ORD Terminal 1 Parking Lot: Rates, Tips & Options 2026

Back to ORD Airport Parking: The Complete O'Hare Guide 2026

The ORD Terminal 1 parking lot — officially known as Garage A — is a multi-level covered garage attached directly to Terminal 1 at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. It is the closest on-airport parking option for travelers flying United Airlines, United Express, All Nippon Airways (ANA), and Lufthansa out of Concourses B and C. The garage charges $3 for the first hour and caps at $43/day, according to official Chicago Department of Aviation parking rates. Off-site lots near ORD start at just $8.95/day — saving you up to 79% compared to Garage A's daily maximum.

• Garage A is the closest lot to Terminal 1 — covered, multi-level, and connected directly to the terminal building.
• Daily maximum is $43 (verified June 2026) — the same rate applies to all on-airport main garages.
• Short-term rates start at $3/hour — ideal for quick drop-offs or pickups lasting under two hours.
• The free ATS people mover runs every 3-5 minutes and connects Terminal 1 to all other terminals, economy lots, and the Multi-Modal Facility.
• Off-site lots start at $8.95/day with free 24/7 shuttles — a strong alternative for trips longer than two days.
• Active construction on Concourse D may cause detours near Terminal 1 in 2026 — allow extra time.

Compare ORD Terminal 1 parking options — off-site lots from $8.95/day on Triply.

What Is the Closest Parking Lot to O'Hare Terminal 1?

Garage A is the dedicated parking structure for Terminal 1 at O'Hare. It sits directly adjacent to the terminal and gives United Airlines travelers the shortest possible walk to check-in.

Garage A is a covered, multi-level structure. You enter from Bessie Coleman Drive following signs for Terminal 1 parking. Once parked, you walk directly into the terminal — no shuttle, no people mover required. The walk from most parking levels to the Terminal 1 check-in hall is typically under five minutes.

There is also a Terminal 2 Garage (Garage B) nearby. Some travelers park in Garage B and use the free Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover to reach Terminal 1. This can be useful when Garage A is full during busy travel periods. The ATS runs every 3-5 minutes, 24 hours a day, so the extra transfer adds only a few minutes to your journey.

For full details on how every ORD garage and lot is laid out, the O'Hare Airport parking garage map guide walks through every structure on the campus.

How Much Does the ORD Terminal 1 Parking Lot Cost? (2026 Garage A Rates)

Garage A follows the same hourly and daily rate structure as all main garages at O'Hare. Rates are set by the Chicago Department of Aviation and verified as of June 2026.

The $43/day cap applies each calendar day, not per 24-hour period. For short visits under three hours, Garage A is actually reasonable — $10 for three hours is competitive with many urban garages. The cost climbs fast for multi-day stays. A five-day trip costs $215 at Garage A. The same trip at an off-site lot like Park 'N Jet costs around $44.75 — a saving of over $170.

Payment methods accepted include cash, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also pre-pay through SpotHero or flychicago.com to guarantee your space during peak travel periods.

How Do You Get From the Terminal 1 Parking Garage to Your Gate?

Getting from Garage A to your gate is straightforward. Here is the full step-by-step journey for first-time parkers at Terminal 1.

1. Enter Garage A from Bessie Coleman Drive, following the blue Terminal 1 parking signs from I-190.
2. Find a space on any level — dynamic space-availability signs show open spots by level and color zone.
3. Take the elevator or stairs down to the pedestrian walkway connecting Garage A to Terminal 1.
4. Enter Terminal 1 through the main doors — United Airlines check-in counters are directly ahead.
5. Head to Concourse B or C for your gate. Both concourses are accessible from Terminal 1 after security.
6. Clear security — review TSA security screening guidelines before you arrive to speed things up.
7. Allow extra time in 2026 — active construction on the new $1.3 billion Concourse D (breaking vertical in spring 2026) may cause temporary detours near Terminal 1.

If you have TSA PreCheck, the dedicated lane at Terminal 1 moves significantly faster. TSA PreCheck enrollment costs $78 for five years and lets you keep shoes, belts, and laptops in your bag — worth it for frequent O'Hare flyers.

