Coping with O'Hare Traffic

O'Hare-Midway is in the business of providing the most efficient service possible to our customers. However, the complaint that our Customer Service Department receives most often is that our limousines do not get to our customers fast enough at O'Hare Airport. Here are some of the reasons why you may experience a lengthy delay at O'Hare, and some tips you can follow to minimize your wait.

All limousines and suburban taxicabs are required to be "staged" in a holding lot which is located approximately 2.5 miles from the main terminals. Over 2000 vehicles pass through this lot every day. After you call our "800" number and receive a license plate number, our dispatcher radios your limousine to proceed to the terminal. However, your chauffeur must first fill out a "prearranged livery ticket," and then proceed to the staging area exit booth. During certain times - especially at peak periods like Friday and Sunday nights - limousines can wait up to 15 minutes just to leave the staging area. And the Department of Aviation has on occasion even closed the exits form the staging areas completely for up to 30 minutes! Your limousine then enters the commercial roadway leading to the terminals. It is impossible to reach Terminal #3 without first passing through Terminals #1 and #2 - and very often there are back-ups on this roadway.

During non-peak periods and under normal conditions, it should take 6-8 minutes for your limousine to reach Terminal #1, 8-10 to reach Terminal #2, 10-12 to reach Terminal #3, and 12-14 to reach Terminal #4. Our dispatcher will do his very best to give you an idea of how long it will take to get your limousine to you - but keep in mind that this is just an estimate.