Ruth Haines
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving about 83 million travellers annually. The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Transport between terminals is facilitated by the Airport Transit System (ATS), a light rail service that stops outside of the secure area at each terminal. Additionally, pedestrian walkways connect Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and a Terminal Transfer Bus connects the domestic terminals to Terminal 5.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terminals | 4 (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5) |
| Terminals for domestic flights | Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 |
| Terminal for international flights | Terminal 5 |
| Transport between terminals | Pedestrian walkways, Terminal Transfer Bus, and Airport Transit System (light rail service) |
| Transport to and from the airport | CTA Blue Line Trains (24/7), regional buses, and Metra commuter trains |
| Airlines operating from multiple terminals | Yes |
| Car rental facilities | Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) |
| Security checkpoints per terminal | Terminal 1: 3, Terminal 2: 1, Terminal 3: 5, Terminal 5: 1 |
| Checkpoint hours | Terminal 1: 4am–8:30pm, Terminal 2: 4am–8:30pm, Terminal 3: 3:15am–10pm, Terminal 5: 24 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Transport between terminals
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving about 83 million people annually. The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. These terminals are easily accessible via various transport options within the airport.
One convenient option is the Airport Transit System (ATS), a light rail service that connects all four terminals. The ATS stations are located outside the secure area, so passengers may need to reclear security at their connecting terminal. However, the ATS is free and runs frequently, making it a convenient choice for passengers with tight layovers.
For those who prefer a more scenic route, pedestrian walkways connect Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Additionally, the Terminal Transfer Bus connects the domestic terminals (Terminals 1, 2, and 3) to Terminal 5 for international flights.
For travellers wishing to use public transportation to and from the airport, the CTA Blue Line provides an efficient underground train service. This line operates 24/7 between O'Hare and Downtown Chicago, offering a convenient and affordable commute. The CTA Blue Line station is situated at Terminal 2 on the lower level of the main parking garage.
Another option is the Metra Train, a commuter service that connects downtown Chicago with the suburbs. The north-central service stops at the O'Hare Transfer Station on the airport's northeast side. Passengers can reach this station by taking the shuttle bus from the upper levels of Terminals 1 to 3 or the lower level of Terminal 5.
When it comes to car rentals, most companies are located in the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), which is best accessed via the Airport Transit System. Many car rental companies also provide their own shuttle services to and from the facility. It is important to note that renting a car without flying into or out of Chicago can be challenging, as a valid boarding pass is often required.
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Airlines and terminals
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving about 83 million passengers annually. The airport has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Each terminal serves a variety of airlines and offers different amenities and services for passengers.
Terminal 1 at ORD is the hub for United Airlines' domestic flights and features a United Club lounge. This terminal also has three security checkpoints and houses attractions such as the Field Museum brachiosaurus exhibit in Concourse B. Terminal 2 caters to several regional carriers and airlines, including Delta, Air Canada, and JetBlue. It is the only terminal with a barber shop and offers unique features like a Lego vending machine and a display of the Butch O'Hare F4F-3 fighter plane. Terminal 3 is the largest terminal at ORD and is the base for American Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Several regional and international carriers, such as Japan Airlines and Iberia, also utilise this terminal. Terminal 3 boasts the airport's only yoga room, providing a relaxing space for passengers.
Terminal 5, the international terminal, underwent a significant expansion designed by architect Jeanne Gang. This expansion connected the domestic and international terminals, added ten new gates, enhanced dining options, improved baggage handling, and incorporated more natural light and greenery. Terminal 5 accommodates all major international airlines and provides a diverse range of shopping options, including a Dufry store and an 'I Love Chicago' souvenir shop.
Navigating between terminals at Chicago O'Hare International Airport is convenient thanks to the Airport Transit System (ATS). This light rail service is free to use and stops at all terminals, running in both directions. Additionally, pedestrian walkways connect Terminals 1, 2, and 3, while a Terminal Transfer Bus links the domestic terminals with Terminal 5 for connecting flights. For those seeking ground transportation, the CTA Blue Line train provides 24/7 service between the airport and Downtown Chicago, making it a highly accessible option.
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Security checkpoints
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving about 83 million travellers annually. It has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Each terminal has a varying number of security checkpoints. Terminal 1 has three checkpoints, Terminal 2 has one checkpoint, Terminal 3 has five checkpoints, and Terminal 5 has one main checkpoint.
