Domestic, carry-on only
Allow time to deplane and walk from the concourse to the lower-level arrivals curb.
Free ORD pickup calculator
When should I leave for an ORD airport pickup?
Enter the landing time and where you’re driving from. Get a specific time to leave for this pickup.
What you’ll get
One clear time to leave.
We’ll work backward from the landing, time to reach arrivals, and your drive.
Leave→Land→Meet
The short answer for a ORD pickup
For an O'Hare pickup, estimate when the passenger will reach the lower-level arrivals curb, then work backward through your drive. Curbside waiting is prohibited, so use the free Cell Phone Lot until the passenger has deplaned, collected bags and called.
When the passenger may be ready
Domestic, checked bag
Wait for baggage claim to finish before treating the passenger as ready for pickup.
International arrival
International arrivals can require passport control, baggage claim and customs before the passenger reaches the public pickup area.
Pickup rules
- Private passengers can be picked up on the lower level at the outermost curb by following Arrivals signs.
- Curbside waiting is prohibited; unattended vehicles may be ticketed and towed.
- Ask the passenger for Terminal 1, 2, 3 or 5 and a curb marker only after they reach the pickup level.
Where to wait
- O'Hare's free Cell Phone Lot is at 560 North Bessie Coleman Drive.
- The lot is intended for drivers waiting while passengers deplane, collect baggage and call for curbside pickup.
Terminal details
- Terminals 1, 2 and 3 form the domestic core, while Terminal 5 has a separate roadway approach used by many international arrivals.
- Meeting inside requires parking and possibly Airport Transit System movement, so enable the calculator's meet-inside option.
Road access
- Kennedy Expressway and I-190 traffic can change the drive from Chicago, especially around commuting periods.
- Winter weather and construction can affect both road access and the time needed to reach the correct terminal.
ORD pickup questions
Where do I pick someone up at O'Hare?
Follow Arrivals signs to the lower level and use the outermost curb. Confirm the terminal and curb marker with the passenger before entering the terminal roadway.
Where can I wait at ORD?
Use the free O'Hare Cell Phone Lot at 560 North Bessie Coleman Drive until the passenger calls from the curb.
Can I wait at the O'Hare arrivals curb?
No. O'Hare prohibits curbside waiting. The curb is for an active pickup after the passenger is already outside.
Official airport sources
Reviewed September 20, 2026. Airport rules and flight operations can change, so confirm current guidance before leaving.