Big Changes at O’Hare are Affecting ORD Parking

If you haven’t flown in or out of Chicago O’Hare International Airport in the last year, then you may just be surprised to see the changes that are either already waiting for you or that are in the works. As the busiest airport in the United States, O’Hare is rapidly expanding, offering more routes and more airlines to meet passenger demand. With all of those new passengers, though, comes the need for more and better infrastructure.

Earlier this year, the airport broke ground on a $1.2 billion expansion of Terminal 5. The construction is expected to last through 2021, but should result in more than 350,000 square feet of new space, including lounges, dining, shopping and — of course — gates. In total, there will be 10 new gates, 15 new dining and retail locations, a 70 percent expansion of lounge space and six new security lanes. Following the terminal update, which should wrap up in 2021, the airport will turn its attention to its 25-year-old baggage handling system. By 2022, the system will be completely upgraded.

A later phase of this same project will include new roadway capacities, curbside enhancement and a brand-new O’Hare parking garage. You don’t have to wait until then to experience new changes to ORD – O’Hare parking, though. Late last year, the airport opened its new Multi Modal Facility.

The state-of-the-art ground transportation center encompasses all rental car operations, public Chicago airport parking and other modes of ground transit. The center is 2.5 million square feet and is the central access point for all public parking, rental cars, busing and more. The facility took three years to build and is valued at $841 million. So, whether you’re parking your own car or just returning to the airport to park your rental, you’ll be going in and out of this new facility. This includes any rental cars that were previously located off-site. If it’s an O’Hare car rental location, it’s now going to be found here.

Thankfully, the new Multi Modal Facility not only contains all the O’Hare public parking, but it also expanded the ORD parking options. With its opening, travelers received access to the new Parking Lot F, which includes more than 2,600 parking spaces. Additionally, the parking comes with a cool, futuristic perk — parking guidance technology to help you find your car faster. Other innovations include 12 electronic charging stations, multi-level fueling, a green roof, service animal relief area and “mother rooms.” ORD is also seeking LEED certification for the building, as it’s highly sustainable and “green.”

While all of these enhancements and changes will ultimately make your parking experience at O’Hare International Airport better, there’s still another way that you can make parking at ORD easier, faster and even cheaper. When you use Way.com to book your airport parking, you can easily find a convenient ORD parking spot that fits your needs, whatever they might be, and save some cash while you’re at it.