O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports on the planet, handling more than 80 million passengers a year and averaging over 2,400 flights daily. It reclaimed the title of the nation’s busiest airport by aircraft movements in 2025. And if you’ve ever tried to navigate it without a plan, you know it can feel like its own small city — because it basically is.
This guide covers everything you need to know to get through O’Hare without the stress: which airlines fly from which terminals, current parking rates, how to get downtown, what’s changing with the massive expansion project, and where to eat, relax, and recharge. Whether you’re flying out, picking someone up, or just trying to figure out which lot won’t cost you a fortune — it’s all here.
✈️ In a Nutshell: O’Hare (ORD) has four terminals numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5 — there is no Terminal 4. United flies from Terminal 1. American flies from Terminal 3. Delta, Southwest, and Frontier fly from Terminal 5 alongside international carriers. Terminals 1–3 are connected by walkways after security; Terminal 5 requires the free ATS train and re-clearing security. The CTA Blue Line gets you downtown in 45 minutes for $5. Parking ranges from $15/day (Economy Lot G) to $42/day (Main Garage). A massive $8.5 billion expansion is underway — expect some construction disruptions but a much better airport by 2028.
⭐ Quick Reference
📍 Airport Code: ORD
📍 Address: 10000 W. O’Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666
🛫 Terminals: 4 (numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5)
📞 Phone: (800) 832-6352
🌐 Website: flychicago.com
🚇 Cheapest to Downtown: CTA Blue Line — $5, ~45 min, runs 24/7
🅿️ Cheapest Parking: Economy Lot G — $15/day
🗺️ Printable Maps: Download official terminal maps (PDF)
O’Hare Airport Map
Click the map below to open an interactive Google map of O’Hare International Airport showing terminals, parking lots, and transit connections.
O’Hare Terminals: Which Airlines Fly Where
O’Hare has four passenger terminals numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. There is no Terminal 4 — the numbering skips from 3 to 5 because Terminal 4 was planned but never built. Here’s what you need to know about each.
Terminal 1 — United Airlines Hub
Terminal 1 is United Airlines’ home base at O’Hare, handling both domestic and some international United flights. It has Concourses B and C with 54 gates total. Concourse B connects directly to the main terminal building, while Concourse C is a satellite terminal connected by that famous neon-lit underground pedestrian tunnel — one of the most Instagrammed spots at the airport. The United Polaris Lounge is in Concourse C (currently undergoing expansion through spring 2026), and there are United Club lounges in both concourses.
Airlines: United Airlines, Lufthansa (some flights), All Nippon Airways
Terminal 2 — United Express & Mixed Carriers
Terminal 2 serves a mix of carriers across Concourses E and F with 41 gates. It handles most United Express regional flights plus Air Canada and JetBlue. This terminal is slated for the biggest transformation in O’Hare’s future — the planned Global Terminal will eventually replace Terminal 2 with a combined domestic-international facility, one of the first of its kind in the U.S. The CTA Blue Line station is located on the lower level of the parking garage, accessible from Terminal 2.
Airlines: United Express, Air Canada, JetBlue
Terminal 3 — American Airlines Hub
Terminal 3 is O’Hare’s largest terminal, home to American Airlines with Concourses G, H, K, and L and 80 gates. If you’re flying American domestically, this is your terminal. It also hosts Alaska Airlines and some international partners like Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and Japan Airlines. Terminal 3 has Admirals Club lounges in Concourses G and L, plus the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Concourses H and K. The terminal is currently being upgraded through the $300 million ElevateT3 project — improved amenities, better accessibility, and a renovated baggage claim.
Airlines: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines
Terminal 5 — International Terminal
Terminal 5 handles most international flights as well as some domestic carriers. It has Concourse M with 35 gates, including three that can accommodate the Airbus A380. The recently completed Terminal 5 expansion added 10 new gates and upgraded amenities. This is where you’ll clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection on international arrivals. A Delta Sky Club is located here and is one of the better-rated lounges at O’Hare.
Airlines: Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, plus international carriers including Air France, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, Finnair, Japan Airlines (some flights), KLM, Korean Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa (some flights), Qatar Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, SWISS, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, and more
💡 IMPORTANT: Airlines can operate from multiple terminals at O’Hare, and gate assignments change. Always check your boarding pass or airline app on the day of travel to confirm your terminal.
Getting Between Terminals
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by pedestrian walkways after security — you can walk between them without going back through TSA. That said, O’Hare is huge, and these walks can take 15–25 minutes depending on your starting and ending gates. Wear comfortable shoes.
Terminal 5 is physically separated from the other terminals. To get there (or from there), you’ll need to take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) train — an automated train that runs 24/7 connecting all terminals plus the Multi-Modal Facility (car rental and economy parking). During peak hours, trains come every 3–5 minutes; late at night, expect longer waits.
💡 CONNECTING FLIGHTS TIP: If you’re making an international-to-domestic connection through Terminal 5, build in at least 90 minutes. You’ll need to collect bags, clear customs, recheck luggage, take the ATS, and go through security again in your departure terminal.
