Quick Answer: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) has four active terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5). United primarily operates from Terminal 1, American Airlines from Terminal 3, regional carriers such as American Eagle and Air Canada use Terminal 2, and most international airlines operate from Terminal 5. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by walkways, while Terminal 5 is linked via the Airport Transit System (ATS).
| Important: Airline terminal assignments may change due to seasonal schedules, operational needs, or ongoing airport improvements. Always confirm your departure or arrival terminal with your airline before traveling. |
Flying through O’Hare International Airport (ORD) for the first time can feel overwhelming. With four active terminals, multiple concourses, dozens of domestic and international airlines, and different transportation options, it’s easy to end up in the wrong place if you aren’t prepared.
This airport terminal guide explains everything you need to know before arriving at O’Hare—from finding your airline’s terminal and navigating between terminals to locating airport services, lounges, dining options, parking, and ground transportation. Whether you’re departing, arriving, or connecting through ORD, you’ll find practical information to help you move through the airport with confidence.
By the end, this O’Hare terminal guide will have you navigating ORD like someone who flies through it every month.
Which Terminal Is Your Airline At? O’Hare Quick Guide
| Airline | Terminal | Concourse |
| United Airlines | Terminal 1 | B, C |
| American Airlines (mainline) | Terminal 3 | G, H, K, L |
| American Eagle / regional | Terminal 2 | E, F |
| Air Canada | Terminal 2 | E |
| Alaska Airlines | Terminal 3 | L |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal 2 / Terminal 5* | E / Intl |
| Southwest Airlines | Terminal 5* | — |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal 3 | L |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal 3 | L |
| Lufthansa | Terminal 5 | M |
| British Airways | Terminal 5 | M |
| Air France | Terminal 5 | M |
| KLM | Terminal 5 | M |
| Emirates | Terminal 5 | M |
| Qatar Airways | Terminal 5 | M |
| Turkish Airlines | Terminal 5 | M |
| Korean Air | Terminal 5 | M |
| Japan Airlines (JAL) | Terminal 5 | M |
| ANA | Terminal 5 | M |
| Cathay Pacific | Terminal 5 | M |
| Aeromexico | Terminal 5 | M |
| Air China | Terminal 5 | M |
O’Hare Airport at a Glance
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) sits 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It ranks among the busiest hub airports in the world. Millions of passengers pass through its four terminals every year as part of the City of Chicago’s transportation network. Chicago’s other airport, Midway Airport (MDW), stays much smaller. Midway mostly serves Southwest, so most American Airlines travelers land at O’Hare instead.
Understanding the O’Hare Airport Layout
Tip: For the latest terminal maps, airline assignments, parking information, and airport alerts, check the official O’Hare International Airport website before your trip.
O’Hare runs four active terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. There is no working Terminal 4. Terminals 1 through 3 sit close together and connect by walkway. Terminal 5 stands apart from the rest. It handles every international arrival and departure. You’ll need the Airport Transit System (ATS) — O’Hare’s dedicated people mover — to reach Terminal 5 from anywhere else.
O’Hare Airport Terminal
Airlines Operating at O’Hare Airport
Every terminal at O’Hare hosts a different set of airlines. Knowing your terminal and gate assignment before you leave home saves real time later.
| Terminal 1 Airlines
• United Airlines (all flights) • United Express (regional) • Air New Zealand (Star Alliance) • ANA (Star Alliance international) • Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) • SWISS International • Singapore Airlines • TAP Air Portugal |
Terminal 2 Airlines• American Eagle (Concourse F) • Envoy Air (American regional) • Air Canada (Concourse E) • Porter Airlines • Some Delta domestic flights (Concourse E) |
Terminal 3 Airlines• American Airlines (all mainline) • Alaska Airlines (Concourse L) • Spirit Airlines (Concourse L) • Frontier Airlines (Concourse L) • British Airways (some int’l T3 departures) • Iberia (oneworld, some T3 departures) |
Terminal 5 Airlines• Lufthansa (Frankfurt, Munich) • British Airways (London Heathrow) • Air France (Paris CDG) • KLM (Amsterdam) • Emirates (Dubai) • Qatar Airways (Doha) • Turkish Airlines (Istanbul) • Korean Air (Seoul Incheon) • Japan Airlines (Tokyo Narita) • Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong) • Air China (Beijing) • Aeromexico (Mexico City) • LATAM (São Paulo) • Air India (Delhi, Mumbai) |
Terminal 1 Guide
Step into Terminal 1 and you’re inside United’s home turf at O’Hare. Concourse B and Concourse C link through a glowing underground tunnel that’s become an airport landmark itself. Expect a steady mix of domestic United flights alongside Star Alliance partners flying under shared code-sharing agreements.
