Chicago O’Hare International Airport [ORD] — Ultimate Terminal Guide

Key Takeaways

• Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has 4 terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 for domestic and some international flights, and Terminal 5 for international flights,
• Pedestrian walkways connect terminals 1, 2, and 3. The Terminal Transfer Bus connects the domestic terminals and Terminal 5 for connecting flights.
• The Airport Transit System provides a light rail service in both directions for interterminal transportation.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major airport for connections all over the U.S., operating as the main hub for United Airlines and the third-largest hub for American Airlines.

Flight connections are easy between the 3 domestic terminals, all connected by airside pedestrian walkways. However, Terminal 5 is more of a journey for international flight connections. That’s set to change with a huge expansion project that will replace Terminal 2 with a new terminal to accommodate domestic and international flights under the same roof.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know to get around O’Hare.

Quick Information

Airport: Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Terminals: 4 total, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5
Airport Address: 10000 W. O’Hare Ave., Chicago, IL 60666
Distance From Downtown Chicago: Approximately 20 miles (32 km)
Website: flychicago.com
Phone Number: (800) 832-6352
Number of Daily Flights: 2,400
Destinations Served: 55 international, 155 domestic
Flight Information: View departures and arrival information on the Chicago Department of Aviation website.

ORD Terminal Map

Airlines Operating From ORD

Airlines can operate from multiple terminals at O’Hare, so it’s best to check your reservation or live departure information on the day of travel to be certain.

Terminal 1

Terminal 2

Terminal 3

Terminal 5

ORD Airport Terminals

Terminal 1

Terminal 1, or T1, consists of concourses B and C, with Concourse B attached to the main terminal and Concourse C as a satellite terminal connected by an underground pedestrian walkway.

Overall, the terminal has 54 gates, numbered B1 to B12, B14, B16, B16A, B17, B17A, and B18 to B24 in Concourse B, and C1 to C16, C16A, C17, C18, C18, and C19 to C31 in Concourse C.

Both concourses have shops, restaurants, and a United Club. Concourse C also has a United Polaris Lounge, as T1 is the primary terminal for United Airlines’ domestic and international flights.

Hot Tip:

Want to find other United lounge locations? Check out the full list of U.S. United Club lounges.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 has 41 gates across 2 concourses. Concourse E has gates numbered E1 to E17, and Concourse F has gates numbered F1, F3 to F7, F9 to F12, F14 to F17, and F19 to F28.

The lower-numbered gates are in the main terminal, with E gates on the right and F gates on the left, until the terminal forks into the individual concourses.

There are shops and restaurants across both concourses and a United Club in Concourse F.

Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is a large terminal with 4 concourses and 76 gates:

• Concourse G: G1A, G1B, G2A, G2B, G3 to G5, G6B, G7 to G14, G14A, G16 to G19, G19A, G20, and G21
• Concourse H: H1, H1A, H2 to H6, H8 to H10, H11A, H11B, H12, and H14 to H18
• Concourse K: K1 to K6, K8 to K10, K12, K13, K15, K16, and K18 to K20
• Concourse L: L1, L1B, L2A, L2C, L3 to L5, L6A, L6B, L7 to L9, L10A, L10B, L10C, L11, L11A, and L11B

When passing through the central security checkpoints, Concourse G is to the far right and concourses H and K are down the main central walkway, with Concourse H to the right where it forks and Concourse K to the left. Concourse L is to the far left of the terminal.

Concourses G and L have an Admirals Club, and Concourses H and K have an American Airlines Flagship Lounge.

Hot Tip:

If you’re an American Airlines flyer looking for Flagship Lounges, see the full list of U.S. AA Flagship Lounge locations.

Are you an American Airlines flyer trying to find Flagship Lounges? See the full list of U.S. AA Flagship Lounge locations.

Terminal 5

Terminal 5 is ORD’s main international terminal, as it’s where the most international airline ticket desks are based. T5 also serves some domestic flights, and the other terminals serve some international flights.

In T5, flights depart from Concourse M, which has 36 gates numbered M1 to M11, M13 to M20, M20A, M21, M24 to M30, and M32 to M40. After passing through the security checkpoint, gates M18 to M40 are to the left, M13 to M17 are straight ahead, and gates M1 to M11 are to the right.

