O'Hare Airport Terminals (ORD)
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Navigating O'Hare Airport is an experience of contrasts. As one of the busiest hubs in the world, it can be surprisingly efficient or a complex maze that tests your patience. This guide offers a realistic perspective, based on thousands of traveler experiences, so you know what to expect in each terminal, how to move efficiently, and how to avoid the most common pitfalls. The airport has 4 terminals — there is no Terminal 4; that number was reserved in the original design but was never built.
Quick Answers for Your O'Hare Visit
- Which is the international terminal? Terminal 5 handles the vast majority of international arrivals and departures. Keep in mind that it is the terminal that presents the most challenges in terms of immigration wait times, which can complicate connections.
- How do I move between terminals? Use the Airport Transit System (ATS), a free train that operates 24/7 and connects the terminals (1, 2, 3, 5) with the Multi-Modal Facility (car rental and parking). For connections within the secure area between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 and 3, you can also use the Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB). Warning: at night, the ATS frequency decreases considerably, resulting in longer waits.
- Which terminal does United use? And American? United Airlines is based in Terminal 1 (Concourses B and C). American Airlines mainly operates from Terminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L).
- Is there a lot of walking involved? Yes, quite a bit. O'Hare is known for its long distances, aggravated by a limited number of moving walkways. A connection between concourses can mean a 15-25 minute walk. Comfortable footwear and extra time planning are recommended.
- Which terminal has the best food? Although Terminals 3 and 5 have very popular options like Tortas Frontera, a general airport problem is that many restaurants close early (between 8 and 10 PM). If you have a nighttime flight or a delay, your food options may be very limited.
- Which terminal do I pick up Uber or Lyft from? All rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) pick up exclusively from Terminal 2, regardless of which terminal you landed in. If you arrive at Terminal 5, Terminal 1, or Terminal 3, you will need to get to Terminal 2 via the ATS — a journey that, according to recent reviews, can take between 30 and 50 minutes. Caution: there have been reports of people offering themselves as informal drivers in the baggage claim area without being official drivers.
- Is there staff who speak other languages? O'Hare has a staff and passenger flow with enormous linguistic diversity, so it is common to find multi-lingual staff, especially at airline counters and at Travelers Aid points in each terminal. However, it is not guaranteed at all contact points, especially in ground transportation services booked by phone.
How to connect between terminals, in 30 seconds
- Pedestrian walkways (T1-T2-T3): once you pass security in any of these three terminals, you can walk to the other two without going through TSA again. T1↔T2: 10-15 min. Between the furthest points (T1 Concourse C ↔ T3 Concourse L): 20-25 min.
- ATS train (24h): connects the 4 terminals and the Multi-Modal Facility (rental cars, parking). Frequency of 3-5 minutes during peak hours; allow 10-15 minutes per transfer. Note: it operates outside the secure area, so if you use it to connect between terminals, you will have to go through TSA again.
- TTB airside shuttle: connects Terminal 5 with Terminals 1 and 3 without having to go through security again, every 15 minutes from 11:30am to 9:30pm. Attention: due to ongoing construction, the Terminal 1 stop was temporarily moved from gate B1 to gate C18B.
- Outside TTB hours: the only option to or from Terminal 5 is the ATS, which means going through TSA again. According to frequent travelers, this is the most common cause of connection mishaps at O'Hare.
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The Real Experience: Lights and Shadows of O'Hare's Terminals
Beyond the official maps, the experience at O'Hare is marked by factors that only other travelers can tell you about. Based on the most recent reviews, here is an honest summary of what you can expect.
The Reality of Distances and Signage
User experience:
O'Hare's number one challenge: lots of walking, with few moving walkways. The scarcity of moving walkways is a recurring point of frustration, especially for travelers with reduced mobility or families with young children. Last-minute gate changes compound the problem: several travelers describe having walked across two entire terminals on a single flight due to successive gate changes, with screens and announcements that sometimes give contradictory information. Add to this signage that, according to many, can be confusing or insufficient, particularly for locating the ATS train, the centralized rideshare area, or the shuttle between terminals. For passengers in wheelchairs, the challenge multiplies: elevators are a specific point of friction, with limited capacity (only two wheelchairs per trip) and waiting lines when one is out of service.
