Learn how Chicago airport parking works—compare on-site, valet, and off-site options at O’Hare & Midway. Plan smart, park easy!
Chicago, IL – 26-6- 2025 – For travelers flying in and out of Chicago, one key question arises again and again: How does Chicago airport parking work? With more than 100 million passengers combined moving through O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) each year, parking confusion is a widespread and often frustrating issue. To address this concern, [Your Company Name], a trusted name in travel resources, has launched a detailed new guide to demystify the entire airport parking process in Chicago.
Traveling can already be stressful—booking flights, packing, making arrangements—but the last thing any traveler wants is uncertainty about where to leave their car. Whether it’s an early-morning flight, a long-term vacation, or a short business trip, understanding parking options at Chicago airports can save time, money, and unnecessary anxiety.
Airport parking is not a one-size-fits-all experience. Each airport offers multiple parking types, and within each type, there are important considerations: cost, convenience, safety, and availability. Most people don’t think about these factors until they’re already on the road—or worse, circling the terminal.
“Travelers frequently ask us the same question: How does Chicago airport parking work?,” said [Spokesperson Name], [Job Title] at [Your Company Name]. “That question is simple, but the answer can be surprisingly complex. We created this guide to give travelers everything they need in one place—no surprises, no guesswork, just smart planning.”
The guide walks travelers through all parking options at O’Hare and Midway, including:
Hourly and Daily Parking (on-site)
Economy Parking Lots (with shuttles)
Off-Site Parking Facilities (with reservation options)
Valet Parking (on-site and third-party)
Drop-Off/Pick-Up Zones
Rideshare and Alternative Options
Tools for Online Booking
Each parking choice is explained with clear details on location, pricing, pros and cons, and how to access it.
Hourly Parking is located at the main terminal garages. Ideal for short stays (under 3 hours), it’s the most expensive option, averaging $3–$6 per 30 minutes, up to $77 per day.
Daily Parking offers lower rates—around $42 per day—and is better for overnight or multi-day trips. Located in Garage B and C.
Economy Lots (E, F, G) are farther from terminals but include a free shuttle every 10–15 minutes. Rates are around $15–$22 per day.
Hourly Parking is located adjacent to the terminal and ideal for pick-ups and drop-offs.
Daily Lot & Economy Lot options provide affordable long-term parking from $15–$30 per day, with shuttle access to the terminal.
Both airports offer electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in select on-site locations.
For travelers asking, how does Chicago airport parking work if I don’t want to park at the airport? — off-site parking is a top solution.
Numerous privately operated lots and garages near both O’Hare and Midway offer competitive daily rates and free shuttle service. Many of these facilities are within 5–10 minutes of the terminals and feature:
24/7 shuttle availability
Security monitoring and gated entry
Covered or uncovered parking
Optional services like car wash, oil change, and valet
Typical off-site rates:
$8–$18 per day, depending on the provider, location, and amenities.
Popular services like Park ‘N Fly, WallyPark, and PreFlight Airport Parking have excellent reputations and mobile-friendly reservation tools.
Both airports also offer valet services for maximum convenience.
On-site valet at O’Hare costs approximately $45–$65 per day.
Third-party valet providers near both airports offer curbside pickup and return for around $25–$35 per day.
Valet parking is ideal for business travelers, families with small children, or anyone traveling during inclement weather. Advance booking is highly recommended due to limited availability.
In addition to traditional parking, travelers can choose:
Shuttle-only Services: Companies offer door-to-terminal shuttle rides without the need to park. Perfect for travelers who are dropped off at the shuttle station.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Designated pickup and drop-off zones are available at both airports. Expect pricing from $30–$60 depending on your starting point, traffic, and demand.
These options may be more economical for short trips or if you live relatively close to the airport.
To take the guesswork out of parking, the guide recommends using apps such as:
SpotHero
ParkWhiz
AirportParkingReservations.com
These platforms allow you to compare prices, view real-time availability, and reserve a guaranteed spot before arriving at the airport.
Book early during peak travel times (summer, holidays).
Compare on-site vs. off-site costs—off-site lots are often 30–50% cheaper.
Print your confirmation or save it to your phone for easy check-in.
Leave extra time for shuttle transit if using remote or economy lots.
Sarah K., frequent flyer from Naperville:
“I used to pay $60 a day at the terminal garage. Now I book an off-site lot with a 10-minute shuttle for less than $15/day—total game-changer.”
Mark D., business consultant from Milwaukee:
“Valet parking at Midway was perfect. I booked ahead online and just handed off the keys curbside. Couldn’t have been easier.”
To view the full Chicago airport parking guide and explore your best parking options for ORD and MDW, visit:
👉 https://zalparking.com
The guide is updated regularly with pricing, maps, and provider reviews so you can make informed decisions before every trip.
ZAL PARKING
Complete Guide to Chicago Airport Parking
Phone: 224-382-7740
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://zalparking.com
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