Inter-Terminal Transport

Connecting between terminals 1 to 3 and Terminal 5 is usually straightforward via the Airport Transit System that runs between terminals.

The train service also connects passengers to the new Multi-Modal Facility for the car rental center, economy parking lot F, Kiss ‘n’ Fly, Pace buses, and Metra.

Airside Transport Post-Security

Terminal Transfer Bus

The terminal transfer bus transports domestic arrival passengers between terminals 1 to 3 and Terminal 5 for connecting flights without requiring them to reclear security upon arrival at Terminal 5.

This service is for passengers who are not required to collect their luggage between connections. It’s not available for international passengers arriving at Terminal 5 with connections in terminals 1 to 3.

Buses operate daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and depart from the following locations in Terminal 3:

• Terminal 1 – Gate B1
• Terminal 3 – Gates G17 and K20
• Terminal 5 – Gate M13

Walking

Terminals 1 to 3 are connected by airside walkways, which are useful for passengers arriving on a domestic flight and connecting to another domestic flight.

To walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 2, you must take the walkway on the departures level opposite gates B5 and B6. The walkway exits near gate E1 in Terminal 2.

To reach Terminal 3 from Terminal 2, take the walkway near gate F1. It opens into the rotunda of Terminal 3.

Walking time depends entirely on which concourse and gate you’re walking to and from. The furthest points (Terminal 1, Concourse C to Terminal 3, Concourse L) are just over a mile apart from each other, so at an average speed, the maximum walking time would be around 20 minutes.

Landside Transport Before Security

Airport Transit System

The ATS is a light rail service that stops at all terminals. It’s outside of the secure area, so you need to reclear security at your connecting terminal.

Each terminal has an ATS station landside and is well-marked with “ATS” signs. Trains depart frequently and run in both directions, so you can choose the route that will get you to your connecting terminal quickest. 

Hot Tip:

Looking for things to do in Chicago? Check out these popular Chicago activities and attractions.

Security and Customs at ORD

Each terminal at ORD has a different number of security checkpoints. Terminal 1 has 3 checkpoints, Terminal 2 has 1 checkpoint, Terminal 3 has 5 checkpoints, and Terminal 5 has 1 main checkpoint.

See below for each security checkpoint’s opening hours:

TSA PreCheck

ORD has dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at each terminal. Dedicated PreCheck lines are available at the following checkpoints:

There is a TSA PreCheck Enrollment Center in Terminal 1 in the baggage claim area near door 1G. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Once approved, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number that will enable you to use TSA PreCheck lanes at any U.S. airport.

Global Entry

Global Entry kiosks are at ORD for expedited clearance of passengers arriving into the U.S. from international flights.

Once you submit an application, you need to arrange an interview at an enrollment center. ORD has an enrollment center in Terminal 5, which is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Mobile Passport

ORD supports Mobile Passport Control for expedited U.S. arrival.

Submit your passport details and customs declaration to Customs and Border Patrol via the app and present your instant receipt and passport to an agent on arrival at ORD.

CLEAR

ORD participates in CLEAR, a program for expedited security clearance using eye and fingerprint scanning instead of showing ID at the security checkpoint. CLEAR lanes are available during the following hours for PreCheck-eligible travelers and standard security:

ORD Airport Lounges

ORD has nearly 20 lounges, with many exclusively for passengers flying in premium cabins or eligible frequent flyer members. To relax away from the busy departure areas, any passenger can purchase a day pass to the Admirals Club, Swissport Lounge, or United Club.

* Hours are subject to change without notice. Lounge access may be restricted at times due to capacity.
** Day Pass for any passenger. Lounges marked “n/a” only allow entry for eligible passengers in their premium cabins, frequent flyer programs, or participating credit card programs.

Hot Tip:

Want lounge access but don’t want to pay the entry fee? Check out this article on the best credit cards for lounge access.

Priority Pass Access

Priority Pass members may access the Swissport Lounge, subject to capacity allowance.

Hot Tip:

Explore membership in our Priority Pass article and see the best credit cards for getting Priority Pass access.

Airport Dining and Drinks at ORD

ORD has over 130 restaurants, cafes, and food outlets, with most available inside the secure area.