Strategy: always allow more time than the official map indicates, especially if your connection involves different concourses. If you are traveling with reduced mobility, request wheelchair assistance when buying your ticket — not when arriving at the airport — to avoid being left without coverage at the critical moment.
Common Challenges: Runway Delays, Gate Changes, and Luggage
User experience:
Three bottlenecks repeat over and over: runway waits, gate changes, and baggage delays.
- Runway waits: It is very common to land and remain on the plane between 30 and 90 minutes waiting for a gate to be assigned or freed up. This is one of the airport's biggest bottlenecks.
- Gate changes: Last-minute gate changes are common. It is crucial to constantly check your airline's app and the information screens.
- Luggage handling: Problems with baggage delivery are frequently reported, including delays, losses, or carousel changes, especially on international flights.
Strategy: enable push notifications from your airline and check the information screens frequently; don't stray too far from your assigned gate while waiting.
Staff: A Variable Experience
User experience:
Staff service is a lottery: it can be your best or worst moment of the trip. There are numerous complaints about the unhelpful or even rude attitude of some agents, both airline and security — a pattern that repeats consistently in the most recent reviews, particularly at TSA checkpoints. However, there are also many praises for employees who make a difference with their kindness and professionalism: TSA Officer Norris, United supervisor Trevor, and Naeem, another United employee specifically mentioned for his warmth and efficiency. Your experience can vary drastically depending on who you interact with, the day, and even the time.
Strategy: always maintain a calm and direct tone in your interactions. Reviews show that genuine kindness from staff stands out more precisely because it is the exception, so don't hesitate to ask another employee for help if the first one doesn't resolve your situation.
Infrastructure and Cleanliness: Aspects to Consider
User experience:
"Outdated" is the word that appears most often in reviews. Although there are modernized areas, many parts of the airport feel old. Cleanliness is inconsistent: while some areas are well maintained, the Terminal 5 restrooms receive the harshest criticism in the entire airport. Other common issues are the large number of out-of-service outlets and USB ports, and the lack of seating in waiting areas, which often forces passengers to sit on the floor. On the positive side, several travelers pleasantly highlight details that break the monotony: the pianist playing spontaneously in Terminal 1, the neon art installation, and the seasonal holiday decorations.
Strategy: always carry a charged power bank — finding a working outlet near your gate is not guaranteed.
Terminal 1 (Concourses B, C)
This terminal has two concourses: B (gates B1-B24) and C (gates C1-C31), with a total of 52 gates. It mainly handles flights for United Airlines (domestic and international), Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airways.
Concourse B contains passenger check-in areas, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. Concourse C is a satellite terminal with gates on both sides and connected to Concourse B through an iconic underground pedestrian tunnel with neon lights.
User experience:
As the main hub for United Airlines, the experience in this terminal is closely tied to the airline's service. The light tunnel between Concourses B and C is a visually appealing point, but the walk to Concourse C is considerable. Travelers report that it can feel congested during peak hours, and as in the rest of the airport, finding available seats or working outlets near the gate can be a challenge.
In terms of security, Terminal 1 receives some of the best TSA PreCheck reviews in the entire airport — frequent travelers describe average wait times of 2 to 5 minutes, although this can vary during peak hours. In dining, Tortas Frontera is O'Hare's most praised restaurant, with dishes like the Cuban torta and birria repeatedly highlighted; in shopping, the Oakley store (between Concourses B and C) also stands out for pressure-free service and genuinely knowledgeable staff. On the alert side: Publican Tavern and Wicker Park Sushi have accumulated recent complaints about poor service since they implemented QR code ordering systems — if you're looking for traditional table service, these are places to keep in mind.
Strategy: if you're flying United and have TSA PreCheck, Terminal 1 is usually one of the airport's most agile connections — take advantage of it if you need to make a tight connection.
