Chicago O'Hare International Airport [ORD] Terminal Guide

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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.

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

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.

The road system that runs inside ORD is a hexagonal shape, with terminals 1, 2, and 3 along the outside of the bottom 3 sides, and the parking lots, Multi-Modal Facility (car rental), and I-190 in the top half.

Terminals 1 to 3 are the domestic terminals, and these 3 terminals are connected to each other via pedestrian walkways.

Terminal 5, the last terminal to be built, is a short distance from the other terminals, connected by shuttle services and the Airport Transit System. Although it is referred to as the international terminal, some international flights depart from other terminals, but they only arrive into Terminal 5.

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.

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

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 is a large terminal with 4 concourses and 76 gates:

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.

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 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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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

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:

Terminal

Checkpoint

Hours of Operation

1

CP1

4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

1

CP2

4:15 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

1

CP3

4 a.m. to 6 p.m​.

2

CP5

4 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

3

CP6

3:45 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3

CP7

3:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

3

CP7A

3:15 a.m. to 10 p.m.

3

CP8

5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3

CP9

5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

5

CP10

24/7

5

CP11

12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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

Terminal

Checkpoint

Hours of Operation

1

CP2

4 a.m.​ to 8:30 p.m.

2

CP5

4:15 a.m. to 7 p.m.

3

CP7A

4:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

3

CP8

5 a.m.to 7 p.m.

5

Unknown

Unknown (if TSA PreCheck is unavailable, you will be given a card that enables you to keep your shoes on when passing through the standard lanes)

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 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.

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.

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:

Terminal

Hours of Operation

1

4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

2

4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

5

4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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.

Lounge

Location

Opening Hours*

Day Pass Fee per Person**

American Admirals Club

Terminal 3, near gate G8

Daily: 6:15 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

$79

Terminal 3, near gate L1

Daily: 6:15 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Terminal 3, near gate H6/K6

Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

American Flagship Lounge

Terminal 3, between gates H6 and K6

Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

n/a

British Airways Lounge

Terminal 5, near gate M17

Daily: 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

n/a

Delta Sky Club

Terminal 5, gate M13

Sunday to Friday: 4:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Saturday: 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

n/a

LOT Polish Business Class Lounge

Terminal 5 (TBD)

TBD — opening 2024

SAS Lounge

Terminal 5, near gate M19-20

1 hour before first flight till last flight

n/a

Swissport Lounge

Terminal 5, near gate M13

Daily: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

$40

United Club

Terminal 1, near gate B6

Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

$59

Terminal 1, near gate B18

Daily: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Terminal 1, near gate C10

Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Terminal 2, near gate F9

Daily: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

United Polaris Lounge

Terminal 1, near gate C18

Daily: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

n/a

USO Lounge (active military only)

Terminal 2, mezzanine (presecurity)

Daily: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

n/a

Terminal 3, Concourse G mezzanine

Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

n/a

* 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.

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

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

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.

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

Charging Stations: There are charging stations at:

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.

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:

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:

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.

Nursing rooms can be found in the following locations:

Unisex family restrooms are available at:

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are no on-site storage services for luggage.

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.

Customer Service: 800-832-6352

Parking: 773-686-7530

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

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

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.

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

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

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:

Duration

Cost

0 to 1 hour

$3

1 to 2 hours

$6

2 to 3 hours

$10

3 to 4 hours

$14

4 to 8 hours

$36

8 to 24 hours

$77

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:

Duration

Cost

0 to 1 hour

$3

1 to 2 hours

$6

2 to 3 hours

$10

3 to 4 hours

$14

4 to 8 hours

$24

9 to 24 hours

$42

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

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:

Duration

Cost

0 to 1 hour

$3

1 to 2 hours

$6

2 to 3 hours

$10

3 to 4 hours

$14

9 to 24 hours

$22

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:

Duration

Cost

0 to 1 hour

$3

1 to 24 hours

$15

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

General parking inquiries: 773-686-7530

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

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

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.

