Owais Crawford
The O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is one of the busiest airports in the world. With an efficient transportation system, the airport facilitates seamless travel for millions of passengers annually. The Airport Transit System (ATS) is a free, 24/7 service that connects terminals, parking lots, and the consolidated rental car facility. The ATS was introduced to facilitate connections between domestic and international flights following the expansion of the airport with a new international terminal. The west end of the ATS is at Terminal 1, and it makes a counterclockwise loop around the parking garage with stops at Terminals 2 and 3, and the main garage. Outside the terminal loop, the ATS travels east to Terminal 5, the international terminal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Operating hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Cost | Free |
| Terminal connections | Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5 |
| Parking lot connections | Parking Garage A, Parking Lots B and C |
| Rental car facility connection | Yes, it takes 10 minutes to travel from Terminal 1 to the consolidated rental car facility |
| Public transportation connections | CTA's Blue Line, Pace bus routes 250 and 330, Pulse Dempster Line, Metra's North Central Service |
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What You'll Learn
- The Airport Transit System (ATS) operates 24/7 and is free to use
- The ATS connects O'Hare's terminals to parking lots and the consolidated rental car facility
- The O'Hare Development Plan included a new international terminal and domestic terminal expansion
- The ATS makes a counterclockwise loop around the parking garage with stops at Terminals 1, 2 and 3
- The Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) is the new location for regional bus transportation services
The Airport Transit System (ATS) operates 24/7 and is free to use
The Airport Transit System (ATS) at O'Hare International Airport is a free, 24/7 service connecting the airport's terminals to parking lots and the consolidated rental car facility. The system was implemented to allow for easy connections between domestic and international flights.
The ATS's west end is at Terminal 1, with stops at Terminals 2 and 3, and Parking Garage A (the main garage). From Terminal 1, it takes 10 minutes to reach the consolidated rental car facility. The ATS also serves Terminal 5, the airport's international terminal, located outside the terminal loop.
The Airport Transit System provides seamless connections to various transportation options. It intersects with the Blue Line of the CTA and offers access to Parking Lots B and C from Terminals 1 and 3, respectively. Additionally, it facilitates connections to Pace bus routes 250 and 330 and the Pulse Dempster Line at the rental car facility.
The rental car facility also connects to the O'Hare Transfer station on the Metra's North Central Service, providing commuter rail services to Chicago Union Station and Antioch during service hours. It's important to note that the Metra station is currently open only on weekdays.
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The ATS connects O'Hare's terminals to parking lots and the consolidated rental car facility
The Airport Transit System (ATS) is an important mode of transportation at O'Hare Airport, providing efficient connections between the terminals and various amenities. One of its key functions is facilitating travel between the terminals and the parking lots, enhancing convenience for both departing and arriving passengers. The ATS is the designated method for passengers to reach the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) for those being picked up by the Reindeer Shuttle or other scheduled regional buses. This includes passengers arriving at Terminal 5, who previously relied on pick-ups at door 5E, which is no longer an option.
The integration of the ATS with the airport's parking infrastructure is seamless, offering travellers a straightforward and time-efficient means of navigating the airport. By utilising the ATS, passengers can effortlessly access the parking facilities, streamlining their overall airport experience. This connection between the terminals and parking lots is particularly advantageous for individuals who require alternative transportation methods, such as rental cars.
In addition to its role in connecting terminals and parking lots, the ATS also extends its services to the consolidated rental car facility. This extension further enhances the convenience and accessibility offered by the transportation system. Passengers who intend to utilise rental car services can conveniently rely on the ATS to reach their desired destination within the airport premises. The inclusion of the rental car facility in the ATS network ensures a seamless travel experience for those who opt for rental cars as their preferred mode of transportation beyond the airport.
The efficient connectivity provided by the ATS showcases O'Hare Airport's commitment to offering a comprehensive travel experience. By interconnecting the terminals, parking lots, and the consolidated rental car facility, the ATS plays a pivotal role in streamlining ground transportation for travellers. This integrated approach to airport design promotes ease of movement and reduces potential logistical complexities, ultimately contributing to a more enjoyable journey for all passengers utilising O'Hare Airport. Overall, the ATS serves as a vital component of the airport's transportation ecosystem, facilitating seamless connections and enhancing the overall efficiency of ground travel.
