Choose Your O’Hare Lot Before Airport Traffic Chooses It for You
The cheapest O’Hare space is not always the best space once luggage, terminal transfers, vehicle height and the time needed to reach security are included.
Compare the complete stay first, save one backup lot and navigate to the parking facility—not merely the airport terminal—before joining the O’Hare roadway system.
Fast Answer: Where Should You Park?
Picking up a passenger: use the free Cell Phone Lot while you wait for the traveler to collect bags and call you. Do not circle the terminal curb.
Under three hours: Main Garage Hourly Level 1 is designed for short visits to Terminals 1–3. Terminal 5 Garage uses the same short-stay rate ladder for T5.
Multi-day trip: check Economy G/H first for the lowest published on-airport daily rate, then keep Economy F as the covered backup.
Terminal 5 with bags, children or limited mobility: the T5 Garage can be worth the higher rate because it connects to the terminal by an enclosed pedestrian bridge.
Current O’Hare Parking Rates
Compare the rate for your complete stay. Hourly parking looks inexpensive for the first hour but becomes O’Hare’s most expensive ordinary option after eight hours.
| Official facility | Current rate | How you reach terminal | Use it when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Hourly — Level 1 | $3 first hour; $79 at 8–24h | Walk to T1–T3 | Short pickup, meeting or appointment |
| Main Daily — Levels 2–6 | $43 at 8–24h | Walk to T1–T3 | Convenient one- or two-day domestic trip |
| Outside Lots B / C | $43 at 8–24h | Adjacent domestic-terminal area | Taller vehicles needing outdoor clearance |
| Economy F | $30 at 4–24h | Free ATS from MMF | Covered long-term parking |
| Economy G | $16 at 1–24h | Shuttle → MMF → ATS | Lowest published on-airport daily rate |
| Economy H | $16 at 1–24h | Shuttle → MMF → ATS | Low-cost economy backup |
| Terminal 5 Garage / Lot D | $43 at 8–24h | Garage bridge to T5 | Terminal 5 convenience |
| Premier Parking | $63/day | Under 300 ft from T1/T3 area | Premium minimum-walking option |
Check live status before leaving home: Economy G and H can reach capacity during busy periods. The official parking page provides a live status module.
Which Lot Costs Less for Your Trip?
These examples use the currently published daily-rate tiers for simple comparison. Your actual charge depends on the precise entry/exit duration and any reserved product you buy.
| Trip example | G/H at $16/day | F at $30/day | Main/T5 at $43/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 daily periods | About $32 | About $60 | About $86 |
| 4 daily periods | About $64 | About $120 | About $172 |
| 7 daily periods | About $112 | About $210 | About $301 |
Practical trade-off: Economy G/H saves the most money, but F removes the parking-lot shuttle step and keeps the vehicle covered. Main/T5 costs more but reduces terminal-transfer effort.
O’Hare Parking Addresses and Navigation Points
Economy F / Multi-Modal Facility
10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666
Use this address for Economy F, the Multi-Modal Facility, rental-car area and Kiss ‘n’ Fly access.
Cell Phone Lot
560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive, Chicago, IL 60666
Use this free waiting lot when an arriving passenger is not ready at the curb.
Main Garage and Terminal 5: after entering the airport roadway network, follow the overhead parking signs. A generic “O’Hare Airport” navigation pin can place you in a terminal lane instead of the garage entrance you need.
Main Garage: Know Which Level Before You Enter
Hourly — Level 1
Intended for short-term parking of less than about three 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
Daily — Levels 2–6
Better for an overnight stay near Terminals 1–3.
- 0–1 hour: $3
- 1–2 hours: $6
- 2–3 hours: $10
- 3–4 hours: $14
- 4–8 hours: $36
- 8–24 hours: $43
Do not leave an overnight vehicle on the Hourly level by accident. At 8–24 hours the current difference is $79 Hourly versus $43 Daily.
Economy F, G and H: The Transfer Difference Matters
Economy Lot F
- Address
- 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666
- Parking area
- Levels 4 and 5 of the Multi-Modal Facility.
- Rate
- $3 first hour; $30 for 4–24 hours.