If you want to plan where to eat before your flight, you can view available locations on the airport’s website and filter results by terminal, concourse, or gate number.

ORD Airport Wi-Fi and Charging Stations

Free and unlimited Wi-Fi is available at ORD, both outside and within the secure areas. To connect, follow these steps:

1. Select “_Free_ORD _Wi-Fi” or “Boingo Hotspot.”
2. Launch your browser.
3. Select “Watch Ad to Connect.”

Charging Stations: There are charging stations at:

• Terminal 1: Gates B5, B11, B12, B14, B19, C5, C15, C21, C28
• Terminal 2: Gates E8, F2, F5
• Terminal 3: Gates G13, G17, H12, K9, K12, L10B
• Terminal 5: Gates M13

Hot Tip:

Not every airport has charging stations. Check out this guide to the best portable charging banks so you don’t get caught with a dead battery.

ORD Airport Lost and Found

Who to contact for lost and found assistance depends on where you lost the item. If you lost something in the ticketing area, at the gate, or on an airplane, then you need to contact your airline.

For other areas, you can contact the relevant departments below:

• Airport Transit System: 773-601-1817 or email lost@ohareats.com
• Food Services: 773-377-7804
• Parking Lots: 773-686-7532
• Within the Terminals: 773-686-2385​​​​​​ (Chicago Police Department)
• Security Screening Areas: www.tsa.gov/form/lost-and-found or 773-377-1210
• Terminal 5 Customs: 773-686-3157

Additional Airport Information

Travelers Aid

There are Travelers Aid service desks in every terminal at ORD. The main office is in Terminal 2, Concourse F, near the Changing Places facility.

Information desks are located at:

• Terminal 1: Baggage claim and near gates B6 and C18
• Terminal 2: Baggage claim and near gate F4
• Terminal 3: Baggage claim and near gate K2
• Terminal 5: Airside at gate M15; presecurity in the upper and lower level lobbies

Children’s Play Areas

ORD has a family lounge in Terminal 2 after security with colorful seating and occasional live entertainment, such as music and caricatures. Still, ORD doesn’t rank among the most kid-friendly airports in the U.S. based on our study.

Baby Facilities

Nursing rooms can be found in the following locations:

• Terminal 1: Gates B7, B10, C11, C23
• Terminal 2: Crossover between E5 and F9, E1, F1
• Terminal 3: Near the yoga room, G12, K1, K5, K19, L6, L24
• Terminal 5: M20, M32, M37
• Multi-Modal Facility: North and south side of level 1

Unisex family restrooms are available at:

• Terminal 1: Gates B4, B10, C16, C20, and baggage claim
• Terminal 2: Opposite the Family Room, E5, and baggage claim
• Terminal 3: Gates G11, Rotunda/H1, H3, H5, H12, K1, K8, L7, L21, L24, and baggage claim
• Terminal 5: Near the security checkpoint and the food court
• Multi-Modal Facility: on every level

Pet Relief Areas

Each terminal has a pet relief area, but only Terminal 3 has a relief area inside the secure area. These can be found at:

• Terminal 1: Lower level, outside door 1A; main hall across from gate K1; C concourse next to gate C10
• Terminal 2: Lower level, outside door 2E
• Terminal 3: In the rotunda; main hall across from gate K1; gate L26
• Terminal 5: Lower level, outside door 5B; near gate M8; near gate M28; sterile corridor before Customs and Border Protection area; international baggage claim area
• Multi-Modal Facility: Outside, about 50 steps from lower level door 5B

Hot Tip:

Looking for airports that make flying with a pet easier? Here’s a list of the top 10 pet-friendly airports to help you fly with Fido!

Duty-Free

Duty-free shopping is available in all terminals. These are near gates B9, C17, F5, K5, M14, and M20.

Smoking Areas

ORD is a smoke-free airport, including e-cigarettes. Designated smoking areas are outside of the terminals.

Prayer

There is a multifaith chapel in Terminal 2 on the mezzanine.

