O'Hare station
| Company type | Chicago "L" station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | September 3, 1984 |
| Headquarters | Chicago , United States |
| Products | Rapid transit service on the Blue Line |
O'Hare serves as a Chicago "L" station located within O'Hare International Airport, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of The Loop. Functioning as the northwestern endpoint of the Chicago Transit Authority's Blue Line, this underground station contains two island platforms and three tracks positioned beneath the parking structure that supports Terminals 1, 2, and 3. During peak periods, trains operate at intervals ranging from 2 to 7 minutes, with a journey duration of about 40 minutes to reach the Loop.
As the furthest west station in the Chicago 'L' network, O'Hare exclusively caters to airport travelers and staff, providing direct access solely to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Unlike other terminals, it does not offer direct connections to CTA or Pace bus services and lacks its own rail yard; the closest yard is situated one stop east at . O'Hare station is distinct in being the only underground terminal as well as the only station positioned outside Chicago’s conventional street grid.
History
The station commenced operations on September 3, 1984, marking the terminus of an extension from the previous West-Northwest route endpoint at River Road. The architectural design was executed by the firm Murphy/Jahn.
For nearly three decades, fares at O'Hare matched those of other 'L' stations. However, in 2013, a premium charge was introduced: initially applied in January to single-ride tickets and later expanded by July to most riders utilizing Ventra or Ventra Card Plus. Airport personnel continue to be exempt from this fee. This surcharge is unique within the system; another airport-serving station does not impose such an additional cost due to its function as a local transit hub.
Incident
On March 24, 2014, a train operating on the center track struck the bumper and subsequently derailed into escalator areas, resulting in injuries to 32 individuals. The station resumed service on March 30, 2014.
Architecture
Conceived by Helmut Jahn of Murphy/Jahn in a notable Postmodernism architectural style, O'Hare station showcases a concrete platform free of columns and walls made of undulating glass blocks illuminated from behind. The mezzanine level is designed to evoke the shape of an airplane fuselage.
Bus and rail connections
Passengers can access the Airport Transit System for transfers to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) Stop:
- Connects Terminals 1, 2, 3, 5, and Multi-Modal Facility
- North Central Service available at O’Hare Transfer Station (reachable via Airport Transit System to MMF)
- Route 250 Dempster Street
- Route 330 Mannheim/LaGrange Roads
- Pulse Dempster Line