- $43
- Garage clearance
- 8 ft 6 in
- EV charging
- 48 Level II stations across Levels 1–4
- Outdoor alternative
- Adjacent Lot D
Economy Lot F — Multi-Modal Facility
- Address
- 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666
- Parking location
- Levels 4 and 5 of the MMF
- 0–1 hour
- $3
- 1–2 hours
- $6
- 2–3 hours
- $10
- 3–4 hours
- $14
- 4–24 hours
- $30
- Clearance
- 8 ft 4 in on the economy parking page
- EV
- 24 Level II chargers on Level 4
Economy Lots G and H
- 0–1 hour
- $3
- 1–24 hours
- $16
- Area
- Bessie Coleman Drive / Mannheim-Zemke area
- Transfer
- Remote-lot shuttle to MMF, then ATS to terminals
- Frequency
- Airport lists shuttles/ATS around every 5–10 minutes
- Service
- 24-hour transfer operation listed by airport
- Availability
- Dynamic; recheck travel day
Midway Airport Parking Options Explained
Midway is simpler: use the Terminal Garage for convenience, Economy for multi-day value, or check the current Daily Lot status when it fits your trip.
Terminal Garage Daily — Levels 2–6
- Address
- 5701 S. Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL
- 0–1 hour
- $4
- 1–2 hours
- $8
- 2–3 hours
- $12
- 3–4 hours
- $16
- 4–8 hours
- $32
- 8–24 hours
- $43
Terminal Garage Hourly — Level 1
- 0–1 hour
- $4
- 1–2 hours
- $8
- 2–3 hours
- $12
- 3–4 hours
- $16
- 4–8 hours
- $32
- 8–24 hours
- $67
- EV
- Four Level II charging stations on Level 1
Midway Economy Garage and Economy Lot
- Address
- 5050 W. 55th Street, Chicago, IL
- 0–1 hour
- $4
- 1–24 hours
- $15
- Shuttle
- Free; approximately every 10–15 minutes
- Garage location
- West of Cicero Ave., north of 55th Street
- Surface lot
- Just east of the Economy Garage
- Garage clearance
- 8 ft 2 in
- EV
- Four Level II chargers near east elevators on first level
Midway Daily Lot
- Location
- Northwest corner of 55th Street and Kilpatrick Avenue
- Entrance/exit
- Kilpatrick Avenue
- Current status price
- $30/day shown in current airport parking module
- Facility type
- Surface daily/long-term lot
- Important
- Older detail page still contains a temporary-closure notice
Best Chicago Airport Parking by Trip Length
Should You Reserve Chicago Airport Parking in Advance?
Reserve when certainty is more important than simply taking whatever drive-up space is open. Airport reservation products guarantee the reserved parking product even if the general garage is busy.
O’Hare reserved parking locations
Official reserved areas are on Level 4 of the Main Garage, Level 2 of the Terminal 5 Garage and Level 4 of Economy F.
Midway reserved parking location
Midway reserved parking is on Level 2 of the Main Terminal Garage.
Reservation fee: FlyChicago lists a $10 reservation fee per space, per day at both airports, separate from parking cost and applicable taxes/fees. Compare the complete checkout price before paying.
What Should You Do if an O’Hare or Midway Parking Lot Is Full?
Flight-protection rule: once the preferred low-cost lot is unavailable, prioritize reaching the terminal safely and on time rather than spending another 20 minutes chasing the lowest price.
Economy Parking Transfer: What Happens After You Park?
ORD Economy F
Park on MMF Levels 4 or 5, follow signs to the Airport Transit System and ride the free ATS to your terminal.
- Photograph floor and row.
- Keep terminal number accessible.
- Add the walk to ATS.
ORD Economy G/H
Remote G/H adds a shuttle to the MMF before the ATS ride to the terminal.
- Allow more time than Lot F.
- Keep luggage manageable.
- Record the remote-lot area.
MDW Economy
Free buses operate between economy parking and the terminal approximately every 10–15 minutes.
- Record shuttle stop number.
- Add waiting time.
- Allow extra time in snow or heavy rain.
Family/luggage decision: if you have multiple suitcases, a stroller or mobility equipment, compare the economy savings against the physical effort of boarding a shuttle or ATS.
Free Passenger Pickup Waiting at O’Hare and Midway
Use the official Cell Phone Lots instead of circling terminal roads or waiting on road shoulders.
O’Hare Cell Phone Lot
Address: 560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive.
Wait until the passenger has collected baggage and confirms the exact terminal pickup point.
Midway Cell Phone Lot
Located at West 61st Street and South Cicero Avenue.
Wait for the passenger’s call before joining the terminal pickup flow.
Cell Phone Lot rule: these are attended waiting areas, not unattended parking. Keep the driver with the vehicle.