Upper Level: Direct connection to the outer roadway, the boarding area, and the ATS train.
Lower Level: Here you will find the baggage claim area and ground transportation: charter buses, taxis, and limousines. Bus center on level 1.
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Photo by Engin Yapici on Unsplash
Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- Lufthansa
- United Airlines
Lounges
- United Club - Gates B6 / B18 / C10
- United Polaris Lounge - Gate C18
According to recent reviews, the atmosphere in the United Clubs at this terminal varies greatly depending on the shift and location: there are good mentions for bar service, but also reports of overselling access during peak hours. The United Polaris Lounge, exclusive for business class passengers on international flights, is consistently the best-rated lounge in the terminal, although access is limited to passengers from recognized partner airlines.
Services
- Restaurants and bars
- Shops
- Duty Free
- Power outlets for electronic devices
- Meeting and business rooms
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Travelers Aid
- Nursing rooms
Terminal 2 (Concourses E, F)
Handles many domestic flights within Concourses E (gates E1-E17) and F (gates F1-F28), with a total of 41 gates.
User experience:
Terminal 2 is mainly known for one reason: it is the only centralized pickup point for rideshare services (Uber/Lyft). This makes it a high-traffic area. You will need to take the ATS train or walk from other terminals to get there, often via outdoor walkways, which is very inconvenient in bad weather. Travelers describe it as narrow and outdated. Its circular design can make orientation difficult, and lines for food outlets often obstruct the passage.
In addition to the congestion at the pickup point itself, reviews warn about supposed "drivers" who informally offer their services in the baggage claim area without being official Uber or Lyft drivers — always confirm the license plate and driver's name before getting in. In dining, CIBO Express is an option to highlight for its variety of vegan and healthy dishes, unusual in an airport.
Strategy: if your flight lands at another terminal and you need rideshare, allow at least 30 to 40 extra minutes to reach Terminal 2 via the ATS.
Lower Level: Baggage claim and ground transportation: taxis, charter buses, limousines. Bus and shuttle center on level 1, from where trains to the city also depart. 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 head to the gates.
Airlines
- Air Canada
- Alaska Airlines
- Denver Air Connection
- JetBlue
- Southern Airways Express
Lounges
- United Club - Gates E7 and F9
- USO Center - Mezzanine
Services
- Restaurants and bars
- Shops
- Duty Free
- Power outlets for electronic devices
- Meeting and business rooms
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Travelers Aid
- Nursing rooms
Terminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L)
This terminal contains 4 concourses, with 80 gates: G (G1A-G21), H (H-H18), K (K1-K20), and L (L1A-L12). American Airlines domestic flights and international departures are processed in this terminal.
User experience:
As the hub for American Airlines, this terminal is extensive and its layout can be complex. The most recurring complaint is the great distance between the different concourses, especially between H/K and L, which requires a significant walk for connections. Generally, it is perceived as a terminal with good service options and the Admirals Club is well-regarded. However, it does not escape O'Hare's general problems: corridors that become congested with boarding lines and the need for more seating.
In terms of security, this terminal requires special attention: several recent reviews indicate that the TSA PreCheck line at Terminal 3 can become so saturated that it becomes slower than the regular line, and this terminal does not have CLEAR lanes. Early checkpoint closures before announced times have also been reported. Regarding lounges, the American Flagship Lounge (Concourses H-K) is consistently the best-rated in all of O'Hare, while the experience at the Admirals Club is more variable depending on the staff on shift. For dining, Berghoff Café is one of the airport's best-rated options for its value for money.
Strategy: if you have TSA PreCheck and notice a long line at your assigned checkpoint, check if there is another nearby checkpoint with less congestion before resigning yourself to waiting.
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 lot and the bus center (on level 1) with train service to the city.