If you park in an economy lot or off-site, you will ride the ATS people mover to Terminal 1. The ATS stops directly at Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, plus the Multi-Modal Facility and Economy Lots. Trains depart every 3-5 minutes around the clock — it is genuinely fast and free.

On-Airport vs. Off-Airport Parking for Terminal 1: Which Should You Choose?

The right choice depends on your trip length and how much you value convenience. Here is a direct comparison based on verified 2026 data.

For trips under two days, Garage A's convenience is hard to beat. You park and walk — no waiting, no transfers. For trips of three days or more, off-site lots deliver dramatic savings. At $8.95/day with Park 'N Jet, a week of parking costs $62.65 versus $301 at Garage A — that's a saving of 79%. The free shuttle adds 15-20 minutes to your journey, but for most travelers on longer trips, the math is clear.

For a broader look at off-site alternatives near O'Hare, the ORD off-airport parking guide covers every lot with current rates and shuttle details.

What Are the Best Off-Site Parking Options Near O'Hare Terminal 1?

All six verified off-site lots near ORD serve Terminal 1 via free 24/7 shuttles. Their shuttles drop you at your specific terminal, so Terminal 1 travelers are well covered.

• Park 'N Jet O'Hare — $8.95/day: The cheapest verified option near ORD. Outdoor self-park with indoor covered options. Shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes, 24/7. Fenced lot with security cameras and a 24/7 attendant. Free cancellation.
• Routes Airport Parking — $9.95/day: Outdoor self-park with a 24/7 complimentary shuttle to all ORD terminals. Fenced, monitored lot with free cancellation.
• PreFlight Airport Parking — $12.95/day: One of the fastest shuttle frequencies near ORD — every 5-10 minutes. Offers indoor and outdoor parking, car wash, luggage assistance, and EV charging. 6-8 minutes from the airport.
• Loews Chicago O'Hare Hotel Parking — $17.95/day: Hotel lot with a complimentary shuttle every 15 minutes. Well-lit, 24/7 security. Hotel amenities accessible to guests.
• WallyPark Premier Airport Parking — $19.95/day: Covered garage with valet and self-park options. Shuttle every 10-15 minutes. Luggage assistance and car wash available.
• Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport — $39/day: Valet-only. The Hilton is connected directly to Terminal 2 via an enclosed walkway — Terminal 1 travelers would use the ATS for one stop. Best for ultra-convenience if you value hotel amenities.

All off-site lots on this list offer free cancellation, so you can book now and adjust if your travel plans change. Search and compare ORD off-site parking rates on Triply to lock in the best price before your trip.

How Can You Save Money on O'Hare Terminal 1 Parking?

There are several proven ways to reduce your parking costs at or near Terminal 1. Here are the most effective strategies, based on our analysis of 2026 ORD parking data.

• Book off-site in advance: Rates at lots like Park 'N Jet and Routes Airport Parking can fill up fast during peak periods. Booking ahead locks in the lowest price and guarantees a space.
• Use Economy Lot G for budget on-airport parking: At $15/day maximum, Economy Lot G is the cheapest on-airport option. The free ATS connects it to Terminal 1 in minutes.
• Compare Economy Lots E and F: Economy Lot E caps at $17/day. Economy Lot F (covered) costs $22/day. Both are served by the free ATS. See the O'Hare Airport economy parking rates guide for a full breakdown.
• Use the cell phone lot for pickups: If you are picking someone up, the free cell phone lot at 560 North Bessie Coleman Drive lets you wait at no cost until your traveler lands.
• Avoid holiday peaks if possible: Garage A fills quickly around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. Off-site lots are your best backup, but book early — they sell out too.
• Use TSA PreCheck to save time: Faster security means you need less buffer time before your flight, which reduces how early you need to arrive and park.

For travelers planning longer stays, comparing weekly rates across all options is worth a few minutes of research. The O'Hare Airport weekly parking guide breaks down the total cost for 5-day, 7-day, and 10-day trips across every major lot.

Is There EV Charging or Accessible Parking at the ORD Terminal 1 Parking Lot?