Alternative drop-off when terminal roads are crowded
O’Hare’s Kiss ‘n’ Fly is at the Multi-Modal Facility, 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., with ATS access to all terminals. Midway’s alternative drop-off is around West 59th Street and South Kilpatrick Avenue.
Accessible and Disabled Parking at O’Hare and Midway
Both airports provide accessible spaces throughout official parking. The more important planning detail for some travelers is vehicle height and the step-free route from the space to the terminal.
O’Hare accessible parking
O’Hare publishes approximately 300 accessible spaces positioned near elevators, sidewalks, shuttle stops and the Multi-Modal Facility.
| O’Hare facility | Accessible spaces | Height consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Main Garage | 108 across Levels 1–6 | 6 ft 6 in |
| Lot B | 26 | 9 ft |
| Lot C | 21 | 8 ft 5 in |
| Lot D | 13 | Outdoor / no garage restriction |
| Economy F | 40 | Accessibility guidance lists 8 ft 2 in |
| Economy G | 36 | Outdoor |
| Economy H | 22 | Outdoor |
Source discrepancy worth knowing: ORD’s general Economy F page lists an 8 ft 4 in clearance, while the accessibility page lists 8 ft 2 in for accessible Lot F guidance. Drivers near either threshold should contact O’Hare parking at 773-686-7530 before arrival rather than relying on the larger figure.
Midway accessible parking
Midway publishes 164 accessible parking spaces, with designated spaces near elevator cores in the garages and near entrances in surface lots. Economy shuttle buses include wheelchair lifts and securement systems.
Terminal Garage
55 accessible spaces. Use the center elevator core for the third-floor pedestrian bridge.
Economy Garage
75 accessible spaces near the elevator cores.
Economy Lot
35 designated accessible spaces near the lot entrance.
Where Can You Charge an EV While Parking at Chicago Airports?
| Facility | Charging | Location |
|---|---|---|
| ORD Main Garage | 12 Level II | Level 1, Aisle 2 near Elevator Center 3 |
| ORD Economy F | 24 Level II | Level 4, Rows G/H/I/J |
| ORD Terminal 5 Garage | 48 Level II | Levels 1–4 |
| MDW Terminal Garage | 4 Level II | Hourly Level 1 |
| MDW Economy Garage | 4 Level II | First level near east elevators |
Do not arrive dependent on one charger: airport parking guarantees neither charger availability nor working status. Have enough range for a backup charging plan.
Garage Height Limits for SUVs, Vans and Roof Boxes
| Facility | Published clearance | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| ORD Main Garage | 6 ft 6 in | Standard passenger vehicles; carefully check roof accessories. |
| ORD Lot B | 9 ft | Useful near-terminal choice for taller vehicles. |
| ORD Lot C | 8 ft 5 in | Outdoor daily alternative. |
| ORD Terminal 5 Garage | 8 ft 6 in | Higher-clearance covered T5 option. |
| ORD Economy F | 8 ft 4 in on economy page | Covered long-term; see accessibility discrepancy above. |
| MDW Economy Garage | 8 ft 2 in | Suitable for many taller passenger vehicles. |
Measure the real vehicle: roof box, bicycle rack, ladder rack, antenna or cargo equipment counts toward clearance.
Chicago Winter Parking: When Covered Parking Is Worth More
Snow during a long trip
ORD Economy F or MDW Economy Garage can reduce snow and ice buildup compared with remote surface lots.
Very low temperatures
Save the parking-office phone number before departure in case the return trip begins with a weak battery or flat tire.
Children or heavy bags
Covered terminal parking may justify a higher price when moving luggage through poor weather would be difficult.
Small preparation that helps: leave an ice scraper inside the passenger compartment and photograph the parking location before entering the airport.
Parking at O’Hare or Midway for More Than 30 Days
Both airport systems instruct travelers to contact the appropriate Parking Garage Office before leaving a vehicle for more than 30 days.
Do not leave the car without arranging the stay: an airport vehicle parked beyond 30 days without prior arrangement can be considered abandoned and may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Reservation Problem, Dead Battery, Boot or Lost Car: What to Do
| Problem | Immediate action | Have this ready |
|---|---|---|
| Preferred lot is full | Follow live airport status and switch to the saved official backup. | Backup lot address and rate. |
| Reservation QR fails | Confirm the facility, then use the gate/intercom assistance. | QR, booking number and plate. |
| Return flight is late | Follow reservation exit instructions; additional parking may be charged. | Booking and payment card. |
| Dead battery / flat tire | Call the airport’s Parking Garage Office for vehicle assistance. | Airport, lot, level, row and plate. |
| Vehicle booted | Contact the Parking Garage Office; Chicago’s immobilization program is enforced at airport lots. | Plate and exact parking location. |
| Cannot locate car | Ask parking staff for lost-vehicle assistance. | Plate, make/model and estimated entry time. |
| Vehicle too tall | Do not test the clearance bar. Back out safely and use a higher-clearance or surface facility. | Measured total vehicle height. |
Chicago Airport Parking Phone Numbers and Addresses
O’Hare Parking
Midway Parking
O’Hare Economy F / MMF
Midway Economy Parking
Chicago Airport Parking Tips That Matter on Travel Day
Check status again at the driveway
A lot that was open when you left home can fill while you are driving. Economy status is a live decision, not a permanent fact.
