Where to Find Charging Stations at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)?

O'Hare provides 86 public Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations at ORD, spread across three parking facilities and the Chicago Travel Plaza. The airport says these chargers are free, and the electricity comes from renewable, carbon-free sources. Travellers only pay the standard parking rate for the space they occupy.

Where to Find EV Charging Stations at O'Hare Airport

• Main Parking Garage (hourly): Best for short stays before a flight. Charging is on Level 1, Aisle 2, near Elevator Centre 3. Note the garage has a vehicle clearance of 6'6".

• Multi-Modal Facility - Economy Lot F (long-term): The most practical choice for multi-day trips. Twenty-four chargers sit on Level 4 in Rows G through J, and the facility connects to all terminals via the free Airport Transit System (ATS). Economy Lot F costs $30 per day, taxes included.

• Terminal 5 Parking Garage: The newest charging location, with 48 Level 2 stations across the first four floors, an 8'6" clearance, and an enclosed walkway into Terminal 5. The daily rate is $43.

• Chicago Travel Plaza: Located at Higgins Road and Patton Drive, this is a good spot for a quick top-up on the go, with both Level 2 chargers and Tesla Superchargers on site.

How Much Does EV Charging Cost at O'Hare?

Charging itself is free. You pay only the normal parking rate for the facility you use:

For a week-long trip, Economy Lot F gives you 24/7 Level 2 charging access at the lowest on-airport long-term rate with chargers. Level 2 units run on 240-volt power and typically add 10–25 miles of range per hour, so a car parked for several days will be fully charged at pickup.

Fast Charging Near ORD: Tesla Superchargers

Fourteen Level 3 Tesla Supercharger stations operate at the Chicago Travel Plaza. These DC fast chargers replenish a battery far quicker than Level 2 units, which makes them useful before handing the car to a parker or after a long highway drive to the airport. Two additional public Level 2 stations are at the same site.

Tips for Using EV Charging at O'Hare Airport Parking

• Charging spots are first come, first served; build in extra time during peak travel periods.

• Level 2 stations use the standard J1772 connector; Tesla drivers should carry an adapter.

• Check the instructions printed on each unit to activate the charger.

• EV-designated spaces are reserved for vehicles that are actively charging.

• If the on-airport chargers are occupied, some nearby hotels, such as the Loews Chicago O'Hare, also offer EV charging.

Phone Charging Stations at ORD

1. Free "Power Stations" in Every Terminal

O'Hare's phone charging stations, called Power Stations, are seated workstations with counter space and AC outlets, available at no charge. Each unit offers four to eight seating positions, including one wheelchair-accessible workstation. They are located post- and pre-security throughout the terminals:

• Terminal 1: Concourse B near Gates B5, B11, B12, B14 and B19; Concourse C near Gates C5, C15, C21 and C28

• Terminal 2: Concourse E near Gate E8; Concourse F near Gates F2 and F5

• Terminal 3: Concourse G near Gates G13 and G17; Concourse H near Gate H12; Concourse K near Gates K9 and K12; Concourse L near Gate L10B

• Terminal 5: Concourse M near Gate M13

2. Other Ways to Charge Your Phone at ORD

• Gate-area outlets: Some airlines provide seats with built-in power outlets at their gates; check your seat before boarding.

• Free Wi-Fi: All terminals have free, unlimited WiFi using the networks Free_ORD_Wi-Fi or Boingo Hotspot, meaning you can watch and browse without worrying about draining your phone battery. 

• InMotion Stores: If you need any cables, adapters, or portable batteries, then InMotion sells these at Terminal 1 (close to Gate B7), Terminal 2 (close to Gate E1), Terminal 3 (opposite Gates H2 & K1,2) and Terminal 5 (close to Gate M29).

Conclusion

O'Hare makes it easy to arrive with a full battery, whatever you drive. Drivers can choose from 86 free Level 2 EV charging points at ORD car parks. For longer journeys, it is best to use Economy Lot F. The Terminal 5 Garage offers the most modern option. Alternatively, there are 14 Tesla Superchargers at the Chicago Travel Plaza. Inside the terminal, there are free Power Stations, charging at the gates, and free Wi-Fi so your phone and laptop can be charged up. Please check the official website for pricing and availability, as rates can change.