O'Hare's $8.5 billion expansion continues through 2026. Here's what travelers need to know right now.
Current Construction Projects at O'Hare
The O'Hare 21 program includes the new Global Terminal replacing Terminal 2, expanded Terminal 5, new satellite concourses, and two new runways. In April 2026, Terminal 2 demolition is underway and the Global Terminal steel structure is rising. The new multimodal facility connecting the ATS (Automated Transit System) to terminals is 60% complete.
How Construction Affects Terminal Access
Terminal 2 departures have been relocated. Delta operates from Terminal 2's remaining gates while United overflow flights shift to Terminal 1 concourses B and C. Some gates are further from security than before. Add 15 minutes to your airport buffer. Terminal 5 expansion means longer walks from the international gates to customs — budget 20 minutes after landing before you reach baggage claim.
Parking and Pickup Changes During Construction
Economy Lot E is partially closed. The new consolidated car rental facility opened in late 2025, moving rental returns off-airport. Car service and rideshare pickup zones at Terminals 1 and 3 remain unchanged. Terminal 2 pickup has shifted to the east side of the lower level due to construction barriers. Our drivers receive weekly updates on O'Hare road changes and staging areas.
Planning Your Car Service Around O'Hare Construction
Construction adds 5-10 minutes to the departure drop-off loop, especially during morning rush. We build this buffer into every pickup time automatically. For departures, we recommend arriving 2.5 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international during active construction periods.
Skip the Stress
Let us handle the O'Hare construction maze. Flat-rate sedan from $89. Call (224) 801-3090 or reserve at /book.
From the Driver's Seat
Chauffeur notes — Marcus, 5 years with Royal Carriage
The Kennedy inbound from O'Hare gets ugly between 3:15 and 6:30 PM — I route clients through Cumberland to Lawrence to Ashland on Sprinter runs and shave 20+ minutes off. The Escalade handles the potholes on that stretch better than the sedans do.
Last updated: 2026-04-05. Route tested fall 2025.
Key Points
- Flat-rate pricing, no surge charges
- 24/7 dispatch, live Chicago-based staff
- Call (224) 801-3090 or book online at /book
- Licensed, insured, and background-checked chauffeurs
Transparent Pricing for Chicago Service
| Vehicle | Capacity | Hourly | Airport Transfer (one-way) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Executive Sedan (Cadillac XTS / Lincoln Continental) | 1-3 | $95/hr | $125-165 |
| Luxury SUV (Cadillac Escalade / Chevy Suburban) | 1-6 | $125/hr | $165-225 |
| Stretch Limousine (10-pax) | 8-10 | $165/hr | Quote |
| Mercedes Sprinter Van | 10-14 | $175/hr | $245-325 |
| Party Bus (20-pax) | 16-20 | $245/hr | Quote |
All rates include chauffeur, fuel, bottled water, and standard wait time. 20% gratuity customary. No hidden surge pricing — ever. Quoted rates valid 2026.
Vehicle Selection Guidance
Royal Carriage maintains a late-model fleet of sedans, SUVs, stretch limos, Sprinter vans, and party buses. Every vehicle carries commercial insurance well above the Illinois minimum, undergoes monthly safety inspections, and is detailed between runs. Chauffeurs complete a 40-hour training program covering Chicago geography, defensive driving, and concierge etiquette before their first solo run.
- Business attire standard: Chauffeurs arrive in suit and tie with a printed name placard if you request one.
- Child seats: Available at no charge with 24-hour notice — infant, convertible, and booster.
- Accessibility: Several SUVs are wheelchair-accessible with rear-entry ramps; request at booking.
- Flight tracking: We monitor every pickup against your flight number and adjust automatically for delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you track my flight?
Yes, every airport reservation is tied to your flight number. If your flight is early, delayed, or diverted, our dispatch adjusts the pickup automatically — no call needed.
What's included in your airport rate?
Meet-and-greet with a name placard at baggage claim, 60 minutes of free wait on domestic arrivals (90 on international), help with luggage, bottled water, and tolls. No hidden fees.
Where does the chauffeur meet me at O'Hare and Midway?
At O'Hare, we meet at baggage claim for your specific airline. At Midway, we meet at the exit doors near baggage claim 1. Your chauffeur will text you their location before you land.
What if my flight is delayed overnight?
We hold your reservation at no additional charge until you land. If you're rebooked on a different flight, just reply to the confirmation text and dispatch handles the rest.
Can you do multiple stops en route?
Yes — drop luggage at a hotel, stop for a meal, or grab a colleague on the way. Multi-stops are billed hourly if the total time exceeds the point-to-point rate.
Do you service private jet FBOs at ORD, MDW, and PWK?
Yes. We regularly serve Signature, Atlantic, and Signature PWK. Our chauffeurs know which gates to use and can coordinate with your flight crew for ramp-side pickup when authorized.
Why Chicago Riders Choose Royal Carriage
We've been moving Chicagoans since 2009. Unlike rideshare, every Royal Carriage chauffeur is a W-2 employee, not a gig contractor — meaning consistent training, background-checked drivers, and accountability on every ride. Our dispatch runs 24/7 out of a staffed Chicago office (not an overseas call center), and the person who books your ride is the same person who'll answer if your flight gets rerouted to Milwaukee at 2 a.m.
We serve the entire Chicagoland area: downtown Loop, River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Wicker Park, and every North Shore and West Suburban community, plus O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) with full flight tracking.
Book Your Chicago Limo
Ready to ride? Reserve online in under 60 seconds or call our 24/7 dispatch.
- Book online: royalcarriagelimo.com/book
- Call/text: (224) 801-3090
- Email: dispatch@royalcarriagelimo.com
We confirm every reservation by text within 15 minutes and send your chauffeur's name, photo, and live location 30 minutes before pickup.
Last updated: 2026-04-07. Pricing subject to change. Book online or call (224) 801-3090 for a current quote.