Concourse B & C Overview
Concourse B handles most United domestic departures. Concourse C serves larger international aircraft. It also connects directly to the Polaris Lounge. A neon light tunnel links the two concourses underground. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the whole airport.
United Hub Highlights
United flies more routes from Terminal 1 than any other carrier flies from its own terminal at O’Hare.
| United Club (Concourse B): Sits post-security, right before the B-concourse gates. Access requires United Club membership or a Polaris/Global First ticket.
United Club (Concourse C): Also post-security, serving the C-concourse gates. Most United domestic departures use this lounge. United Polaris Lounge: United’s premium business class lounge for international travelers. Open to Polaris and Global First ticket holders. Also open to qualifying United Club members. Considered one of the best airport lounges in the US, with lounge access including full dining, shower suites, and day beds. |
Best Tips for Terminal 1 Travelers
Use the light tunnel for short B-to-C connections. Skip the train if your gates sit close together. The tunnel sits before security, though. It only helps if you don’t need to re-screen.
Terminal 2 Guide
Terminal 2 carries the most history of any building at O’Hare, and it shows. Regional carriers and a few international names operate from Concourse E and Concourse F here. Change is coming, though — city-approved plans will eventually tear this terminal down for a fresh replacement.
Concourse E & F Overview
Concourse E covers Air Canada and Delta gates. Concourse F handles American Eagle regional departures. Neither concourse carries a club lounge right now. Several food and retail options sit past security, though.
O’Hare 21 Redevelopment Updates
Terminal 2 will eventually disappear under the O’Hare 21 modernization plan. This $8.5 billion construction and renovation project replaces it with a new Global Terminal, alongside a planned L Concourse expansion for Terminal 1. Construction timelines have shifted before. Always confirm your gate on your boarding pass. Don’t rely on an older guide during construction phases.
Best Tips for Terminal 2 Travelers
Expect construction noise and shifting gates through the late 2020s. Terminal 2 connects to Terminal 1 by a pedestrian tunnel. It also connects to Terminal 3 the same way. The ATS links Terminal 2 to Terminal 5.
Terminal 3 Guide
More travelers pass through Terminal 3 than any other terminal at O’Hare. American Airlines runs its Chicago operation from here, spread across four separate concourses. Premium travelers get options too, with several lounges tucked inside, including two of the airport’s most talked-about spaces. This is, in short, the terminal O’Hare American Airlines travelers rely on most.
Concourse G, H, K & L Overview
Concourse H holds most of American’s premium lounges. Concourses G, K, and L spread out the remaining gates. It’s a long walk from one end to the other. Budget extra time if your gate sits far from security.
American Airlines Hub Highlights
Terminal 3 ranks as the busiest terminal at O’Hare by passenger volume. This is the true O’Hare American Airlines terminal travelers should know, and the clearest answer to anyone searching for the O’Hare International Airport American Airlines terminal.
| Admirals Club (Concourse H): American’s standard lounge, open daily. Access requires Admirals Club membership or an eligible card.
Admirals Club (Concourse K): A second Admirals Club location. Useful for travelers connecting through the K gates. Flagship Lounge: Reserved for American’s Business and First Class passengers. Offers full dining service and a premium bar. Recently renovated into one of the best lounges at ORD. The Centurion Lounge (Amex): Independent from American Airlines entirely. Open to Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Walk-in access often gets restricted during peak hours. Book a time-slot reservation ahead if possible. |
Best Tips for Terminal 3 Travelers
Book a Centurion Lounge time slot early if you can. Give yourself extra buffer time here. The concourses spread out more than most travelers expect.
Terminal 5 Guide
Every flight crossing an international border at O’Hare lands or departs from Terminal 5. It’s built differently from the rest, complete with its own Federal Inspection Services facility for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Delta and Southwest also route their overseas flights through here, separate from their usual domestic terminal.
Concourse M Overview
Concourse M is Terminal 5’s single concourse. It covers every international gate at the airport. It also holds the terminal’s dedicated customs and immigration hall.
