Lois Larson
Chicago's Airport Transit System (ATS) is an automated people mover system located at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The system, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, is designed to transport passengers between the airport's terminals and parking facilities, as well as the consolidated rental car facility. The ATS, which first opened in 1993, has undergone modernisation and upgrades over the years, with the latest improvements resuming 24-hour service in 2022. The system is accessible via the BLUE LINE Chicago 'L' and the VAN GALDER bus service, with the nearest bus station located at O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 2 Departures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Airport Transit System (ATS) |
| Location | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| Operation Hours | 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Cost | Free |
| Speed | Up to 50 mph (80 km/h) |
| Vehicles | 12 3-car Bombardier Innovia APM 256 trains |
| Route Length | 3 miles |
| Route | Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the multi-modal facility, which includes the rental car center, parking lots, and Economy Parking Lot F |
| Nearby Public Transit | Blue Line (Chicago 'L'), Van Galder bus |
| Nearby Bus Stop | O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 2 Departures |
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What You'll Learn
The Airport Transit System (ATS) is an automated people mover system
The ATS provides a convenient and efficient means of transportation for passengers navigating O'Hare International Airport, one of the nation's busiest airports. The trains span three miles, connecting O'Hare's Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the multi-modal facility, which includes the rental car centre, parking lots, and other local mass transit options.
Outside the terminal loop, the ATS extends to the airport's international terminal, Terminal 5. It then turns north, crossing over the main access road and Blue Line, to reach the consolidated rental car facility, which connects to the O'Hare Transfer station on Metra's North Central Service. This provides commuter rail services to Chicago Union Station inbound and outbound during service hours.
The ATS has undergone modernisation and upgrades over the years, with a $800 million project involving a new integrated transit centre initiated in 2018. The system temporarily closed for construction and delays but resumed 24-hour service in April 2022, providing seamless connectivity for travellers at O'Hare International Airport.
The nearest bus station to the Airport Transit System (ATS) in Chicago is at O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 2 Departures. The BLUE LINE is the first and last Chicago 'L' that services the ATS, and the VAN GALDER is the first bus that travels to the system.
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$23.95
ATS connects terminals, parking lots, and the rental car facility
The Airport Transit System (ATS) in Chicago is an automated people mover system located at O'Hare International Airport. It first opened in May 1993 and currently uses 12 3-car Bombardier Innovia APM 256 trains, capable of travelling at speeds of up to 50 mph. The system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free for users.
ATS provides an efficient means of transportation within the airport premises, connecting various terminals, parking lots, and the rental car facility. Outside the terminal loop, the ATS extends to Terminal 5, the international terminal, before turning north and crossing the main access road, as well as the Blue Line. This route allows passengers to conveniently access different areas of the airport without having to rely solely on walking or other transportation methods.
The ATS then proceeds to cross Mannheim Road, facilitating a seamless connection to the consolidated rental car facility. This facility acts as a hub for multiple Pace bus routes, including 250, 330, and the Pulse Dempster Line. Moreover, passengers can utilise the O'Hare Transfer station on the North Central Service line of Metra, providing a convenient commuter rail service to and from Chicago Union Station during operational hours.
In addition to its accessibility to the rental car facility, the ATS also ensures convenient access to parking areas. The system's route encompasses connections to parking lots, such as Economy Parking Lot F, enabling passengers to effortlessly reach their desired parking location. This integration between the ATS and parking facilities enhances the overall convenience and efficiency of the airport's transportation network.
The ATS plays a crucial role in streamlining the travel experience at O'Hare International Airport, offering seamless connections between terminals, the rental car facility, and parking lots. By utilising the ATS, passengers can efficiently navigate their way through the airport, benefiting from the system's speed, frequency, and round-the-clock availability.
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The system operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
The Airport Transit System (ATS) in Chicago is a 24-hour, automated people mover system, operating at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The system resumed its 24-hour service in April 2022, after years of construction and delays. This was a significant development for travellers, as it provides access to round-the-clock transportation between the airport's terminals and parking facilities.
The ATS operates at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h) and covers a three-mile route. It connects O'Hare's Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the multi-modal facility, which includes the rental car centre, parking lots, and the Economy Parking Lot F. The system is free for users and provides convenient transportation options for travellers, whether they are departing, arriving, or connecting through the airport.