Airlines
- Aer Lingus
- American Airlines / American Eagle
- British Airways
- Contour Airlines
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
Lounges
- Admirals Club - Gates G8 / H6-K6 / L1
- American Airlines Flagship Lounge - Gates H6-K6
- USO Center - Concourse G mezzanine
Services
- Restaurants and bars
- Shops
- Duty Free
- Power outlets for electronic devices
- Meeting and business rooms
- Family restrooms
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Travelers Aid
- Nursing rooms
Terminal 5 (Concourse M)
It consists of a single concourse (M), with 35 gates (M1-M40), and handles nearly all international departures and arrivals.
User experience:
This is the terminal that consistently receives the harshest criticism from international travelers. The most highlighted issues are:
- Long immigration lines: This is the main factor causing missed connecting flights. Waits of over two hours are frequently reported.
- Very long distances: Prepare for a considerable walk from your arrival gate to the exit. Additionally, as you move toward the farthest gates (e.g., M25 and beyond), shopping and dining options disappear.
- Cleanliness and organization: It is the terminal with the most complaints about cleanliness, especially the restrooms. The general atmosphere is often described as chaotic and disorganized.
- Positive points: Not everything is negative. Here you will find the Delta Sky Club, one of the best-rated VIP lounges at the airport. It also houses domestic airlines like Southwest and Frontier, so it is important to always check your departure terminal.
An additional detail that surprises many travelers: if your connecting flight departs from another terminal and you need to order an Uber or Lyft, you must get to Terminal 2 — the journey from Terminal 5, without always clear signage, can take between 30 and 50 minutes according to recent reviews. On the other end, the TSA security checkpoint at this terminal consistently receives better reviews than the rest of the airport, with 2 to 5 minute wait times reported by PreCheck travelers.
Regarding VIP lounges, the Delta Sky Club is the best-rated at the airport — several travelers describe it as one of the best lounge experiences they have had. The LOT Business Lounge (Star Alliance/Priority Pass) positively surprises with authentic Polish food, although it can become overcrowded without capacity limits. On the other end, the Swissport Lounge accumulates the worst reviews in the terminal, and the Air France Lounge has strict hour restrictions for Priority Pass holders (no access between 12pm and 5pm, nor after 8pm).
Strategy: if your connection is international-to-domestic, don't underestimate immigration time: allow at least two hours of margin before your next flight.
Lower Level: This level houses the arrivals area, baggage claim sectors 10 and 11, and the ATS train station, which connects this building with the other airport terminals and ground transportation options.
Upper Level: This is the boarding level, where ticketing and check-in are done.
Airlines
- Aeroméxico
- Air France
- Air India
- Air Serbia
- All Nippon Airways (arrivals)
- American Airlines (arrivals)
- Arajet
- Austrian Airlines
- Avelo Airlines
- Avianca
- British Airways (arrivals)
- Cathay Pacific
- Copa Airlines
- Delta Air Lines / Delta Connection
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- EVA Air
- Finnair
- Frontier Airlines
- Iberia (arrivals)
- Icelandair
- ITA Airways
- Japan Airlines (arrivals)
- KLM
- Korean Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa (arrivals)
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Jordanian
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines (international arrivals)
- Viva
- Volaris
- WestJet
Lounges
- Delta Sky Club - Gates M11/M14
- Air France Lounge - Gate M17
- LOT Business Lounge - Next to the food court
- Wingtips Lounge - Gates M19/M20
- Swissport Lounge - Gate M13
Services
- Fast food, cafes, restaurants, shops
- Family restrooms
- Shoe shine
- Wi-Fi
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Luggage carts
- Volunteer assistance
Pros and cons of O'Hare terminals
Pros: airside connection without going through security again between terminals 1, 2, and 3; free 24/7 ATS train; standout dining options like Tortas Frontera and Berghoff Café; high-end lounges like the American Flagship Lounge and Delta Sky Club; individual staff members who in numerous cases offer exceptional service.
Cons: very long distances with a scarcity of moving walkways; inconsistent signage, especially for the ATS and the rideshare pickup point; frequent and last-minute gate changes; Terminal 5 isolated from the rest without airside connection outside TTB hours; restrooms and outlets in poor condition in several areas; highly variable staff experience depending on the shift.