International Arrivals & Customs
Every international arrival clears U.S. Customs and Border Protection here first. This happens inside Terminal 5 before baggage claim. Wait times range from 20 minutes to over 90. It depends on how many wide-body flights land together.
| Lufthansa Senator Lounge: Open to Lufthansa Business and First passengers. Also open to Star Alliance Gold members on a Lufthansa ticket.
British Airways Galleries: Available to BA Club and First passengers. Also open to oneworld Alliance Emerald members. Air France/KLM Lounge: Open to business class passengers. Also available to Flying Blue Platinum members. No Priority Pass lounge in Terminal 5: Terminal 5 has no independent Priority Pass lounge location as of 2026. Connecting Priority Pass members need the ATS instead. Ride it to Terminal 1 or Terminal 3 for access. |
Best Tips for International Travelers
Don’t rush to message your driver after landing. A reliable O’Hare airport car service tracks your flight automatically. Pickup timing adjusts around customs on its own.
O’Hare Terminal Services & Amenities
Free Wi-Fi & Charging Stations: O’Hare offers free Wi-Fi across all four terminals. Charging stations sit near most gate areas too.
ATMs & Currency Exchange: Every terminal carries ATMs and currency exchange counters. Terminal 5 holds the heaviest concentration for arriving international travelers.
Family & Nursing Rooms: Nursing and family rooms exist in every terminal. They typically sit near central gate clusters. Signage points travelers toward the nearest one.
Pet Relief Areas: Both indoor and outdoor pet relief areas exist across O’Hare. Airport maps mark each location near security checkpoints.
Lost & Found: O’Hare runs one centralized lost and found service. It covers items left in any terminal. Reach it through the airport’s official contact channels.
Accessibility Services at O’Hare Airport
Wheelchair AssistanceWheelchair assistance is available at every terminal. Request it through your airline in advance. You can also request it at check-in. |
Accessible RestroomsAccessible restrooms sit throughout all four terminals. Most sit near major gate areas and lounges. |
Elevators and Moving WalkwaysElevators and moving walkways connect every level of each terminal. They make long concourse walks much easier. |
Services for Travelers with DisabilitiesO’Hare provides dedicated staff support for travelers with disabilities. Coordinate this support through airline customer service desks. |
Compare O’Hare Airport Terminals
| Terminal | Primary Airlines | Concourses | Lounges | Best For | Connected To |
| Terminal 1 | United Airlines & Star Alliance | B, C | United Club, Polaris Lounge | United domestic & international flights | Walk to T2 & T3 |
| Terminal 2 | American Eagle, Air Canada, Porter | E, F | None | Regional flights | Walk to T1 & T3 |
| Terminal 3 | American Airlines, Alaska, Spirit, Frontier | G, H, K, L | Admirals Club, Flagship Lounge, Centurion Lounge | American Airlines hub | Walk to T1 & T2 |
| Terminal 5 | International Airlines | M | Lufthansa Lounge, British Airways Lounge, Air France/KLM Lounge | International arrivals & departures | Airport Transit System (ATS) |
Dining and Shopping by Terminal
| Terminal | Dining | Coffee | Shopping | Best For |
| Terminal 1 | Fast casual & sit-down restaurants | Starbucks & cafés | Convenience stores | United passengers |
| Terminal 2 | Quick-service restaurants | Coffee kiosks | Limited retail | Short layovers |
| Terminal 3 | Largest variety of restaurants | Multiple cafés | Fashion, gifts & travel stores | American Airlines travelers |
| Terminal 5 | International cuisine | Coffee shops | Duty-free & travel essentials | International passengers |
Terminal 3 offers the widest variety of dining and shopping options, making it the best choice for travelers with longer layovers. Terminal 5 is the only terminal with duty-free shopping after security, while Terminals 1 and 2 mainly focus on quick meals and travel essentials.
How to Travel Between O’Hare Terminals
-
Walking Between Terminals
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 connect through pedestrian tunnels. You can walk between them without a train.
-
Airport Transit System (ATS)
The free ATS train — O’Hare’s people mover — runs 24 hours a day. It links all four terminals, including Terminal 5.
Estimated Transfer Times
Expect around 10 minutes from Terminal 5 to Terminal 1 on the ATS. Walking between connected terminals takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your gate.
Connecting Flights Between Terminals
- Domestic-to-domestic connections usually skip a second security screening.
- Domestic-to-international connections may need a walk or ATS ride.
- International-to-domestic connections always require clearing customs first.