- Terminal transfer
- Walk inside the MMF and take the free ATS to T1, T2, T3 or T5.
- General clearance
- 8 ft 4 in.
- EV charging
- 24 Level II charging stations on Level 4, Rows G–J.
Economy Lot G
- Location
- Bessie Coleman Drive, southwest corner of Mannheim and Zemke Road.
- Rate
- $3 up to one hour; $16 for 1–24 hours.
- First transfer
- Parking-lot shuttle to the Multi-Modal Facility.
- Second transfer
- ATS from MMF to the passenger terminals.
- Service
- Airport guidance says lot shuttles operate 24 hours and generally arrive every 5–10 minutes.
Economy Lot H
- Location
- Along Bessie Coleman Drive near Coffey Road.
- Rate
- $3 up to one hour; $16 for 1–24 hours.
- Transfer
- Lot shuttle to MMF, followed by ATS to the terminals.
- Payment note
- Airport general parking information currently identifies Economy H as credit-card only.
Exactly How the ATS and Economy Shuttle Transfers Work
Economy F → Terminal
Economy G/H → Terminal
ATS planning: O’Hare states the automated train operates 24/7, generally every 3–5 minutes during peak periods. End-to-end T1-to-MMF travel is listed at about 10 minutes; your total parking-to-gate journey will be longer because walking, shuttle waiting and security are separate.
Terminal 5 Garage: What Changed for International Travelers
Terminal 5 now has a six-story parking garage rather than relying only on the adjacent outdoor Lot D.
About 1,700 spaces
Parking-assist technology helps show available spaces inside the garage.
Enclosed terminal bridge
The garage connects directly to Terminal 5 through an enclosed pedestrian bridge.
48 Level II chargers
Chargers are distributed across Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.
| Stay | T5 Garage / Lot D |
|---|---|
| 0–1 hour | $3 |
| 1–2 hours | $6 |
| 2–3 hours | $10 |
| 3–4 hours | $14 |
| 4–8 hours | $36 |
| 8–24 hours | $43 |
Current pedestrian-route alert: official accessibility guidance instructs T5 Garage and Lot D users to access the terminal through the bridge on the south side of the garage’s first level, near the elevator lobby; follow current onsite construction signage.
Premier Parking: When $63 Per Day Can Still Make Sense
Less than 300 feet
Official airport guidance describes Premier Parking as less than 300 feet from the Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 areas.
Covered
Premier spaces are covered and located within the Main Garage parking system.
First-come, first-served
No advance booking is required for Premier; follow Hourly and then Premier Parking signs.
Best-fit traveler: a short business trip, heavy luggage, mobility limitations or a schedule where reducing walking and transfer time matters more than the daily parking price.
Official Reserved Parking: Three Current Locations
Pre-booking is useful on peak travel dates because it guarantees the reserved space even when the general garage reaches capacity.
Main Garage
Reserved spaces are available on Level 4.
Economy F
Reserved spaces are available on Level 4 of the Multi-Modal Facility.
Terminal 5
Current official guidance also lists Level 2 of Terminal 5 Parking Garage.
Reservation fee: the published reservation fee is $10 per space, per day, separate from parking cost plus applicable taxes/fees. Always compare the final checkout total rather than adding an assumed rate yourself.
How to use the reservation
Best Parking Approach by O’Hare Terminal
Confirm the terminal before parking. Airline and flight operations can change. Use the airline or O’Hare flight information rather than assuming a terminal solely from the airline name.
How Early Should You Reach the Parking Lot?
Airport check-in recommendations are separate from parking time. Add parking and transfer time before whatever airport-arrival buffer your airline or TSA recommends.
Main / T5
Allow time to enter, find a stall, unload, photograph your location and walk to the terminal.
Economy F
Add walking time inside the MMF plus ATS waiting and train travel.
Economy G/H
Add the most buffer: parking, unloading, remote-lot shuttle, MMF transfer, ATS and terminal walk.
Peak-travel strategy: the cheaper the lot and the farther it is from the terminal, the more transfer buffer you should protect. Do not calculate arrival time as though G/H were terminal-adjacent.
