Lois Larson
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the world's busiest hubs, with four terminals and 10 security checkpoints. Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 are connected by the Airport Transit System (ATS), a free train that runs 24/7. Each terminal has a different number of security checkpoints, with varying opening hours. Terminal 5 is the main international terminal, with the most international airline ticket desks, and handles nearly all international arrivals and departures.
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What You'll Learn
- Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5
- The Airport Transit System (ATS), a free light rail service, connects all terminals
- Terminal 2 is the central rideshare pickup zone for Uber and Lyft
- Terminal 5 handles most international arrivals and departures, with longer immigration wait times
- Terminals feature duty-free shopping, ATMs, currency exchange, urgent care clinics, chapels, and dining options
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the world's busiest hubs, serving 55 international and 155 domestic destinations. The airport has four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5. These terminals are connected by pedestrian walkways and the Airport Transit System (ATS), a free light rail service that runs 24/7.
Terminal 1 has three security checkpoints and is connected to the parking garage via a tunnel. Terminal 2 is known for being the central rideshare pickup zone for services like Uber and Lyft, and it also features a multifaith chapel in the mezzanine area. Terminal 3 is the hub for American Airlines and has an extensive layout with four concourses and 76 gates. It has five security checkpoints and is connected to the other terminals via the ATS and pedestrian bridges.
Terminal 5 handles most international arrivals and departures, and it is accessible from Terminals 1-3 via the ATS and a shuttle bus. It is located near parking lot D. This terminal has one main security checkpoint and experiences the longest immigration wait times.
To navigate Chicago O'Hare International Airport, it is recommended to check your reservation or live departure information, as airlines can operate from multiple terminals. Additionally, the airport is known for long walking distances and limited moving walkways, so comfortable shoes and extra time are advised.
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The Airport Transit System (ATS), a free light rail service, connects all terminals
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the world's busiest hubs, with four terminals numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a free light rail service that connects all terminals and the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF), which includes car rentals and parking. The ATS operates outside the secure area, so passengers must clear security to access their gates after using the system. Each terminal has an ATS station landside, marked with "ATS" signs. Trains on the ATS depart frequently, running in both directions every three minutes, and passengers can choose the quickest route to their connecting terminal. The ATS operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and its trains can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
The ATS was opened on May 6, 1993, as part of the O'Hare Development Plan, which included the expansion of the airport with a new international terminal (Terminal 5) and the expansion of domestic terminals. The system closed for refurbishment and modernisation from January 2019 to November 2021, with a limited schedule upon reopening. The full 24-hour service was restored in April 2022.
The ATS provides a convenient way to navigate between terminals at O'Hare Airport, especially when transferring between concourses, which can take 15-25 minutes. However, travellers have complained about the need to walk long distances due to the scarcity of moving walkways, which can be frustrating, especially for those with reduced mobility or families. Signage to the ATS has also been described as confusing or insufficient.
The ATS has improved passenger access across the airport, connecting terminals to rental car and economy parking facilities. It spans three miles, with a pinched-loop configuration that allows multiple trains to travel along the track simultaneously in both directions. The modernisation project included replacing the previous 15-car fleet with 36 new Bombardier Innovia APM 256 vehicles, upgrading infrastructure, and extending the line to the Multi-Modal Facility.
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Terminal 2 is the central rideshare pickup zone for Uber and Lyft
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has four terminals in total, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. The airport is located approximately 20 miles from downtown Chicago.
For Lyft, the pickup location is at the center lane, door 4, on the Arrivals level. The Lyft app will move the passenger's pin to an approved pickup area, ensuring an accurate meeting point. It's important to note that Lyft drivers should not pick up passengers from any undesignated areas at the main terminal.
Both Uber and Lyft have specific guidelines for drivers operating at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Uber drivers must display the required decals on their front and rear windshields. Additionally, Lyft drivers should always display the Lyft emblem on the lower right-hand side of the front windshield when giving rides at the airport.
It's recommended to schedule your ride in advance, especially for Uber, as you can cancel without charge up to 60 minutes before your reservation pickup time. For Lyft, you can schedule rides up to 90 days in advance, and your price and pickup time will be locked in.
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Terminal 5 handles most international arrivals and departures, with longer immigration wait times
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the world's busiest hubs, serving 55 international and 155 domestic destinations. The airport has four terminals in total, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Terminal 5 handles most international arrivals and departures. It has the longest immigration wait times, which can make connecting flights tight. Wait times at US immigration and customs vary significantly by airport, time of day, and season, with peak travel times generally resulting in longer waits.
The average wait time at Chicago O'Hare International Airport is 20.26 minutes, which is 13% higher than the average. However, individual experiences may vary, with some travellers reporting wait times ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours.
To navigate between terminals at O'Hare, you can use the Airport Transit System (ATS), a free train that runs 24/7 and connects terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 to the Multi-Modal Facility (car rental and parking). A free shuttle bus (TTB) also links Terminal 5's secure area with terminals 1 and 3. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 share a secure zone connected by pedestrian bridges.
Each terminal 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. It is recommended to allow extra time when transferring between concourses, as it can take 14-25 minutes due to the long distances and limited moving walkways.
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Terminals feature duty-free shopping, ATMs, currency exchange, urgent care clinics, chapels, and dining options
Chicago O'Hare International Airport has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminal 5 handles the majority of international arrivals and departures. 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.
The terminals feature a variety of amenities and services to meet the needs of passengers. Here's an overview of what you can find in the terminals:
Duty-Free Shopping
Duty-free shopping is available in all terminals, with shops located near gates B9, C17, F5, K5, M14, and M20. In addition to duty-free outlets, passengers can also find a range of other shopping options, including confectioners, newsagents, clothing stores, and gift shops.
ATMs and Currency Exchange
ATMs are available in all terminals, both inside and outside the secure areas, providing easy access to cash. For currency exchange services, passengers can visit dedicated foreign currency exchange bureaus located within the airport or utilize the services of Seaway National Bank, which has a branch within Terminal 2.
Urgent Care Clinics
The O'Hare Urgent Care Clinic is located in Terminal 2, just past the security checkpoint. This facility provides medical assistance to passengers requiring urgent care during their travel.
Chapels
A multifaith chapel is situated in Terminal 2 on the mezzanine level, offering a quiet space for prayer and reflection for people of all faiths.
Dining Options
Chicago O'Hare Airport offers a wide variety of dining options to suit different tastes and preferences. Passengers can choose from cafes, restaurants with seating, fast-food outlets, American-style diners, grills, sandwich shops, pizza outlets, and even a Japanese restaurant. Popular choices include Tortas Frontera, Burger King, and the Wolfgang Puck restaurant. Additionally, some restaurants use fresh produce from the airport's aeroponic garden, where no soil is used for growth, providing a unique dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four terminals at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
You can use the Airport Transit System (ATS), a free train that runs 24/7 and connects terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Terminal 5 handles the majority of international arrivals and departures, so it is likely the busiest terminal.
It is recommended that you arrive at least 90 minutes before a domestic flight and 2-3 hours before an international flight.