O’Hare Parking: Rates and Options
Parking at O’Hare ranges from reasonable to eye-watering, depending on how close you want to be to the terminals. Here’s the full breakdown.
Economy Lots (Best for Multi-Day Trips)
Lot G — $15/day (cheapest on-airport option). Located about 2 miles from the terminals at the southwest corner of Mannheim and Zemke Road. You’ll take a free shuttle bus to the Multi-Modal Facility, then ride the ATS to your terminal. Lot G also has EV charging stations. You can reserve a space online. Note: this lot is often closed during busy travel periods.
Lot H — $16/day. Similar to Lot G, located northeast of the terminals near I-190. Same shuttle-to-ATS connection.
Lot E — $17/day. Uncovered lot connected to the Multi-Modal Facility.
Lot F — $22/day. The only covered economy option, located on floors 4 and 5 of the Multi-Modal Facility with direct ATS access. Has 24 EV charging stations. This is the sweet spot if you want covered parking without paying Main Garage prices.
Main Garage & Daily Lots (Closest to Terminals)
Daily Parking (Main Garage, Levels 2–6 + Lots B & C) — $42/day. Adjacent to Terminals 1, 2, and 3, roughly a 5–10 minute walk. Covered parking in the garage. Not recommended for stays longer than a few days — the cost adds up fast ($294/week).
Hourly Parking (Main Garage, Level 1) — $3/hr, up to $77/day. For quick pickups and dropoffs only. If you’re meeting someone at arrivals, consider the cell phone lot (free, wait for a text that they’ve landed) instead.
Lot D (Terminal 5) — $42/day. Short-term outdoor lot next to Terminal 5. Parking here is frequently limited; consider alternatives.
Garage clearance: Main Garage is 6’6″; Terminal 5 Garage is 8’6″.
💡 MONEY-SAVING TIP: If you’re parking for more than two days, Economy Lot F ($22/day, covered) or Lot G ($15/day) will save you significantly over the Main Garage. For a week-long trip, that’s $105–$154 vs. $294. Off-airport lots near O’Hare start around $7–$11/day with free shuttle service — worth checking sites like SpotHero or ParkFellows for deals.
Getting from O’Hare to Downtown Chicago
CTA Blue Line — The Local’s Choice
The CTA Blue Line “L” train is the cheapest and most reliable way to get downtown. The O’Hare station is on the lower level of the parking garage, connecting to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. From Terminal 5, ride the ATS to Terminal 2 or 3 first, then follow signs for “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City.”
The ride to the Loop takes 40–45 minutes, trains run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and you’ll pass through some great neighborhoods along the way — Logan Square, Wicker Park, Ukrainian Village. A one-way fare from O’Hare is $5 (it’s only $2.50 going to the airport). You can buy a Ventra card or unlimited-ride pass at machines in the station using cash or credit card. Since O’Hare is the first stop on the line, you’ll usually get a seat.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Uber and Lyft pick up from designated rideshare zones — go to the Terminal 2 area and look for your assigned color zone after ordering. A ride to downtown typically costs $35–$70 depending on time of day and surge pricing. The trip takes 30–60 minutes depending on Kennedy Expressway traffic. Pro tip: Walk to the rideshare pickup area before ordering your ride. If you order from baggage claim, the driver may arrive and leave before you get there.
Taxi
Taxi stands are outside baggage claim at each terminal with dispatchers on duty. A metered ride to downtown runs about $40–$55 plus tip, depending on traffic. No app needed — just walk to the curb.
Other Options
Metra North Central Service commuter rail runs from the O’Hare Transfer Station (at the Multi-Modal Facility) to Union Station downtown in about 30 minutes — but only on weekdays during rush hours. Not an option on weekends or late nights.
Rental cars are available at the Multi-Modal Facility, accessible via the ATS from all terminals. Major companies include Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Budget, National, and Alamo. Keep in mind that downtown Chicago parking runs $50+/night, so a rental car only makes sense if you’re heading to the suburbs or beyond.
TSA Security Tips
O’Hare can have notoriously long security lines, especially at Terminals 1 and 3 during morning rush (6–9 a.m.). Here’s how to minimize your wait.
TSA PreCheck: Shorter lines, keep your shoes on, laptop stays in the bag. Enrollment costs $78 for 5 years. If you fly even a few times a year, it’s worth every penny at O’Hare.
CLEAR: Biometric screening that lets you skip the ID check line entirely. Can be paired with PreCheck for the fastest possible experience.
Global Entry: If you fly internationally, Global Entry ($100 for 5 years) includes TSA PreCheck and lets you use expedited customs kiosks in Terminal 5 when returning to the U.S.
💡 PRO TIP: Check the TSA wait times at O’Hare before you leave for the airport. Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 regularly hit 30+ minute waits during peak hours. Terminal 2 is usually the fastest.
Airport Lounges
O’Hare has a solid selection of lounges if you want to escape the terminal chaos.
United Club — Terminals 1 and 2, multiple locations. For United flyers, MileagePlus members, and Star Alliance elites.