Hotel

Address and Phone Number

Star Rating

Distance From ORD (Miles)

Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport

773-686-8000

4

0

Best Western at O’Hare

847-296-4471

3

1.7

Sheraton Suites Chicago O’Hare

6501 Mannheim Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

847-699-6300

4

1.7

The Rose Chicago, Tapestry Collection By Hilton

847-260-4770

3.5

1.7

Edward Hotel

847-544-7500

3

1.8

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Chicago-O’Hare/Rosemont

847-954-8600

3

1.8

Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O’Hare

847-671-6000

3

1.9

Aloft Chicago O’Hare

847-671-4444

3

2

Candlewood Suites Chicago – O`Hare

847-671-4663

2

2

Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center

847-671-6350

4

2

Hyatt Place Chicago O’Hare Airport

224-563-1800

3

2

O’Hare Inn & Suites

847-671-1404

2

2

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport-Rosemont

847-292-9100

4

2.1

Embassy Suites Chicago – O’Hare Rosemont

847-678-4000

3

2.1

Hilton Rosemont Chicago O’Hare

847-678-4488

3

2.1

Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel

847-544-5300

4

2.1

Extended Stay America – Chicago – O’Hare – Allstate Arena

847-768-0395

3

2.2

Residence Inn Chicago O’Hare

847-375-9000

3

2.2

Hampton Inn Chicago-O’Hare International Airport

847-671-1700

3

2.3

Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago

847-696-12344

4

2.3

Motel 6 Chicago O’Hare – Schiller Park

847-671-4282

2

2.3

Quality Inn O’Hare Airport

847-678-0670

2

2.3

The Westin O’Hare

847-698-6000

4

2.3

Chicago Marriott Suites O’Hare

847-696-4400

3

2.4

Hampton Inn & Suites Rosemont Chicago O’Hare

847-692-3000

3

2.4

Wyndham Chicago O’Hare

847-296-8866

3

2.4

Courtyard Chicago O’Hare

847-824-7000

3

2.5

Hyatt Rosemont Near O’Hare

847-518-1234

3

2.5

Hilton Garden Inn Chicago O’Hare Airport

847-296-8900

3

2.6

Super 8 by Wyndham Chicago O’Hare Airport

847-827-3133

2

2.6

Comfort Suites O’Hare Airport

847-233-9000

3

2.7

Motel 6 Elk Grove Village – O’Hare

847-803-9400

2

2.7

Comfort Inn O’Hare – Convention Center

847-635-1300

3

2.8

Hotel

Address and Phone Number

Point Redemption Cost

Hyatt Regency O’Hare

847-696-12344

From 6,500 to 9,500 World of Hyatt points

The Westin O’Hare

847-698-6000

From 20,000 to 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O’Hare

847-292-9100

From 40,000 Hilton Honors 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.

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

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.

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.

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are the domestic terminals where domestic flights depart. The international terminal (Terminal 5) operates most international flights, but some international flights depart from the domestic terminals. Some airlines operate from multiple terminals, and you can check up-to-date departure information on the airport’s website.

It is recommended that passengers arrive at ORD at least 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight. This is to allow time to check-in, clear security, and reach the departure date.

Alaska Airlines ticketing desks, kiosks, baggage office, and curbside check-in are in Terminal 2.

The L gates are in Concourse L of Terminal 3. Concourse L has 76 gates numbered L1, L1B, L2A, L2C, L3 to L5, L6A, L6B, L7 to L9, L10A, L10B, L10C, L11, L11A, and L11B.

The terminals at O’Hare are open 24 hours. However, the security checkpoints have varying opening hours (see the section “Security and Customs at ORD” in the above article). This excludes Terminal 5, where there’s a 24/7 security checkpoint.

Midway is closer to downtown Chicago than O’Hare. Riding the CTA trains, it’s about 20 minutes quicker on the Orange Line to Midway than on the Blue Line to O’Hare.

Yes, Southwest Airlines flies to O’Hare Airport.

From Chicago O’Hare to the Magnificent Mile, the cost of a taxi is around $30 to $40, and the trip takes around 30 minutes.

JetBlue operates from Chicago O’Hare International Airport. Departures and arrivals are from Terminal 2.

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Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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