O'Hare Transfer

O’Hare Transfer Chicago Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and its O’Hare Transfer Station serves as a crucial multimodal transit hub for travelers, commuters, and airport employees. Since its opening in 1996, O’Hare Transfer has evolved into a sophisticated gateway, integrating Metra’s North Central Service (NCS), the Airport Transit System (ATS), bus networks, and the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for rental cars and parking. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of O’Hare Transfer Station—covering its history, operations, service patterns, accessibility, ticketing, transit connections, visitor tips, nearby amenities, and future plans. Whether you’re traveling to or from O’Hare, commuting from the suburbs, or planning a seamless airport transfer, this guide will help you navigate O’Hare Transfer Station confidently (Metra O’Hare Transfer; Fly-ORD; Wikipedia).

Introduction
History and Development
- Origins and Purpose
- Infrastructure Evolution
Service and Operations
Location and Transit Connections
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Recent and Future Developments
O’Hare Transfer in a Global Context
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Call to Action
References

History and Development

Origins and Purpose

O’Hare Transfer Station was inaugurated on August 19, 1996, as part of Metra’s North Central Service (NCS). Its creation was a strategic move to bolster airport accessibility from Chicago’s northern suburbs and downtown, complementing the heavily-used CTA Blue Line. The airport itself, a former military airfield known as Orchard Place and later Douglas Airport, grew rapidly into a global aviation hub, exceeding 68 million passengers in 2022 and nearing 74 million in 2023.

The station’s location at the edge of O’Hare’s remote parking area (Lot F), near Mannheim Road and Zemke Boulevard, was designed to serve not just travelers, but also airport employees. The goal was to provide an alternative rail link that could relieve highway congestion and offer a more comfortable ride, especially during peak travel times and major events.

Infrastructure Evolution

Initially, O’Hare Transfer required passengers to use shuttle buses between the station and airport terminals, which was inconvenient—especially with luggage. This changed in November 2018 with the opening of the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), consolidating rental car agencies, extended parking, and bus terminals. The extension of the ATS to the MMF enabled a direct, free connection from Metra to all O’Hare terminals. While passengers still walk through the MMF to reach the ATS platform, this upgrade has greatly improved the travel experience. Further enhancements to streamline this transfer are under consideration.

Service and Operations

Schedule, Visiting Hours, and Tickets

Metra North Central Service (NCS): O’Hare Transfer operates on weekdays only, with approximately 12 trains per day (six inbound, six outbound). Hours align with Metra’s schedule, generally from early morning through evening. Service is limited on weekends except during special events (Wikipedia).
ATS (Airport Transit System): Runs 24/7, every 3–7 minutes, connecting the MMF (adjacent to O’Hare Transfer) with all airport terminals (ShunHotel).
Pace Suburban Bus: Multiple routes serve the MMF, many with seven-day service (Fly-ORD).

Ticketing

Metra: Purchase tickets via the Ventra app, at station vending machines, or onboard (surcharge may apply). A one-way fare from O’Hare Transfer to Union Station is about $3.75.
Pace Bus: $2.00 with Ventra, $2.25 cash (exact fare).
CTA Blue Line: $5.00 from O’Hare to downtown, payable via Ventra or at vending machines.
Intercity Buses: Tickets must be purchased directly from operators like Peoria Charter or Wisconsin Coach Lines.

Accessibility and Amenities

O’Hare Transfer Station is ADA-compliant, featuring ramps, elevators, tactile paving, level ATS boarding, accessible restrooms, and seating. The MMF and ATS are also fully accessible. Audible announcements and clear signage assist with navigation (ShunHotel; Metra O’Hare Transfer).

Travelers should allow extra time for transfers if they have mobility needs.

Travel Tips

Plan Ahead: Check Metra’s NCS schedule in advance, as trains run only on weekdays.
Connection: Use the free ATS to reach all airport terminals from the MMF.
Ticketing: The Ventra app provides contactless fare payment for Metra, CTA, and Pace.
Signage: Follow MMF signage for “Metra,” “Rental Cars,” and “Airport Transit System.”
Parking: Real-time parking availability is available at FlyChicago.com.
Alternate Transit: The CTA Blue Line is more frequent and offers direct terminal access, though Metra is typically faster during peak highway congestion.

Location and Transit Connections

O’Hare Transfer Station is at 10300 Zemke Road, just east of Mannheim Road and adjacent to the MMF. The MMF consolidates all on-site rental car operations, extended parking, Pace suburban and intercity buses, and the ATS. This location provides efficient access to O’Hare’s main roadways and transit links (Metra O’Hare Transfer; Wikipedia).

Transit Connections

Metra North Central Service: Connects O’Hare Transfer to Union Station (35–40 minutes), Antioch, and northern suburbs; service is limited to weekdays.
ATS: 24/7 people-mover to all airport terminals and parking.
Pace Buses: Key routes include 250 (Des Plaines/Evanston) and 330 (Archer/Harlem).
CTA Blue Line: Accessible from terminals via pedestrian tunnels and ATS; 24/7 service to downtown.
Intercity Bus: Operators like Peoria Charter and Van Galder connect regional destinations from the MMF.
Rental Cars and Parking: All major agencies are housed in the MMF for seamless car pick-up/drop-off (Wikipedia; ShunHotel).

Nearby Attractions and Amenities

Though the station primarily serves airport access, the MMF offers extended parking and easy rental car pick-up. The immediate area is utilitarian, but travelers can quickly connect to downtown Chicago for shopping, dining, museums, and historic sites via Metra, CTA, or bus.

Within the airport, travelers can explore art installations, dining, and retail options. The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel and several nearby hotels offer lodging with shuttle services.

Recent and Future Developments

Metra piloted expanded express service during the 2024 Democratic National Convention, demonstrating the potential for increased frequency and weekend service. Metra’s 2023–2027 plan includes goals for better pedestrian connectivity, improved amenities, and enhanced integration with Chicago’s regional rail network. Studies and funding are underway to support these enhancements.

O’Hare Transfer in a Global Context

Unlike many major airports with rail stations directly beneath terminals, O’Hare Transfer is separated by the MMF and requires a transfer via the ATS. Discussions continue about creating a seamless “airport express” rail service to improve convenience and ridership.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are O’Hare Transfer Station’s operating hours?
A: The station operates in line with Metra’s NCS schedule—weekdays only. The ATS operates 24/7.

Q: How can I buy Metra tickets at O’Hare Transfer?
A: Use the Ventra app, station vending machines, or purchase onboard (additional fee).

Q: Is O’Hare Transfer Station accessible?
A: Yes, it is fully ADA-compliant with elevators, ramps, tactile paving, and accessible vehicles.

Q: How do I get from O’Hare Transfer to the terminals?
A: Walk through the MMF to the ATS platform, then ride the people-mover to your terminal.

Q: Is there parking at O’Hare Transfer?
A: Extended parking and all on-site rental car services are available at the MMF.

Conclusion and Call to Action

O’Hare Transfer Station is a vital yet often overlooked component of Chicago’s transit landscape, offering a comfortable, accessible alternative to the CTA Blue Line for airport access and suburban commutes. Its integration with the MMF and ATS provides seamless connections to airport terminals, rental cars, and regional transportation. While limited service and transfer requirements present challenges, ongoing improvements are poised to enhance its role as a regional gateway.

For the latest schedules, ticketing, and operational updates, download the Ventra app and consult Metra’s official site, Fly-ORD, and related transit guides. Stay informed, plan ahead, and make the most of your next journey through O’Hare Transfer Station.