Money

ATMs are in all terminals, both inside and outside of the secure area. Currency exchange centers can be found in the following locations:

• Terminal 1: Near gates B10 and C18
• Terminal 2: Near gate F1
• Terminal 3: Near gate K10
• Terminal 5: Near gate M18 and near door 5E on the lower level

Medical Center

Passengers requiring urgent care can visit the O’Hare Urgent Care Clinic, in Terminal 2 just past the security checkpoint.

Luggage

There are no on-site storage services for luggage.

Garden

ORD has an aeroponic garden (where no soil is used for growth) and many of the restaurants use the garden’s fresh produce in their meals. There are also interesting art exhibits and a huge replica dinosaur skeleton.

Important ORD Phone Numbers

Customer Service: 800-832-6352

Parking: 773-686-7530

Travel to and From ORD

Transportation Options From ORD

Onward transportation services are on the upper or lower levels outside of each terminal. They are well-marked with overhead and floor signs.

Train

• CTA Blue Line Trains: This underground train service is operated by the Chicago Transit Authority, with the airport situated on the blue line. Trains run 24/7 with the journey time to the Chicago Loop (downtown) taking 40 to 45 minutes. The station at ORD is at Terminal 2 on the lower level of the main parking garage. Follow the signs for “Trains to City.”
• Metra: The Metra Train is a commuter service connecting downtown with the Chicago suburbs. The north central service stops at ORD at the O’Hare Transfer Station, on the northeast side of the airport. To reach the station, ride the shuttle bus from the upper levels of T1 to T3 or the lower level of T5. Alternatively, you can take the shuttle to the Multi-Modal Facility, from which the station is a short walk.
• Amtrak: For Amtrak services from La Grange Road Station, take the Pace bus 330 from bus bay 9 of the Multi-Modal Facility.

Bus

These operate from the “Bus/Shuttle Center” on level 1 of the main parking garage.

• Pace: Pace bus routes provide access to downtown Chicago and beyond. Route 250 operates daily to downtown from bus bay 9 of the Multi-Modal Facility.
• Regional Bus: If you’re traveling outside of the Chicago area, then there are many regional bus services available. View operators on the airport’s website.
• Shuttle: Private or shared shuttles are available to prebook. Go Airport Express has pickups and drop-offs outside of baggage claim on the lower level. All other shuttles operate from the Bus/Shuttle Center.

Taxi

• Taxis are available at each terminal on the lower level outside of baggage claim. From the airport to downtown Chicago, the cost is around $30 to $40.

Limousine

• Prearranged and on-demand limousine services are available at each terminal. Pickup is available from the lower level center road lane outside of baggage claim.

Ride-Share Services

• Ride-share drivers are permitted to pick up and drop off passengers at Terminal 2 between doors 2A and 2D and Terminal 5 outside door 5B. Uber Black picks up on the lower level.

Transportation to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

The most cost-effective way to get between the 2 airports is to ride the CTA to downtown Chicago on the Blue Line and then connect via the Orange Line to Midway Airport. The journey takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Alternatively, regular shuttles depart from the Bus/Shuttle Center at ORD and take around an hour.

Driving to ORD

Arriving From Downtown Chicago

Take I-90 W from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport.

Arriving From MDW Airport

Take I-55 south in Forest View, then take exit 277A to merge onto I-294 N toward Wisconsin. Take exit 40 toward I-190 W/O’Hare/River Road and keep right to merge onto I-190 W. Follow signs for the airport. 

ORD Airport Parking Information

Official Airport Parking

There are various airport parking lots available for ORD passengers, either outside the terminals or further away near the Multi-Modal Facility.

Short-Term Parking

Hourly parking is available in the main parking garage (Garage Lot A,) on level 1, adjacent to terminals 1 to 3. Parking lot D is adjacent to Terminal 5, with both parking lots offering the following rates:

Garage lot A provides covered parking with a clearance of 6 feet, 6 inches. Garage lot D has no height restrictions.

Daily parking is available in garages A (levels 2 to 6), B, and C (uncovered), with lots B and C also adjacent to the terminals. This option is cheaper than the hourly parking lot after 4 hours:

Clearances are higher at parking lots B (9 feet) and C (8 feet, 5 inches).

Long-Term Parking

If you need to park for a longer duration, then economy lots E, F, and G are the most economical options. Clearance is 8 feet, 2 inches at economy lot F.