Whether you need security or customs depends on your routing. Choose walking for T1–T2–T3 transfers. Use the ATS for anything involving Terminal 5. Typical transfer times run 10 to 20 minutes total.
Before Leaving O’Hare Airport
Confirm Your Pickup Location: Double-check your terminal and curb pickup location before landing. This matters most if you booked an airport car service ahead of time.
Check Baggage Before Exiting: Confirm every bag before leaving baggage claim. You can’t re-enter the secure area afterward.
Follow Signs for Ground Transportation: O’Hare posts clear signage at every terminal exit. Rideshare lanes stay separate from the commercial vehicle lane used by pre-booked car services.
Common Traveler Mistakes
First-timers often confuse American Eagle gates in Terminal 2. They mix them up with the main American Airlines terminal in O’Hare at Terminal 3. Others forget Terminal 5 requires the ATS. A hallway walk simply won’t get you there. This mistake alone can cost a missed connection.
First-Time Visitor Checklist
Before Arriving
- Confirm your terminal using your boarding pass
- Complete online check-in ahead of time
- Check your airline’s baggage rules
- Review current TSA requirements
After Landing
- Follow posted baggage claim signs to your carousel
- Head straight to the correct pickup area
- Take the ATS if your next flight leaves from another terminal
Winter weather changes everything at O’Hare. Snow and ice around Chicago push back flight schedules often. Ground transportation timing shifts along with it, which is why good route planning, dispatch and logistics matter most during the colder months. Build in extra buffer time between November and March. This applies no matter which terminal you’re using. Parking Options at O’Hare Airport
O’Hare offers economy, daily, and hourly parking garages near every terminal. A remote economy lot connects by shuttle too. Rates and shuttle wait times shift by season. Many travelers on tight schedules skip parking entirely. A pre-booked O’Hare airport car service removes that hassle completely.
| Parking Option | Best For | Location |
| Hourly Parking | Pickups & short visits | Closest to terminals |
| Daily Parking | Multi-day trips | Terminal garages |
| Economy Parking | Budget travelers | Shuttle service available |
| Reserved Parking | Guaranteed parking | Advance reservation |
| Accessible Parking | Travelers with disabilities | Available in all garages |
O’Hare Airport Travel Tips
Arriving Early
Arrive two hours early for domestic flights. Arrive three hours early for international flights. This matters most in the busy American Airlines Terminal O’Hare concourses.
Finding Your Gate Faster
Check your gate on the airline app right before boarding. Gate changes happen often during peak travel periods.
Avoiding Common Terminal Mistakes
Always confirm whether you’re flying American mainline or American Eagle. They depart from two completely different terminals.
Saving Time During Connections
Skip the ATS line when your connection stays within Terminals 1 through 3. Walking is almost always faster there.
Transportation from O’Hare Airport to Chicago: All Options
| Transportation | Typical Travel Time | Typical Cost | Best For |
| CTA Blue Line | 40–50 min to Loop | ~$5 (single ride) | Downtown travelers |
| Taxi | 30–45 min | $40–$55 | Convenience |
| Uber & Lyft | 25–40 min | $35–$60 (higher during surge) | Flexible travel |
| Airport Shuttle | 45–75 min (shared stops) | $25–$35 per person | Shared rides |
| Private Black Car (VIP Sedan) | 30–40 min | Starting $105 flat rate | Business travelers & families |
| Private Black Car (SUV) | 30–40 min | ~$110–$115 flat rate | Larger groups, extra luggage |
Uber and Lyft Pickups: Rideshare pickups — whether UberX, Uber Black, or Lyft — happen at one designated rideshare queue. Prices swing with demand during busy flight banks, and the drive itself often follows the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) into the city.
Private Black Car Service: A private airport car service gives you fixed pricing every time. Your professional chauffeur meets you inside the terminal directly. There’s zero surge pricing, regardless of demand. For the full ride breakdown, see our guide on getting from O’Hare to downtown.
Black Car Service Pickup Locations at Every O’Hare Terminal
Terminal 1 Pickup: Your chauffeur service meets you inside at baggage claim, holding a name sign so you’re easy to spot as part of a proper meet-and-greet. From there, you’ll head down together to the lower-level curb where your vehicle waits.
Terminal 2 Pickup: Ground transportation here follows the same lower-level curb pattern as the neighboring terminals. Your airport car service driver waits inside near baggage claim, then walks you straight out to the pickup curb.