Outside the terminal loop, the ATS extends to the airport's international terminal (Terminal 5). It then heads north, crossing the main access road, the Blue Line (the first and last Chicago 'L' that serves the ATS), and Mannheim Road. This leads to the consolidated rental car facility, which is the terminal for several Pace bus routes (250, 330, and the Pulse Dempster Line) and provides connections to the O'Hare Transfer station on Metra's North Central Service for commuter rail services to and from Chicago Union Station during operational hours.
The ATS in Chicago is committed to providing uninterrupted transportation for its passengers. Its 24-hour availability, 7 days a week, ensures that travellers can efficiently navigate the airport and its various facilities at any time of the day or night. This continuous operation enhances the overall accessibility and convenience of the airport, accommodating the diverse schedules and needs of its departing, arriving, and connecting passengers.
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ATS travels at speeds of up to 50 mph
The Airport Transit System (ATS) in Chicago is an automated people mover system located at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). It first opened in May 1993 and underwent a modernisation project in 2018 as part of an $800 million project. The ATS operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free for users. It provides transportation between O'Hare's terminals and parking lots, as well as the consolidated rental car facility.
The ATS is designed to move passengers efficiently between different areas of the airport. Outside the terminal loop, the ATS travels at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h). It heads east to Terminal 5, the airport's international terminal. It then turns north, crossing over the main access road and the Blue Line, a Chicago 'L' train route that connects to the ATS. The ATS continues across Mannheim Road to reach the consolidated rental car facility, which serves as a hub for multiple Pace bus routes and provides connections to the O'Hare Transfer station for commuter rail services.
The ATS's ability to reach speeds of up to 50 mph contributes significantly to its efficiency in transporting passengers across the airport grounds. This speed allows for quick connections between terminals and other facilities, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers using Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
The ATS covers a three-mile route, serving O'Hare's Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. It provides a convenient means of navigating the expansive airport campus, connecting travellers to various ground transportation options, including rental cars, the Economy Parking Lot, and local mass transit services.
Upgrades to the ATS have improved the overall functionality of Chicago O'Hare International Airport, providing travellers with seamless connections within the airport and to external transportation networks. The system's speed, coverage, and 24-hour operation make it a valuable asset for passengers, particularly those with tight connection times or those requiring convenient access to rental car and parking facilities.
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Chicago 'L' and bus services connect to the ATS
The Airport Transit System (ATS) at Chicago O'Hare International Airport is an automated people mover system that operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is completely free to use. The ATS connects the airport's terminals to parking lots and the consolidated rental car facility, and travels at speeds of up to 50 mph.
The nearest Chicago 'L' station to the ATS is O'Hare, which is just a 5-minute walk away. The BLUE LINE is the first and last Chicago 'L' that goes to the ATS, stopping nearby at 3:00 AM and 4:03 AM, respectively.
The nearest bus station to the ATS is O'Hare International Airport - Terminal 2 Departures, which is a 6-minute walk away. The VAN GALDER is the first and last bus that goes to the ATS, stopping nearby at 4:40 AM and 5:41 AM. Additionally, bus routes that service the consolidated rental car facility include Pace bus routes 250, 330, and the Pulse Dempster Line.
The Moovit app can be used to find step-by-step directions, maps, arrival times, and schedules for both the 'L' and bus services in Chicago.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago's airport transit system is facing challenges. O'Hare International Airport (ORD), the city's primary airport, has been ranked among the worst in the US due to issues with passenger experience and flight disruptions. However, it is also recognised for its impressive aviation feats, such as being the only airport in the world where planes can make instrument landings on parallel runways simultaneously. Southside airport, Midway (MDW), offers a less stressful travel experience.
Chicago's airport transit system is facing a potential ""transit doom spiral" due to funding issues and poor management. There is a $730 million deficit in the regional mass transit budget, which could result in reduced bus and train services, causing a shift towards car usage and further decline in ridership.
O'Hare International Airport is undergoing a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure improvement campaign to enhance the passenger experience and alleviate travel stress. Additionally, there are proposals to reorganise the management of the transit system, with suggestions to follow models similar to those in San Francisco and London, where local transit is combined with the city's department of transportation.