Picking Someone Up: Cell Phone Lot vs Kiss ‘n’ Fly
Free Cell Phone Lot
560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive, Chicago, IL 60666
Wait here until your passenger has deplaned, collected baggage and is ready for curb pickup.
Kiss ‘n’ Fly / MMF
Located by Mannheim Road and Zemke Boulevard at the Multi-Modal Facility.
Passengers use the ATS between MMF and Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5. Official guidance gives the pickup lot a 15-minute parking limit.
Do not stage at terminal curbs. Curbside waiting is prohibited. Unattended vehicles can be ticketed and towed.
Accessible Parking: Stall Location and Height Both Matter
O’Hare provides accessible parking throughout its parking system, but the safest choice depends on vehicle height and the transfer path.
| Area | Accessible spaces listed | Published accessibility-page height |
|---|---|---|
| Main Garage Levels 1–6 | 17 / 18 / 18 / 19 / 17 / 19 by level | 6 ft 6 in |
| Lot B | 26 | 9 ft |
| Lot C | 21 | 8 ft 5 in |
| Lot D | 13 | No height restriction listed |
| Economy F | 40 | Accessibility page lists 8 ft 2 in |
| Economy G | 36 | No height restriction listed |
| Economy H | 22 | No height restriction listed |
Accessible van caution: O’Hare’s general Economy F page lists the overall garage clearance as 8 ft 4 in, while its accessibility page lists 8 ft 2 in for accessible parking. For a tall accessible van, use the lower figure as the conservative planning number and call 773-686-7530 before arrival if clearance is close.
Remote-lot shuttle buses are described by O’Hare as kneeling to the curb and equipped with wheelchair securement systems; each can accommodate two passengers riding in wheelchairs.
Where to Charge an EV While Parked at O’Hare
Main Garage
12 Level II stations on Hourly Level 1, Aisle 2 near Elevator Center 3.
Economy F
24 Level II stations on Level 4 in Rows G, H, I and J.
Terminal 5
48 Level II chargers: 20 on Level 1, 10 on Level 2, 10 on Level 3 and 8 on Level 4.
Do not arrive with just enough battery to reach one charger. Charging stalls can be occupied or unavailable; preserve enough range for another parking location or charging alternative.
Tall SUV, Roof Box or Accessible Van? Check Clearance First
| Parking facility | Published clearance | Driver check |
|---|---|---|
| Main Garage | 6 ft 6 in | Often the critical option for taller SUVs with roof equipment. |
| Economy F | 8 ft 4 in general garage clearance | Accessibility page uses a lower 8 ft 2 in figure for accessible spaces. |
| Terminal 5 Garage | 8 ft 6 in | Useful covered option for some taller vehicles. |
| Outside Lot B | 9 ft | Outdoor domestic-terminal option. |
| Outside Lot C | 8 ft 5 in | Outdoor alternative beside Main Garage. |
Measure the complete vehicle: include roof box, bicycle, cargo rack, antenna, wheelchair equipment and anything added above the factory roofline.
How O’Hare Parking Payment Works
Drive-up parking
Official parking pages state that payment is collected when exiting. Cash and major card networks are listed as accepted at applicable facilities.
Economy H
O’Hare’s general parking information currently identifies Economy H as a credit-card-only facility.
Reserved parking
Pay during the official online booking process and use the reservation instructions/QR code for entry and exit.
Late return
Keep a payment method available even with a reservation because time beyond the booked period can create additional charges.
O’Hare Parking Problem? Use This Recovery Plan
| Problem | What to do now | Information to have ready |
|---|---|---|
| Economy lot full | Open official live parking status and use your saved backup rather than circling. | Backup facility + directions. |
| Reservation gate issue | Confirm the booked facility and use the gate/intercom instructions. | QR code + confirmation number. |
| Dead battery | Contact O’Hare Parking Garage Office. | Lot, level, row and licence plate. |
| Flat tire | Contact Parking Garage Office for vehicle assistance. | Exact parking location. |
| Cannot find vehicle | Use your photos and contact parking staff if necessary. | Entry time, lot, ticket/QR and likely level. |
| Vehicle booted | Call O’Hare Parking Garage Office. | Plate and vehicle location. |
| Parking over 30 days | Arrange the extended stay with the Parking Garage Office in advance. | Vehicle and contact details. |
30-day rule: O’Hare states that a vehicle parked more than 30 days without advance arrangements can be considered abandoned and may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Six O’Hare Parking Habits That Prevent Airport-Day Problems
Save two lots, not one
Store a preferred facility and a backup before entering I-190 airport traffic.