The security checkpoint opening times vary across the terminals. Terminal 1's checkpoints are open from 4 am to 8:30 pm, Terminal 2's from 4 am to 8:30 pm, Terminal 3's from 3:15 am to 10 pm, and Terminal 5's sole checkpoint is open 24 hours.
The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a light rail service that stops outside the secure area at each terminal. This means that if you use the ATS to travel between terminals, you will need to go through security again at your destination terminal. The ATS is free to use and runs frequently in both directions, making it a convenient option for travellers with tight layovers.
In addition to the standard security lanes, ORD also offers dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at each terminal for eligible travellers.
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Transport to and from the airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5. The terminals are well connected, with pedestrian walkways linking Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and a Terminal Transfer Bus connecting all four terminals. Each terminal also has an Airport Transit System (ATS) light rail station outside of the secure area, so you can easily travel between terminals via rail. However, you will need to reclear security at your connecting terminal.
When travelling to or from the airport, the CTA Blue Line Train service is a good option, as it runs 24/7 and takes 40 to 45 minutes to reach the Chicago Loop (downtown). The train station is located at Terminal 2 on the lower level of the main parking garage. You can also take the Metra Train, a commuter service that connects downtown with the Chicago suburbs. The north-central service stops at the O'Hare Transfer Station on the airport's northeast side. To reach the station, take the shuttle bus from the upper levels of Terminals 1 to 3 or the lower level of Terminal 5.
In addition to rail and bus services, Chicago O'Hare International Airport also offers a range of other transport options, including car rental services and parking lots. The airport is located approximately 20 miles (32 km) from downtown Chicago and is accessible via I-190.
It's important to note that different airlines operate from multiple terminals at ORD, so it's recommended to check your reservation or live departure information before travelling to the correct terminal. Each terminal has a different number of security checkpoints, with Terminal 1 having three checkpoints, Terminal 2 having one checkpoint, Terminal 3 having five checkpoints, and Terminal 5 having one main checkpoint.
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Terminal amenities
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has four terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Terminal 1, or T1, consists of concourses B and C, with both concourses featuring shops, restaurants, and a United Club. In addition, Concourse C also has a United Polaris Lounge, as T1 is the primary terminal for United Airlines' domestic and international flights.
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by pedestrian walkways, and the Airport Transit System (ATS) provides a light rail service in both directions for inter-terminal transportation. The ATS station is located outside of the secure area, so travellers will need to go through security again at their connecting terminal. The Terminal Transfer Bus also connects the domestic terminals and Terminal 5 for connecting flights.
The airport offers a range of amenities to accommodate travellers' needs. Each terminal has a different number of security checkpoints: Terminal 1 has three checkpoints, Terminal 2 has one checkpoint, Terminal 3 has five checkpoints, and Terminal 5 has one main checkpoint. There are also dedicated TSA PreCheck lanes at each terminal.
For onward transportation, services can be found on the upper or lower levels outside of each terminal, with clear overhead and floor signs. The CTA Blue Line Trains provide an underground train service operated by the Chicago Transit Authority, with the airport situated on the blue line. Trains run 24/7, with a journey time of 40 to 45 minutes to the Chicago Loop (downtown). The station at ORD is located at Terminal 2 on the lower level of the main parking garage.
Additionally, the Multi-Modal Facility provides car rental services, and the Metra Train is a commuter service that connects downtown Chicago with the city's suburbs.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, pedestrian walkways connect terminals 1, 2, and 3.
The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a light rail service that stops at all terminals. The Terminal Transfer Bus also connects the domestic terminals with Terminal 5.
Yes, the CTA Blue Line is an underground train service that runs 24/7 between O'Hare and Downtown Chicago. The journey takes between 40 to 45 minutes.
Terminal 1: 4 am–8:30 pm, Terminal 2: 4 am–8:30 pm, Terminal 3: 3:15 am–10 pm, Terminal 5: 24 hours.
The airport has a yoga room and garden. There is also a Lego vending machine in Terminal 2, a four-story-high Field Museum brachiosaurus in Terminal 1 Concourse B, and the Butch O'Hare F4F-3 fighter plane in Terminal 2.