Navigate to the lot—not the airport
“O’Hare Airport” can take you toward terminal traffic instead of Economy F or the Cell Phone Lot.
Do not wait on road shoulders
Use the Cell Phone Lot instead of stopping near airport ramps while waiting for an arriving traveler.
Record the transfer stop
At Midway Economy, saving your shuttle-stop number is more useful than remembering only the row.
Save terminal number before parking
O’Hare economy travelers still need to know exactly where to leave the ATS.
Holiday backup
Before Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break or a major travel weekend, save one higher-priced official lot as Plan B.
Covered does not always mean closest
Economy F is covered but still requires ATS travel; Main Garage costs more because the pedestrian route is shorter.
Take four photos
Photograph the facility name, parking row, elevator/shuttle stop and return-direction sign.
60-Second Chicago Airport Parking Checklist
Before leaving home
- ORD or MDW confirmed
- Airline terminal confirmed
- Preferred parking facility saved
- Backup parking facility saved
- Live lot status checked
- Full-trip parking cost estimated
- Shuttle/ATS time added
- Vehicle height checked
- Accessible route checked if needed
- Reservation QR saved offline
Before entering the terminal
- Facility name photographed
- Floor and row saved
- Elevator core recorded
- Shuttle stop recorded
- Vehicle locked
- Parking ticket retained
- Terminal number remembered
- Return transfer understood
- Parking phone number saved
- Weather conditions considered
O’Hare and Midway Airport Parking Google Maps
O’Hare parking map
Midway parking map
Final-approach rule: once you choose a facility, navigate to that garage or lot—not to the generic airport pin.
Official Chicago Airport Parking Tools
Use these after you know what you need to verify. They are included for live status, reservation, accessibility and facility-specific checks rather than as a generic link list.
Chicago Airport Parking FAQs
How much is parking at Chicago O’Hare Airport?
Current official rates include $43 per 24-hour period for Main Daily and Terminal 5 parking, $30 for Economy F and $16 for Economy G/H when those remote lots are available. Main Hourly can reach $79 for an 8–24-hour stay.
How much is parking at Chicago Midway Airport?
Midway Economy is currently $15 per 24 hours, Daily Garage is $43 for 8–24 hours and Hourly Garage is $67 for 8–24 hours. The current airport status also lists the Daily Lot at $30 per day.
What is the cheapest official parking at O’Hare?
Economy G and H are currently the lowest-priced official options at $16 per day when available. Because availability changes, check FlyChicago immediately before driving.
What is the cheapest official parking at Midway?
Economy Garage and Economy Lot are currently $15 per 24 hours and include free shuttle transportation to the terminal.
Should I reserve O’Hare or Midway parking?
Reserve when guaranteed covered parking matters, particularly during high-demand travel periods. Remember that FlyChicago lists a $10-per-space-per-day reservation fee in addition to parking and applicable fees.
How do I get from O’Hare Economy Parking to my terminal?
Economy F connects directly to the free Airport Transit System at the Multi-Modal Facility. Economy G/H travelers first take a remote-lot shuttle to the MMF and then board the ATS.
Does Midway Economy Parking have a free shuttle?
Yes. Free shuttle buses operate between the Midway Economy Garage/Lot and the main terminal approximately every 10–15 minutes.
Where can I wait free when picking someone up?
Both airports have free Cell Phone Lots for attended vehicles. O’Hare’s is at 560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive; Midway’s is at West 61st Street and South Cicero Avenue.
Is accessible parking available at O’Hare and Midway?
Yes. O’Hare publishes about 300 accessible spaces and Midway publishes 164. Travelers using tall accessible vans should verify garage clearance and the step-free route before arrival.
Can I park at O’Hare or Midway for more than 30 days?
Yes only after making appropriate arrangements with the airport Parking Garage Office. Vehicles left beyond 30 days without prior arrangements may be treated as abandoned and towed.
Independent Chicago Airport Parking Information
Parking Guide Hub is an independent informational website and is not O’Hare International Airport, Midway International Airport, the Chicago Department of Aviation, the City of Chicago, an airline or a parking operator.
Parking rates, reservation prices, lot availability, construction, transfers and EV charger status can change. Use the official FlyChicago links above for time-sensitive verification before driving or paying.
Visit the Parking Guide Hub homepage for additional parking guides.