Chicago O’Hare International Airport provides an automated people mover, bus transfers, and walkways as transportation options between Terminal 1, 2, 3, and 5. This enables passengers to board their flight without difficulties.
Airports can be hectic to navigate, especially during peak hours, and ORD, being the busiest airport in the U.S., can be heavily crowded. Fortunately, the airport has established multiple transfer options between terminals to ensure the smooth movement of travelers.
This guide is all about getting between terminals at Chicago O’Hare Airport. Breaking down walking paths, train routes, bus services, and tips to move seamlessly.
Chicago O’Hare Terminal Layout Overview
The terminals at Chicago Airport are arranged in a semicircle, making transportation within and around the airport easy. The majority of boardings take place from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 (all located nearby).
Whereas Terminal 5 is exclusively designed for international flights, with separate processing facilities.
Information displays and help kiosks are placed at every turn throughout the airport to guide travelers.
| Terminal | Primary Focus | Concourses | Standout Amenities |
| 1 | Domestic hubs | B, C | Lounges, wide walkways |
| 2 | Regional carriers | E, F | Compact layouts, fast food |
| 3 | Major domestic routes | G, H, K, L | Club access, central paths |
| 5 | Global arrivals/departures | F, G, M | Customs halls, secure lounges |
- At Terminal 1, the check-in counter is located on the upper floor. Whereas the baggage claim section is on the lower level. The security checkpoints are located at both the North and South ends, making it easier to manage crowds during rush hours. Underground tunnels facilitate any transfer between Concourse B and E.
- Terminal 2, on the other hand, is designed for airlines that usually handle low traffic. Walking from E1 to F1 concourses only takes five minutes. Additionally, the adjacent setup of the terminal conveniently links to nearby buildings.
- Meanwhile, Terminal 3 has four concourses, connected by pathways that meet in the central area. You can easily take a brisk walk from G1 to L1, and it will only take you 12-15 minutes. Baggage formalities are conducted nonstop on the lower floors for convenience.
- Terminal 5 handles international arrivals and departures with spacious immigration queues. After customs, recheck points lead directly to M gates. Separate areas serve returning domestic flights from abroad.
Chicago O’Hare Terminal Transfer Options
There are three primary ways travelers can move between terminals at ORD.
Airport Transit System (ATS)
The Airport Transit System at ORD is a free automated people mover that enhances travel within the airport. It is a light rail system that is available 24/7 from both ends. This effortlessly connects terminals outside security screening areas.
- ATS Station Location
- If you are at Terminal 1, 2, or 3, you will have to take the pedestrian bridge and go down one escalator level to access ATS.
- Terminal 5 passengers can find the people mover on Level 1.
The complete one-round ATS can take about 10 minutes. It also crosses the Multi-Modal Facility, which has rental cars, Pace buses, Metra trains, and parking areas.
- When should a traveler use ATS
- Transferring between terminals outside security.
- Connecting to Terminal 5 from other terminals.
- Access parking lots or rental car facilities.
- During off-peak hours, when the terminal transfer bus doesn’t operate.
Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB)
The Terminal Transfer Bus allows travelers to connect from ORD Terminals 1 and 3 to Terminal 5. Using this, passengers can move between these terminals without having to clear security again. This is extremely useful for passengers flying on airlines with tight connections requiring terminal changes.
- Operating Schedule
- Daily service is available from 11:30 A.M. to 09:30 P.M.
- Runs every 15 minutes.
- Passengers have to show a boarding pass.
- Bus Stop Locations:
- Terminal 1: Gate C18B
- Terminal 2: Gates G17 and K20
- Terminal 3: Gate M13
Keep in mind that TTB at Chicago Airport serves only connecting domestic passengers. International passengers arriving at Terminal 5 must first complete all terminal formalities before using the bus for airside transfers.
Outside the operating hours, passengers will have to exit security, use the ATS, and reclear security at their departure terminal.
Walking Between Terminals
Since ORD Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected with pedestrian walkways, walking between the terminals becomes easy. This is often the faster option than waiting for other modes of transportation, especially for those traveling light. However, these underground tunnels do not provide access to Terminal 5.
- Pre-Security Walking
Pedestrian tunnels start from level 0 and connect all three domestic terminals. These underground passengers also provide access to the CTA Blue Line station and parking lots.
- Post-Security Walking
Airside walkways near gates B5 and B6 connect Terminal 1 (Concourse B) to Terminal 2 (Concourse E). Whereas the one near F1 connects Terminal 2 (Concourse F) to Terminal 3 (Concourse G).
Walking between the terminals at the Chicago airport can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes.
ORD Terminals Level-by-Level Transportation
The Chicago O’Hare terminal roadway creates a hexagon-shaped layout that puts Terminal 1, 2, and 3 along the lower half. The top portion has parking garages, rental car hubs, and direct entry from I-90.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is the main hub for United Airlines at Chicago O’Hare Airport. It has Concourses B and C, with a total of 54 gates that serve domestic and international flights.
- Level 0: Pedestrian Tunnel
Level one of Terminal 1 has pedestrian tunnels that ensure easy access from within without having to step outdoors. These tunnels lead to Terminals 2 and 3. It also connects to the main parking lot and the CTA Blue Line train that travels into downtown Chicago.
- Level 1: Arrivals and Baggage Claim
The baggage claim area is on the ground floor level, which is where arriving passengers can collect their luggage. Level 1 is right outside the terminal building, making pick-ups and drop-offs more convenient. Ground transportation facilities, such as taxis, are available.