Yes to both. Garage A at Terminal 1 offers accessible parking spaces and electric vehicle charging stations.

Accessible (ADA) Parking at Garage A

Accessible parking spaces are available on every level of Garage A. They are clearly marked and positioned near elevators and stairwells for the shortest possible walk to the terminal. The Chicago Department of Aviation follows ADA requirements across all garages and economy lots. If you need a ground-level space or one near an elevator, look for the blue signage as you enter each level. Accessible spaces in the economy lots are also available for travelers using the ATS.

EV Charging at Garage A

Electric vehicle charging is available within O'Hare's on-airport parking structures, including the Terminal 1 area. Chargers are part of the broader ORD EV infrastructure managed in partnership with charging networks. For trip planning, the ChargePoint app for EV drivers can help you locate and activate chargers at O'Hare before you arrive. Availability can vary, so arriving with a plan is smart — especially during peak travel periods when charger demand is higher.

If EV charging is a priority, PreFlight Airport Parking off-site also offers EV charging at $12.95/day — significantly cheaper than Garage A with the added benefit of a guaranteed charging spot.

What to Know About Peak Season and Holiday Parking at Terminal 1

O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, and Terminal 1 sees heavy traffic year-round as United's primary hub. During peak periods, Garage A fills up fast.

The highest-demand periods at ORD include:

• Thanksgiving week (Wednesday before through Sunday after)
• Christmas and New Year's (December 20 – January 2)
• Spring break (mid-March through mid-April)
• Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day weekends
• Major conventions in Chicago — check the Chicago convention calendar

During these windows, the ORD Terminal 1 parking lot (Garage A) can reach full capacity before midday. If Garage A is full, the ATS can take you from Garage B or the economy lots to Terminal 1 quickly — but you need to know this option exists before you arrive stressed. Booking off-site parking in advance is the safest move for holiday travel. Off-site lots typically hold reservations and guarantee your space, unlike on-airport garages where you pay on arrival.

The new $1.3 billion Concourse D broke ground in August 2025 and is currently in vertical construction as of spring 2026. Active construction near Terminal 1 may cause temporary wayfinding detours. Allow an extra 10-15 minutes when navigating the Terminal 1 area during 2026.

How Do You Reserve ORD Terminal 1 Parking in Advance?

On-airport Garage A does not offer advance online reservations in the traditional sense — you pay on arrival or through SpotHero for a guaranteed spot. Off-site lots, however, offer full advance booking with free cancellation.

Here is how to reserve Terminal 1 parking:

1. For on-airport Garage A: Visit flychicago.com or SpotHero to check availability and pre-pay for a guaranteed space.
2. For off-site lots: Use Triply's ORD parking search to compare rates across Park 'N Jet, Routes, PreFlight, WallyPark, and more in one place.
3. Book early during peak periods: Lots like PreFlight sell out weeks ahead during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Don't wait until the week before.
4. Choose free cancellation: All verified off-site lots on Triply offer free cancellation, so booking early carries no risk.

Advance booking also protects you from price increases. Off-site lots near ORD occasionally raise rates as inventory fills up — locking in your rate early is the simplest way to avoid paying more.

For a complete walkthrough of the reservation process, including discount codes and prepaid rate strategies, the O'Hare Airport parking reservation guide covers every step in detail.

Ready to Book ORD Terminal 1 Parking?

The ORD Terminal 1 parking lot (Garage A) is the most convenient option if you are flying United out of Concourses B or C — but at $43/day, it is the most expensive on-airport choice. Off-site lots start at just $8.95/day with free 24/7 shuttles, delivering savings of up to 79% on multi-day trips. Economy Lot G at $15/day is the best budget option on-airport, with free ATS access to Terminal 1 every 3-5 minutes.

For short trips and quick pickups, Garage A is hard to beat. For anything longer than two days, off-site parking near ORD is the smarter financial move. Book early for peak travel periods — Terminal 1 parking fills fast around holidays.

Compare all ORD Terminal 1 parking options — off-site lots from $8.95/day — and reserve your spot on Triply today.

Back to the Complete ORD Airport Parking Guide