The O'Hare Kiss n Fly area—styled Kiss ’n’ Fly by the airport—lets a driver avoid the terminal roadways. The passenger gets out at the Multi-Modal Facility, then rides the free Airport Transit System to the terminal. It works best when traffic is heavy and the traveler can manage luggage without curbside airline assistance.
How Kiss ’n’ Fly works
Dropping someone off
- Drive to the Multi-Modal Facility and follow the Kiss ’n’ Fly signs.
- Unload in the designated area rather than at a rental-car curb.
- The traveler enters the MMF and follows signs to the ATS.
- Ride the train to Terminal 1, 2, 3, or 5.
The ATS runs 24 hours a day. O’Hare lists trains every three to five minutes during peak periods, with about ten minutes from the MMF to the far Terminal 1 stop. Add the walk from the platform to ticketing and bag drop.
Picking someone up
The arriving traveler takes the ATS from the terminal to the MMF and meets the driver at Kiss ’n’ Fly. The airport lists a 15-minute parking limit, so coordinate only after the traveler has collected bags and is ready to board the train.
Send a precise meeting message such as “Kiss ’n’ Fly at the MMF,” not just “rental cars.” The facility is large and also serves buses, parking, and rental-car counters.
Driving directions
From I-190
O’Hare directs drivers to take Exit 2A for the Mannheim Road north ramp, turn right at Zemke Boulevard, then follow the Kiss ’n’ Fly signs. Road work can change the final approach, so use the airport signs once you reach Mannheim and Zemke.
From Higgins Road
Follow Mannheim Road south to Zemke Road, then use the posted route along Bessie Coleman Drive and Coffey Road toward Lots F and H, rental cars, and Kiss ’n’ Fly.
When Kiss ’n’ Fly is the better choice
- Terminal roadways are backed up.
- The passenger is comfortable riding the ATS with luggage.
- A pickup party wants a fixed meeting point away from curbside congestion.
- The trip already involves the rental-car center or Economy Lot F.
For a departure, a 20- to 30-minute cushion between unloading and reaching the terminal is reasonable. The train ride itself is short; waiting for it, using elevators, and walking to check-in take additional time.
When the terminal curb is easier
Use the departures curb when the passenger needs a wheelchair handoff from the airline, has several heavy bags, is traveling with small children and bulky gear, or is already close to an airline cutoff. Every terminal accepts departure drop-offs on the upper roadway.
For arrivals, the lower-level outer curb is more direct when the passenger has limited mobility or cannot use the ATS independently. The driver cannot wait there, so the passenger should call only after reaching the pickup door.
Kiss ’n’ Fly is not the cell phone lot
The two solve different problems:
| Option | Driver does | Passenger does |
|---|---|---|
| Kiss ’n’ Fly | Meets at the MMF and avoids terminal curbs | Rides the ATS between the MMF and terminal |
| Cell phone lot | Waits free at 560 N. Bessie Coleman Drive, then drives to arrivals | Calls after collecting bags and reaching the curb |
| Terminal curb | Makes a brief active drop-off or pickup | Meets directly outside the terminal |
Curbside waiting is prohibited. An unattended or waiting vehicle can be ticketed or towed. If the passenger is not ready, use the cell phone lot rather than circling the terminal.
Frequently asked questions
Is O’Hare Kiss ’n’ Fly free?
The drop-off and pickup area and the ATS ride are free. The airport lists a 15-minute limit for pickup waiting.
Which terminals does Kiss ’n’ Fly serve?
The ATS connects the MMF with Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Is Kiss ’n’ Fly open all night?
The ATS operates 24 hours a day. Check FlyChicago for any temporary access or roadway changes before an overnight trip.
Can I wait at the terminal curb?
No. O’Hare prohibits curbside waiting. Use the cell phone lot until the arriving passenger is ready.
Location, ATS, and pickup rules reviewed July 16, 2026. Follow posted signs near the MMF because airport road patterns can change.
Sources
- Chicago Department of Aviation: Drop Off and Pick Up (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Chicago Department of Aviation: Multi-Modal Facility (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Chicago Department of Aviation: Airport Transit System (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Chicago Department of Aviation: General Parking Information (accessed July 16, 2026)
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