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Terminals at Chicago O'Hare Airport

Terminals ORD airport

What You Need to Know About O'Hare Concourses: Experiences, Services, and Recommendations

Based on passenger experiences and our own observations, the terminals and concourses at Chicago O'Hare International Airport offer a wide variety of services, from restaurants and shops to rest areas. While they are known for their convenience, it is important to consider the congestion during peak hours and the higher prices. Below, we provide details on each concourse, with useful information to help you make the most of your time at the airport.

The airport is composed of 4 terminals. A free shuttle train (Airport Transport System or ATS) connects all terminals to each other, and to the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF) car rental facility, the F and Kiss 'n' Fly parking lots, and the bus station. In addition, a free shuttle bus (Terminal Transfer Bus or TTB) provides shuttle service between the security area of Terminal 5 and terminals 1 and 3. MORE INFORMATION

Terminals at O'Hare Chicago airportPhoto by Engin Yapici in Unsplash 

What You Need to Know According to Travelers

Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the busiest in the world, and its concourses offer a wide variety of services to enhance the passenger experience. Based on reviews from platforms like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, you can get a detailed overview of what to expect in each concourse, from dining options to rest areas. Here, we provide a guide based on the experiences of travelers who have passed through these spaces, helping you make the most of your time at O'Hare and avoid potential inconveniences.

The Best of the Concourses: Comfort and Variety of Services

Travelers highlight the variety of services available in each concourse, especially the dining and shopping options. Many appreciate the easy access between concourses thanks to the terminal transit train, making it easier to move around without wasting time. Some users suggest that the quick-service kiosks and coffee shops are ideal for a quick stop, offering options for those looking for a full meal or just a coffee or snack before boarding.

One aspect that receives positive reviews is the availability of rest areas in certain concourses. Business travelers often mention the workspaces and reliable internet connection as standout features for those needing to make the most of their waiting time by working.

Watch Out for Peak Hours and Cleanliness

Despite the positives, many reviews warn of some challenges, such as congestion in the concourses during peak hours. It's common for passengers to find crowded spaces, especially during the busiest times of the airport. Some users also point out that cleanliness in common areas can be affected during these high-traffic moments, so they recommend seeking out quieter areas for a cleaner and more organized environment.

What to Avoid: High Prices and Long Wait Times

Another recurring point in the reviews is the high cost of food and beverages in many of the concourse shops and restaurants. While travelers are generally prepared for higher airport prices, some suggest planning ahead by bringing your own snacks or being prepared to pay more than usual.

Additionally, long lines at certain restaurants or shops during peak hours are a common complaint. To avoid wasting valuable time, many travelers recommend using mobile ordering options or seeking out less crowded spots.

Tip: Plan Your Experience at O'Hare

O'Hare's terminals offer a mixed experience for travelers. There are plenty of useful amenities and services, but congestion, high prices, and cleanliness can be issues, especially during peak hours. By planning ahead and following other travelers' advice, you can make your time at O'Hare more enjoyable and efficient. Below, you will find a detailed breakdown of the terminals, concourses, and gates:

Terminal 1

This terminal has two concourses: B (gates B1-B24) and C (gates C1-C31), with a total of 52 gates. It mainly hosts flights of United Airlines (domestic and international), Lufthansa and All Nippon Airways.

Concourse B contains passenger check-in, baggage claim and security screening areas. Concourse C is a satellite terminal with doors on both sides and connected to Concourse B through an underground pedestrian tunnel.

Upper Level: Direct connection to the outer curb, the Departures sector and the ATS train.

Lower Level: Here you will find the baggage claim hall and the ground transportation area: charter buses, cabs and limousines. Bus center on level 1.

Airlines: All Nippon Airways - Lufthansa - United Airlines

Lounges

United Club - Gate B6 / B18 / C10
United Polaris Lounge - Gate C18

Services
- Restaurants and bars
- Shops
- Duty Free
- Sockets for electronic devices
- Meeting and business rooms
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Travel assistance
- Nursing rooms

Terminal 2

It operates many domestic flights within concourses E (gates E1-E17) and F (gates F1-F28), with a total of 41 gates.

Lower Level: Baggage claim and ground transportation: cabs, charter buses, limousines. Bus and shuttle hub on level 1, from where trains also depart to the city. The Hilton hotel is located near the lower level, as well as the parking garage.

Upper Level: Boarding area, where passengers can check in and go to the gates.

Airlines: Air Canada - Alaska Airlines - JetBlue - Southern Airways Express

Lounges

United Club - Gate F9

Services
- Restaurants and bars
- Shops
- Duty Free
- Sockets for electronic devices
- Meeting and business rooms
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Travel assistance
- Nursing rooms

Terminal 3

This terminal contains 4 concourses, with 80 gates: G (G1A-G21), H (H-H18), K (K1-k20) and L (L1A-L27). American Airlines domestic flights and international boardings are processed in this terminal.

Lower Level: Houses the Arrivals and baggage claim area, as well as access to different ground transportation options.

Upper Level: Here you can access the boarding gates after checking in.

Pedestrian Tunnel: Connects Terminal 3 with terminals 1 and 2. The Hilton hotel is located near this area, as well as the main parking garage and the bus hub (on level 1) with train service to the city.

Airlines: Aer Lingus - American Airlines - British Airways - Cape Air - Contour Airlines - Denver Air Connection - Iberia - Japan Airlines - Spirit Airlines

Lounges

Admiral's Club - Gates G8 / H6-K6 / L1

Services
- Restaurants and bars
- Shops
- Duty Free
- Sockets for electronic devices
- Meeting and business rooms
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Travel assistance
- Nursing rooms

Terminal 5

It consists of a single concourse (M), with 35 gates (M1-M40), and houses almost all international departures and arrivals. The distance between the check-in counters and boarding gates is quite large, so be prepared for long walks.

Lower Level: This level houses the Arrivals area, baggage claim areas 10 and 11, and the ATS train station, which links this building to the other airport terminals and ground transportation options.

Upper Level: This is the boarding level, where ticketing and check-in take place.

Airlines: Aeroméxico - Air France - Air India - Air New Zealand - Air Serbia - All Nippon Airways (arribos) - American Airlines (arribos) - Austrian Airlines - British Airways (arribos) - Cathay Pacific - Copa Airlines - Delta Air Lines - EVA Air - Emirates - Ethiopian Airlines - Etihad Airways - Finnair - Frontier Airlines - Iberia (arribos) - Icelandair - ITA Airways - Japan Airlines (arribos) - KLM - Korean Air - LOT Polish Airlines - Lufthansa (arribos) - Qatar Airways - Royal Jordanian - Scandinavian Airlines - Southwest Airlines - Sun Country Airlines - Swiss International Air Lines - TAP Air Portugal - Turkish Airlines - United Airlines (arribos internacionales) - VivaAerobús - Volaris - WestJet

Lounges

Delta Sky Club -​ Gates M11/M14​
SAS Lounge - Gate M19
​Swissport Lounge - Gate M13

Services
- Fast food, cafes, restaurants, stores
- Family restrooms
- Shoe shine
- Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Luggage carts
- Volunteer assistance