- Level 2: Departure and Security
Passenger check-in and other boarding formalities take place in Level 2. It is the upper-level roadway, which allows curbside drop-off as well. After completing check-in, travelers can proceed through screening to access departure gates.
After passing through the checkpoint, passengers will enter Concourse B, where gates B1 to B24 are located. The United Club lounge is also there, next to gate B18. To reach Concourse C, travelers take an underground pedestrian tunnel located between B8 and B9.
Concourse C consists of gates C1-C31 and features a United Club at C16 and a United Polaris Lounge at C18. Passengers can access the E gates in Terminal 2 from Concourse B using an airside pathway located close to gate B6.
Terminal 2
Concourses E and F make up Terminal 2, which serves a range of airlines, including United Express, Air Canada, and JetBlue.
- Level 0: Pedestrian
Similar to Terminal 1, Level 0 consists of pedestrian tunnels connecting to Terminal 1 and Terminal 3. These passages also provide access to the main parking garage (Lot A) and the CTA Blue Line train station.
- Level 1: Arrivals and Ground Transportation
Travelers can find the baggage claim facilities on level 1. The lower-level roadway in front of the terminal provides passenger pickup access. There is availability of ground transportation since passengers enter through this area.
- Level 2: Departures and Gate Access
Again, check-in and boarding formalities are located on level 2. The Airport Transit System (ATS) station is accessible via a pedestrian bridge from this level. Hence, passengers can easily connect to other terminals outside the secure area.
After clearing the screening check, passengers enter the gate area. Concourse E is to the right, with 17 gates numbered E1 to E17. Concourse F is to the left, containing gates F1 to F25. Gate F24 and F25 are on the lower level and require taking an escalator down.
Airside walkways connect Terminal 2 to both Terminals 1 and 3, allowing passengers to walk between terminals without re-clearing security.
- Level 3: Mezzanine
Travelers can access the mezzanine level via elevators from the check-in area. This level includes the USO Lounge and a prayer room for travelers.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the largest platform in Chicago O’Hare Airport. The terminal has four concourses (G, H, K, and L), which have 80 gates in total.
- Level 0: Pedestrian Tunnel
This is the button floor that includes pedestrian tunnels connecting Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The tunnels also lead to parking garages A and C and the CTA Blue Line.
- Level 1: Baggage Claim
The baggage claim area is located on Level 1, which is where passengers collect their luggage. The level 1 road is in front of the terminal building, and taxis, buses, and ride-hailing vehicles are accessible outside the terminal at this level.
- Level 2: Departure and Concourse Access
Check-in counters can be found at Level 2, while the departures roadway offers curbside access for passengers who are to board flights. The ATS is accessible through the pedestrian bridge near the terminal.
Passengers are required to go through one of the five security checkpoints located on Level 2 to board flights at the departure gates. The concourses are arranged in the following manner after clearing security:
Concourse G is located on the extreme right side of the concourse section with 24 gates (G1A to G19A for the upper level and G13 to G17 for the lower level).
Concourses H and K are connected to the central departure concourse. Concourse H is on the right, comprising 17 gates (H3-H18), whereas Concourse K is on the left, with 17 gates (K1-K20). The Terminal Transfer Bus stop is accessible from K20.
Concourse L is the farthest on the left in the airport, with 24 gates. Gates L2A to L12 are separated from the departure concourses, while gates L20-L27 are on the left side of a bridge.
Passengers can walk between all gate areas inside the secure zone. An airside walkway near Concourse G connects to Terminal 2.
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 is located about one mile away from the other terminals, and it is also known as the ORD international terminal. It handles international passengers who require customs clearance services, as well as some domestic flights, such as Delta, Southwest, and Frontier.
- Level 1: International Arrivals and ATS Access
International arrivals take place at Level 1, where passengers go through customs and immigration, as well as other formalities. Those with connecting flights can use the airlines’ transfer counters to recheck their luggage on Level 1. There is also an ATS station that can connect passengers to Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
After arriving in the secure zone, international passengers are processed on level 1 before either leaving for the public area or continuing to connecting flights.
- Level 2: Departure and Gate Areas
Check-in counters are on the second level and can be accessed from the upper-level road for departures. After check-in, passengers will go through security screening before entering the departure gates.
The departure gates have two sections along with Concourse M. The gates from M1-M15 are located on the right side, while the gates from M16-M49 are on the left side.
The Terminal Transfer Bus for connecting passengers runs from the vicinity of Gate M13 and will move passengers to Terminals 1 and 3.
Bottom Line
To have a smooth Chicago O’Hare terminal transfer, travelers must understand the transportation options available to them. Along with this, a good knowledge of the terminal location and connecting procedures is also important.
Make sure to plan according to the connection time, download the airline app for quick updates, and choose the right transport method.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Chicago O’Hare International Airport offers three transportation options to move between terminals: an automated people mover, bus transfers, and walkways.
Yes, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 are connected with underground tunnels. Travelers can easily take a short walk to cover the distance.
Since ORD Airport is considered the busiest airport in the U.S., a 1-hour layover is usually considered very tight and risky.
Yes, you can get between the terminals after security at ORD. However, this depends on the terminal type. T1, T2, and T3 are closely connected on the security side.
It takes around 10-15 minutes to cover the distance from T1 to T2 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
If you are traveling between domestic terminals (T1, T2, & T3), you do not have to re-clear the security checkpoint. However, international passengers will have to clear customs, collect bags, and go through screening again.
Yes, an hour and 45 minutes works well for domestic-to-domestic connecting flights. It might still be tight for some international flight connections.
Recent Posts
Latest Pages
Leave a Reply