Photograph more than the row
Save lot, floor, row, elevator center and pedestrian exit so the return route is obvious after the trip.
Do not compare only daily price
Add shuttle transfers, ATS time, luggage effort and walking distance to the decision.
Never use Hourly by habit
A missed turn into Hourly can become expensive if the vehicle stays past eight hours.
Use Cell Phone Lot for delayed arrivals
It costs nothing and avoids terminal loops while the traveler waits for baggage.
Check live parking status on peak dates
Holiday demand can change which Economy facility is practical by the time you reach O’Hare.
O’Hare Parking Contact Information
O’Hare Parking Garage Office
Before calling
30-Second Checklist Before You Leave the Vehicle
Before entering the lot
- Confirm departure terminal.
- Check current lot status.
- Compare total-stay price.
- Confirm vehicle clearance.
- Save one backup lot.
- Add transfer time to airport arrival.
After parking
- Photograph facility name.
- Save floor and row.
- Record elevator or shuttle stop.
- Keep parking ticket / QR.
- Save return walking route.
- Lock valuables out of sight.
O’Hare Airport Parking Map and Directions
Use this map for orientation. For the actual drive, select Economy F/MMF, Cell Phone Lot or the required terminal parking facility rather than navigating only to the airport centre.
Map pins do not confirm availability or current rate. Google can also show private off-airport operators alongside official Chicago Department of Aviation parking.
Official O’Hare Tools for the Next Step
These links are placed after the relevant explanations so you know why to open each official page.
Related Parking Guide Hub Guides
O’Hare Airport Parking FAQs
How much is parking at Chicago O’Hare Airport per day?
Current official daily pricing depends on the facility. Economy G and H are $16 for 1–24 hours when available, Economy F is $30 for 4–24 hours, Main Daily and Terminal 5 are $43 for 8–24 hours, and Premier Parking is $63 per day.
What is the cheapest official parking at O’Hare?
Economy Lots G and H currently have the lowest published ordinary on-airport rate at $16 for 1–24 hours. Check the live airport parking status because remote economy lots can fill.
What address should I use for O’Hare Economy Lot F?
Use 10255 W. Zemke Blvd., Chicago, IL 60666. Economy F is on Levels 4 and 5 of the Multi-Modal Facility.
How do I get from Economy F to an O’Hare terminal?
Walk to the Airport Transit System station inside the Multi-Modal Facility and take the free ATS to Terminal 1, 2, 3 or 5. The ATS operates 24 hours a day.
How do I get from Economy G or H to the terminals?
Take the parking-lot shuttle to the Multi-Modal Facility, then transfer to the free Airport Transit System for the passenger terminals.
Where should I park for Terminal 5?
Terminal 5 Garage and adjacent Lot D provide the most direct official parking. The six-story garage connects to Terminal 5 by an enclosed pedestrian bridge and currently charges $43 for 8–24 hours.
Can I reserve O’Hare parking before my flight?
Yes. Official reserved parking is currently offered on Level 4 of the Main Garage, Level 4 of Economy F and Level 2 of Terminal 5 Garage. The published reservation fee is $10 per space per day in addition to parking cost and applicable fees.
Is there a free place to wait when picking someone up at O’Hare?
Yes. Use the free Cell Phone Lot at 560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive while waiting for the arriving passenger to call. Curbside waiting at the terminals is prohibited.
Does O’Hare have parking for accessible vans?
Accessible parking is available throughout the airport parking system, but height restrictions vary significantly. Main Garage is 6 ft 6 in, while outdoor lots and other garages offer greater clearance. Call the Parking Garage Office if vehicle height is close to the published limit.
Who do I call if my battery dies or I cannot find my car?
Call the O’Hare Parking Garage Office at 773-686-7530. Have your licence plate, vehicle description, lot or garage, level and row information available if possible.