Passengers can ride the Airport Transit System to economy lot F for free. The following parking fees apply for economy lot F:

Passengers can ride the remote parking shuttle from the upper level of the terminals to reach economy lots G and H. The following parking fees apply for economy lots G and H:

Reserved Parking

Reserved parking is in garage lot A on level 4. With advance booking, you won’t need to drive around searching for a space. The reservation fee is $10 per day per space, in addition to the standard parking fees.

Pickup or Drop-Off Parking

Curbside pickup and drop-off are available at every terminal. However, no waiting is permitted. Vehicles collecting passengers can utilize the cell phone lot. This allows temporary free parking until the passenger calls for curbside pickup.

Kiss ‘n’ Fly Parking

To avoid the congested airport roads, there is a parking lot for pickup and drop-off in the northeast corner of the Multi-Modal Facility. Passengers can ride the free ATS to and from Kiss ‘n’ Fly Parking.

Off-Site and Hotel Parking

Off-site parking lots offer the most favorable rates for parking your car, with all establishments offering courtesy shuttle buses to and from the terminals.

Daily parking for ORD starts at around $14, with easy booking available on airportparkingreservations.com.

Parking for Passengers With Disabilities

There are over 200 accessible parking spaces across the airport’s parking lots. They’re closest to elevators and other onward travel facilities. All shuttle buses operating to or from the parking lots lower to the curb for wheelchair access.

Hot Tip:

Want more information about flying with a disability or mobility concern? See our guide to flying with a disability to learn your rights and what the airport and airlines can provide.

Parking Contact Numbers

General parking inquiries: 773-686-7530

Car Rental at ORD Airport

Car rental companies are in the Multi-Modal Facility, accessible by shuttle bus from all terminals.

Hot Tip:

See which credit cards include car rental insurance so you can avoid paying for expensive rental car provider insurance.

ORD Airport Hotels

ORD has a range of 2-star to 4-star hotels, mostly from 1 to 3 miles from the airport. If you want to be as close to the airport as possible, the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport is just outside of the domestic terminals.

Most hotels offer a shuttle service to and from the airport, so be sure to inquire about booking.

ORD Airport Hotels — Sorted by Distance from ORD

Top 3 Hotel Stays Using Points

The Hyatt Regency O’Hare is both the largest hotel outside the city and the largest convention center near the airport. The hotel offers great dining, a free airport shuttle, access to the L train, and Regency Club access to Globalist members or those who purchase an eligible room. This hotel is a real steal for World of Hyatt members, who can book this hotel for 6,500 to 9,500 World of Hyatt points per night.

The Westin O’Hare provides close proximity to not only O’Hare International Airport, but also the Allstate Arena and Fashion Outlets of Chicago. Travelers receive a complimentary shuttle service, access to the L train, a fitness center, indoor pool, and Starbucks. Marriott Bonvoy members can book a room for around 20,000 to 30,000 points per night.

Guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O’Hare can use the property’s fitness center, pool, and business center, along with popular dining like Gibsons Steakhouse and BC Bistro. DoubleTree is a member of the Hilton Hotels portfolio, so Hilton Honors members can book a room from 40,000 Hilton points per night. Guests with Hilton Gold status or higher receiver a complimentary breakfast each morning.

Hot Tip:

Want hotel status but don’t meet the requirements? Lots of credit cards award you complimentary hotel status.

O’Hare 21 Expansion Plan

Chicago recently announced the winning architectural firm for the O’Hare 21 expansion plan for a new global terminal. With its estimated completion date of 2028, you’ll be waiting on this terminal for a while. But the $8.5 billion expansion project will replace the existing T2 with a modernized terminal and 25 additional gates.

The winning design by lead architects Studio Gang aims to bring the outdoors in, with lots of trees, sunlight, and open space. T2’s additional capacity will enable both domestic and international flights to depart from the new terminal.

Final Thoughts

Now that the Airport Transit System has been newly renovated, passengers can easily ride this free service between all the terminals and to the car rental center, Multi-Modal Facility, economy car parking lots, and Metra train station.

Terminal 5 has also seen significant improvements with its capacity increased by 25%, new roadway enhancements, and expanded curbside pickup and drop-off areas.