United Polaris Lounge — Terminal 1, Concourse C. Premium international business class lounge with dining, shower suites, and day beds. Currently undergoing expansion through spring 2026.
Admirals Club — Terminal 3, Concourses G and L. For American Airlines flyers and oneworld members.
American Airlines Flagship Lounge — Terminal 3, Concourses H and K. Premium lounge for first/business class international travelers.
Delta Sky Club — Terminal 5. One of the best-rated lounges at O’Hare, with views of the tarmac.
Priority Pass holders have access to several lounges across terminals — check your membership for current locations.
Where to Eat at O’Hare
O’Hare has solid dining options across all terminals. The standout is Tortas Frontera by celebrity chef Rick Bayless — there are locations in Terminals 1, 3, and 5, and the tortas and guacamole are legitimately excellent airport food. Other highlights include Garrett Popcorn (the Chicago Mix is a must-try), Publican Tavern in Terminal 3, and Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar in Terminal 3.
Fair warning: Many O’Hare restaurants close between 8–10 p.m. If you have a late flight or an overnight delay, food options become very limited. Grab something before the restaurants close, or stock up at a grab-and-go spot.
O’Hare 21: The $8.5 Billion Expansion
O’Hare is in the middle of one of the largest airport modernization projects in the country. Here’s what’s happening and what it means for travelers right now.
Concourse D (under construction): A $1.3 billion, 19-gate satellite concourse designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with tree-like columns inspired by O’Hare’s history as Orchard Field. Broke ground in August 2025, with vertical construction beginning spring 2026. Expected completion: late 2028. The centerpiece is “The Orchard,” a circular space with 30,000 square feet of lounge, restaurant, and retail space.
Global Terminal: Will eventually replace Terminal 2, combining domestic and international operations under one roof. This would create a second customs facility and dramatically speed up international connections. Timeline has been pushed back due to the challenge of closing Terminal 2 while O’Hare is at capacity.
Concourse E: A planned 24-gate satellite building, plus an underground tunnel connecting the new facilities.
Terminal 5 Expansion: Already completed — added 10 new gates, a Delta Sky Club, and improved amenities.
ElevateT3: A $300 million renovation of Terminal 3 with upgraded amenities, expanded accessibility, and a better baggage claim experience. Currently underway.
Expect some construction disruptions over the next few years, but the end result will be a significantly improved airport. O’Hare is the only commercial airport in the U.S. with eight runways, and the expansion will add 14% more gate capacity.
Practical Tips for O’Hare
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout all terminals — unlimited, no login required.
Charging stations are scattered across all concourses, but they can be hard to find during busy periods. Bring a portable charger.
Pet relief areas are located in all terminals, both pre- and post-security. Check the official O’Hare website for exact locations.
Yoga room: Terminal 3 rotunda mezzanine. Free, quiet, and a good place to stretch during a long layover.
Hotels: The Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel is connected to the airport via the pedestrian tunnel system if you need a room between flights.
Art and exhibitions: O’Hare has rotating art installations throughout the concourses. The neon tunnel between Concourses B and C in Terminal 1 is worth seeing even if you’re not flying United.
Printable O’Hare Terminal Map
Need a map you can print or save to your phone? The Chicago Department of Aviation provides free downloadable PDFs of all terminal maps:
📄 Download Official O’Hare Terminal Maps (PDF)
O’Hare is a big airport going through big changes. The construction can be frustrating right now, but the bones are strong — eight runways, four terminals, two major airline hubs, and a direct train to one of the greatest cities in the world. Plan ahead, check your terminal, and don’t try to park in the Main Garage for a week-long trip. You’ve been warned.
A: The CTA Blue Line train is the cheapest and most popular option. A one-way fare from O’Hare to downtown costs $5 (it’s $2.50 going to the airport). The ride takes 40–45 minutes, trains run 24/7, and the station is on the lower level of the parking garage connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3. From Terminal 5, take the free ATS to Terminal 2 or 3 first, then follow signs for “Trains to City.”
A: On-site parking ranges from $15 to $77 per day. Economy Lot G is the cheapest at $15/day (uncovered, shuttle required). Economy Lot F is $22/day with covered parking at the Multi-Modal Facility. The Main Garage near terminals is $42/day for daily parking and up to $77/day for hourly parking on Level 1. Lot E costs $17/day. Off-airport lots near O’Hare start around $7–$11/day with free shuttle service.
A: United Airlines operates primarily from Terminal 1 at O’Hare, with Concourses B and C (54 gates total). Some United Express flights also depart from Terminal 2, Concourses E and F. Terminal 1 is home to the United Club lounges and the United Polaris Lounge in Concourse C for premium international travelers. The two concourses are connected by a famous neon-lit underground pedestrian tunnel.
A: American Airlines operates from Terminal 3 at O’Hare, the airport’s largest terminal with Concourses G, H, K, and L (80 gates total). Terminal 3 has Admirals Club lounges in Concourses G and L, plus the American Airlines Flagship Lounge in Concourses H and K. Terminal 3 is currently undergoing the $300 million ElevateT3 renovation project to upgrade amenities and improve the passenger experience.