Terminal 3 Pickup: Your driver waits inside at baggage claim first, since this terminal’s layout is larger than most. From there, you’ll walk together to the Ground Transportation Center where your private car service vehicle is parked.
Terminal 5 Pickup: After clearing customs, your chauffeur meets you right at the arrivals hall exit with a name sign. No ATS ride is needed — your black car service vehicle waits just outside at the curb, backed by consistent terminal pickup coordination across every arrival.
Black Car Service from O’Hare: Pricing & Vehicle Options
Black Car Services Chicago takes the stress out of every O’Hare terminal, whether you’re landing at United’s Terminal 1, American’s Terminal 3, or clearing customs in Terminal 5. Real-time flight tracking, in-terminal meet-and-greet, and flat-rate pricing keep your arrival smooth, every single time — the kind of licensed car service and luxury car service experience business travelers expect from a proper executive car service.
| Destination | Sedan | SUV | Sprinter |
| Downtown Chicago (Loop) | $105 | $115 | $160 |
| Magnificent Mile / River North | $105 | $115 | $160 |
| Gold Coast / Lincoln Park | $105 | $115 | $160 |
| Rosemont Convention Center | $105 | $115 | $160 |
| Schaumburg / Naperville | $105 | $115 | $160 |
| Midway Airport (MDW) | $105 | $115 | $160 |
We also cover Evanston / North Shore and South Loop / Hyde Park, so wherever your trip takes you across Chicago, the same flat-rate model applies.
Traveling with a large group or extra luggage? A sprinter van rental fits teams and families with ease. Smaller groups often prefer an SUV Black Escalade for extra room. Planning a wedding, prom, or a night out downtown? A stretch limo rounds out the fleet options worth considering. For companies coordinating multiple pickups at once, our corporate transportation program handles multi-vehicle logistics across every terminal without extra coordination on your end.
Conclusion
O’Hare feels overwhelming from the outside looking in. Once you know your terminal, concourse, and pickup point, everything gets simple. Whether you’re flying through the American Airlines Terminal Chicago O’Hare Hub or connecting internationally through Terminal 5, a little preparation turns a stressful layover into a smooth one.
Book a Reliable Airport Transfer from O’Hare
Stop guessing where to go once you land at the Chicago O’Hare American Airlines terminal. Book Black Car Services Chicago ahead of time, and a professional chauffeur tracks your flight in real time, adjusts for delays, and waits inside baggage claim holding your name sign. No searching for rideshare pickup zones, no surge pricing, no wasted time — just airport transfers with a fixed rate and a smooth ride into the city, available 24/7 from every O’Hare terminal.
Book Online | Call (872) 314-9900
Helpful ResourcesFor the most up-to-date airport information, refer to these official resources before your trip:
Travel Tip: Terminal assignments, gate numbers, and airport services can change at short notice. Always verify your flight details with your airline before traveling. |
FAQs
How do I know which terminal to go to at O’Hare?
Check your boarding pass or airline app — it lists the terminal directly. As a shortcut: United operates from Terminal 1, American from Terminal 3, and all international carriers from Terminal 5, while Terminal 2 serves a mix of carriers — Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and some Spirit operations. If you’re unsure, your airline’s website or the departures board will confirm it.
Is it easy to switch terminals at O’Hare?
Yes, fairly. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 form a connected domestic complex — you can walk between them airside after clearing security, though a walk from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3 takes about 15–20 minutes. Terminal 5 is separate — it’s located about a mile east of the main complex, accessible via the ATS people mover or an airside transfer bus. The ATS connects all four terminals to the Multi-Modal Facility in a continuous loop, with trains running every 2–3 minutes during the day and every 5–8 minutes overnight, and it’s free to use.
Does Chicago O’Hare have different terminals?
Yes O’Hare has four terminals — 1, 2, 3, and 5 (there is no Terminal 4). The numbering skips 4 because Terminal 4 was planned but never built. A new “Global Terminal” is planned to eventually replace Terminal 2, but that’s still years away.
How do I tell which terminal my flight is at?Your boarding pass, e-ticket, or airline’s flight-status page will show it this is the most reliable source since terminal assignments can occasionally change. If you just know your airline, use the general rule: United → Terminal 1, most Terminal 2 carriers (Air Canada, Alaska, JetBlue) → Terminal 2, American → Terminal 3, Delta/international/Southwest → Terminal 5.