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The O'Hare Development Plan included a new international terminal and domestic terminal expansion
The O'Hare Development Plan, announced in 2018, involves an $8.5 billion expansion and rebuild of O'Hare International Airport. The original plan was to first build two satellite concourses and a tunnel connecting the new concourses to the existing terminal, followed by the O'Hare Global Terminal, which would serve as the project's centerpiece. However, due to cost considerations, the order of construction was changed to building Satellite Concourse 1 first, followed by the Global Terminal, and then Satellite Concourse 2. The Global Terminal, designed by Studio Gang, will replace Terminal 2 and is expected to be completed by 2032. Satellite Concourse 1, designed by SOM, Ross Barney Architects, Arup, and JGMA, is set to be finished in 2028. The entire project is now expected to be completed by 2034, a timeline extension from the original 2026 completion date.
The expansion includes 350,000 square feet of new floor space and the renovation of 750,000 square feet of existing floor space. These improvements will increase terminal capacity by 25% and add 10 new aircraft gates. The added space will feature various retail venues, dining options, passenger amenities, security lanes, and improved baggage handling, customs, and immigration facilities. Additionally, there will be new domestic baggage carousels and a new Delta Sky Club due to Delta's presence in the concourse.
The redevelopment plan also addresses the airport's accessibility from the CTA. Currently, accessing Terminal 5 from the CTA involves a cumbersome journey that includes climbing stairs, long walks, and multiple connections. Suggested solutions include adding an elevator from the pedestrian tunnel to the Terminal 2 ATS station or constructing a new CTA station with a tunnel or bridge.
The expansion of O'Hare International Airport aims to enhance capacity, improve passenger experience with additional amenities, and streamline accessibility. By completing the project, the airport will be able to accommodate the growth of its hub airlines, United and American, and provide a more efficient and enjoyable travel experience for its customers.
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The ATS makes a counterclockwise loop around the parking garage with stops at Terminals 1, 2 and 3
The Airport Transit System (ATS) at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is a 24/7 service that connects the airport's terminals to parking lots and the consolidated rental car facility. The system was introduced following the 1982 O'Hare Development Plan, which included the construction of a new international terminal (Terminal 5) and the expansion of the domestic terminals. This new international terminal was built away from the domestic terminals, requiring a people mover to facilitate connections between domestic and international flights.
Outside the terminal loop, the ATS continues east to Terminal 5, the airport's international terminal. To reach the consolidated rental car facility, the ATS turns north, crossing over the main access road, the Blue Line, and Mannheim Road. This facility serves as the terminal for several Pace bus routes (250 and 330, as well as the Pulse Dempster Line) and connects to the O'Hare Transfer station on Metra's North Central Service for commuter rail service to Chicago Union Station and Antioch during service hours.
The ATS is a convenient and efficient way for passengers to navigate O'Hare International Airport and make connections between terminals, parking lots, and transportation services.
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The Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) is the new location for regional bus transportation services
As of June 1, 2023, the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) has relocated regional bus transportation services from the O'Hare Bus Shuttle Center to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) at 10255 W. Zemke Blvd. This means that passengers using the Reindeer Shuttle, or any other scheduled regional bus service, will now need to ride the Airport Transit System (ATS) from any terminal to the MMF.
The MMF is easily accessible. After disembarking your flight, simply follow the signs for the Airport Transit System (ATS) and ride it to the MMF. Peoria Charter passengers will be dropped off at O'Hare Terminal 2 Departures (upper level). However, please note that Peoria Charter and all other line-run bus services are no longer permitted to pick up from O'Hare Airport's Terminals 1-3, Bus Shuttle Center, or Terminal 5. Instead, these services are now located at Bays 5, 6, 7, and 8 (if needed) at the MMF.
When booking your ticket with Peoria Charter, it is important to account for extra travel time when using the Airport Transit System (ATS). The O'Hare MMF authorities strictly monitor loading slot times, and buses are unable to wait beyond their scheduled departure times. Therefore, it is important to allow for sufficient travel time to ensure you do not miss your scheduled bus departure.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Airport Transit System is free to users and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The ATS connects O'Hare's terminals to parking lots and the consolidated rental car facility.
The west end of the O'Hare Airport Transit System is at Terminal 1.
The consolidated rental car facility can be reached by travelling north from Terminal 1 and crossing over the main access road and Blue Line. It takes 10 minutes to make this journey.
To get to the MMF from O'Hare, take the Airport Transit System (ATS) from any terminal to the MMF.
