You're running late. O’Hare is a beast on a good day, but when you’re circling the outskirts of the airport looking for International Parking Lot D Chicago IL 60666, the stress levels tend to redline. Honestly, the naming conventions at ORD are a bit of a mess. You’ve got Hourly, Daily, Economy, and then this specific slice of pavement near the International Terminal. If you put that exact address into your GPS and hope for the best, you might end up staring at a fence or a restricted access road instead of a parking spot.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is essentially a small city. Lot D is the primary "Short-Term" or "Main" parking option specifically positioned for Terminal 5. It’s not the place where you leave your car for a three-week trek through the Alps unless you have a corporate expense account that would make a CEO blush. It’s for the quick hello, the tearful goodbye, or the "I’m just here to grab my aunt who can't find the Uber stand" mission.
The Physical Reality of Lot D at Terminal 5
Lot D is an outdoor, surface lot. That’s the first thing you need to know. Unlike the massive multi-level structures serving Terminals 1, 2, and 3, Lot D is exposed to the elements. If a Chicago blizzard is rolling in, your car is getting buried. It sits directly adjacent to Terminal 5, which handles almost all international arrivals and a handful of domestic carriers like Southwest or Frontier.
The walk is short. That’s the selling point. You park, you walk across a couple of lanes of traffic, and you’re at the arrivals door. But here is where it gets tricky for people who haven't been to O'Hare lately. The airport has been under a massive, multi-billion dollar renovation (the O'Hare 21 project). This means entrance ramps move, signs change, and sometimes the GPS hasn't caught up to the latest construction barrier. If you're looking for International Parking Lot D Chicago IL 60666, look for the signs specifically pointing toward "International Terminal 5" and then "Lot D." Don't just follow "All Airport Parking" or you'll end up in the Economy lots three miles away.
Why the Rates Might Shock You
Let’s talk money. It’s expensive. Like, "did I just buy a steak dinner?" expensive.
O'Hare uses a tiered pricing model that punishes the unprepared. If you stay for less than an hour, it's manageable. It’s usually around $3. Stay for two hours? Maybe $6. But there is a massive jump once you hit the daily max. Currently, the daily rate for Lot D is $77. Yes, seventy-seven dollars. This is why it is purely a short-term solution. If you accidentally leave your car here for a week, you're looking at a bill over $500. For long-term stays, the airport literally begs you to use Economy Lot F or Lot G, where the rates are a fraction of that cost.
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The reason for this high price is simple: turnover. The City of Chicago Department of Aviation wants those spots open for people picking up passengers. If it were cheap, people would park there for their entire vacation, and nobody would be able to find a spot to meet their family. It’s a deterrent.
The Terminal 5 Expansion Impact
Terminal 5 has seen a lot of changes recently. It used to be the quiet corner of the airport, but with Southwest moving in and more gates being added, the traffic flow around Lot D has become significantly more congested. There are more cars, more buses, and more confusion.
One thing people often overlook is the "Cell Phone Lot." If you are just picking someone up and they haven't cleared customs yet, do not go into Lot D. Customs at T5 can take anywhere from twenty minutes to two hours depending on how many wide-body jets just landed from London or Tokyo. Instead, wait at the free Cell Phone Lot at 560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive. Wait for the "I have my bags" text, then drive the three minutes to Lot D or the T5 arrival curb.
Navigation Tips That Actually Work
Getting to International Parking Lot D Chicago IL 60666 requires a bit of focus. If you're coming from I-190, you need to stay in the lanes marked for Terminal 5. If you miss that split, you’re going to have to loop all the way around the terminal core, which can add fifteen minutes to your trip during rush hour.
- The Entrance: The entrance to Lot D is on the right-hand side as you approach Terminal 5.
- Payment: They’ve moved largely to automated systems. You take a ticket, and you pay at the kiosks near the terminal exit or at the gate with a credit card. Cash is becoming a relic here.
- Electric Vehicles: There are some EV charging stations in the main garage, but Lot D is a bit more hit-or-miss with high-end tech. Don't count on a charge here.
Common Misconceptions About O'Hare Parking
A lot of people think Lot D is connected to the ATS (the People Mover train). While the ATS does stop at Terminal 5, Lot D is a surface lot right outside the terminal. You don't need the train to get from your car to the check-in desk at T5. However, if you are parked in Lot D and need to get to Terminal 1, 2, or 3, you'll walk into Terminal 5 and head to the ATS station on the upper level. It's a free, quick ride to the other terminals.
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Another weird quirk? People often confuse "Lot D" with "International Lot E." There is no Lot E. There used to be, but names change and lots get re-purposed for construction staging. Currently, if you are looking for the lot closest to the International Terminal, D is your primary target.
What to Do If Lot D is Full
It happens. Especially during the holidays or peak summer travel. If the "Lot Full" sign is flashing, don't panic. You have two real options:
- Economy Lot F: This is the massive multi-level garage in the economy area. It’s much cheaper ($22/day usually) and you can take the ATS train directly to Terminal 5. It takes about 10-15 minutes total.
- Valet: If you’re truly desperate and money is no object, the main terminal garages have valet, but that’s a trek from Terminal 5.
Honestly, the best move is to check the official https://www.google.com/search?q=flychicago.com website before you leave your house. They have a real-time parking map that shows the percentage of occupancy for every lot, including Lot D. If it says 95% full, just head straight to Economy Lot F and save yourself the headache of the T5 loop.
Security and Safety
Is it safe? Generally, yes. It's a high-traffic area with a heavy police presence and lots of cameras. However, it's still an urban airport lot. Don't leave your laptop bag sitting on the passenger seat. People are constantly moving through here, and while the Chicago Police Department patrols the airport regularly, "out of sight, out of mind" is the best policy for your valuables.
Also, keep your ticket. If you lose your parking ticket, you’ll be charged the "Lost Ticket" rate, which is usually the maximum daily rate. It’s a painful way to end a trip. Tuck it into your visor or leave it in a cup holder.
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Practical Steps for a Smooth Experience
If you’re heading to International Parking Lot D Chicago IL 60666 tomorrow, here is the game plan.
First, check the arrivals board for the flight you’re meeting. If the flight is delayed, stay home longer. There is no point in paying Lot D prices to sit in your car and listen to podcasts.
Second, use an app like Waze or Google Maps, but keep your eyes on the physical overhead signs. Construction at O'Hare is so fluid that digital maps sometimes lag behind the actual road closures by a day or two. The signs are always right.
Third, have your payment ready. The exit lanes can get backed up because someone can’t find their credit card or is trying to use a defunct transit card to pay for parking. Don't be that person.
Finally, if you're the one traveling and you need to park for more than 24 hours, do yourself a massive favor and book a spot in Economy Lot F or use an off-site parking service like PreFlight or WallyPark. They offer shuttles and will save you enough money to buy a round of drinks at your destination. Lot D is a convenience tool, not a long-term storage solution.
Stay in the right lane, watch for the Terminal 5 exit, and keep your ticket in a safe spot. Navigating O'Hare is a skill, and mastering the nuances of Lot D is a big part of that.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Check Occupancy: Visit the FlyChicago website to see if Lot D is full before you arrive.
- Time Your Arrival: Only enter Lot D once your passenger has landed to avoid the $77 daily max trap.
- Use the Cell Phone Lot: Wait for free at 560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive until your passenger is actually standing on the curb.
- Keep Your Ticket: Avoid the "Lost Ticket" fee by keeping your entry slip in a consistent place in your vehicle.
- Target Terminals: Remember that Lot D is exclusively convenient for Terminal 5; for Terminals 1, 2, or 3, use the Main Garage.