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O'Hare International Airport (ORD): A Guide to Navigating Chicago's Busiest Airport

  • Writer: Monica Fox
    Monica Fox
  • Jun 6, 2024
  • 8 min read


As a Chicago native, I've flown through O'Hare International Airport (ORD) hundreds of times over the past 30 years. Sure, it can get busy, and I've heard my fair share of traveler woes. But listen up, intrepid adventurer – navigating O'Hare doesn't have to be a nightmare! This guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to confidently conquer ORD.


Getting Here: Chicago O'Hare International Airport 10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, United States 




Before You Fly:


Upon Your Arrival at O'Hare:

  • Follow the Signs: O'Hare is well-marked with clear signage directing you to baggage claim, ground transportation, and onward connections.

  • Navigating Immigration (International Arrivals): Follow signs for immigration and customs. Be prepared to show your passport, visa (if required), and completed customs declaration form.

  • Baggage Claim: Locate the baggage claim carousel corresponding to your flight number to retrieve your luggage.

Making Your Connections:

  • The Airport Transit System (ATS): This free automated train system connects all five terminals within minutes. Follow signs for the ATS and hop on the train to reach your departure terminal.

  • Walking Between Terminals: While the ATS is generally recommended, you can also walk between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via pedestrian walkways if you prefer and have ample time for your connection.


Getting Around:

  • Domestic Terminals (1, 2, 3): Connected by walkways, moving sidewalks, and escalators (10-20 minute walk depending on distance).

  • Terminal 5 (International): Take the Airport Transit System (ATS) train (5 am - 10:30 pm) or a 24/7 shuttle bus. The ATS takes 10 minutes and stops at all terminals.



Smooth Sailing Through TSA Security at O'Hare:


Pack light and organize your carry-on for a smoother screening process.

  • Liquids 3-1-1: Pack liquids, gels, and aerosols in 3.4 oz containers or less, all in a clear, quart-sized, zip-top bag. Try One of These TSA Approved Travel Kits: TSA Approved 16 Pack Travel Bottle Set: Includes 4 travel bottles, 4 travel jars, 2 spray bottle, 2 spoons, 1 funnel, 1 cleaning brush, and 1 label, as well as 1 transparent makeup bag.

GLOBEGEAR TSA Approved Travel Bottles: Avoid the hassle at airport security checks with our TSA approved travel bottles and travel size containers. They abide by the TSA 311 rule for small travel containers, ensuring a seamless trip through security.




TSA Approved Silicone Travel Containers 18 pack: Our 18 pack reusable travel bottle set comes with 1 waterproof bag, 2 pcs silicone bottles (3oz/90ml), 2 pcs silicone bottles(2oz/60ml), 2 pcs spray bottles(1.05oz/30ml), 4 pcs cream jars(0.35oz/10ml), 1pcs funnels, labels, brush and 2 pcs spatula.




You can also buy a ready-made travel kit:


Burt's Bees Travel Set: This Burt’s Bees travel set comes with Coconut Foot Cream, Milk & Honey Body Lotion, Soap Bark & Chamomile Cleansing Cream, Res-Q Ointment, Hand Salve and Beeswax Lip Balm




Travel Luxury Spa Natural Organic Convenience Kit: Travel and TSA friendly - Every product is packaged and created with your convenience and luxury experience in mind, featuring attractive reusable packaging as well as non messy formulations.



Men’s Super Deluxe, 35-Piece Kit: Our toiletry set is designed for ease and efficiency during your travels. With TSA-compliant sizes, this kit fits perfectly in your travel bag, ensuring you have the essential travel toiletries wherever you go.





Women's 9-Piece Deluxe Kit: This 9-piece travel kit contains the following travel size toiletries and travel accessories: Pantene Shampoo, Pantene Conditioner, white styling comb, Olay Body Wash, Secret Antiperspirant Deodorant, Crest 3D Toothpaste and a toothbrush


Men’s Premium 20-Piece Kit: This 20-piece travel kit contains the following travel size toiletries and travel accessories: Barbasol Shave Cream, Gillette Good News Disposable Razor, Dove for Men 2 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner, Dove for Men Antiperspirant Deodorant, Gold Bond Powder, lip balm (assorted flavors), comb, Crest Toothpaste, Colgate Adult Soft Toothbrush, toothbrush cap, Colgate Total Mouthwash, Dentek Dental Flossers, Advil Caplets, Curad Finger Strip Bandages, toe nail clipper with file and vanity pack (cotton swabs, cotton balls, and cotton rounds).






Know what's Prohibited:  Ever wonder if that souvenir bottle of hot sauce or your fancy new perfume or cologne will make it through security? Avoid a last-minute scramble by using the TSA's handy "Can I Bring My...?" tool within the MyTSA app. Simply type in the item, and the app will tell you if it's okay for your carry-on, needs to be checked in a separate bag, or isn't allowed on the plane at all.

The MyTSA App: The app provides airline passengers with 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information on any mobile device. Save time and money with helpful tips for preparing for security, including a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags.


  • Quickly search which items you can bring with you through the checkpoint onto the airplane.

  • Check the delay information at your favorite airports nationwide.

  • Check how busy the airport is likely to be on your specific day and time of travel based on historical data.

  • Consult the TSA Guide on how to prepare for and get through the security checkpoint quickly.

  • Discover which airports and airlines support TSA PreCheck®, and learn how to sign-up.

  • Request live assistance from TSA through the AskTSA social media integration.

Need Additional Assistance? TSA Cares offers support for travelers with disabilities or special needs. Call (855) 787-2227 72 hours before your flight.



Navigating O'Hare by Airline:

To help you find your departure terminal at Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD), here's a quick breakdown by airline:

  • Terminal 1: United Airlines, All Nippon (Japan), Lufthansa etc

  • Terminal 2: Air Canada, Delta, Delta Shuttle and United Express etc

  • Terminal 3: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, LATAM Airline, Japan Airlines, Iberia Airlines and others

  • Terminal 5: Primarily international airlines, including Southwest. View photo below:


Tip: Double-check your departure terminal with your airline or on your boarding pass before heading to the airport.





Navigating O'Hare by Terminal:

  • Terminal 1 (55 gates, concourses B & C): Boasting two side-by-side concourses with plane views, Terminal 1 offers easy access to check-in, baggage claim, and other services via Concourse B's direct connection to the airport road. Concourse C, a satellite terminal accessible through a pedestrian tunnel, features a circular design allowing planes to dock all around.

  • Terminal 1 Eats: Terminal 1 offers a variety of options for hungry travelers. There's plenty of kiosks and cafes throughout the terminal for snacks, coffee, or full blown meals.

  • Goose Island Bar: Goose Island is Chicago’s oldest brewery (Gate B1)

  • Breakfast: Tortas Frontera (Gate B11 from 5 am– 9 pm)

  • Quick bites: Farmer’s Fridge (B20) or Billy Goat Tavern (Gate C18)

  • Best sit-down meal: Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar (Gate C1)

  • Best bar: Berghoff Cafe (Gate C26)

  • Wine Bar: Beaudevin (Gate C17)

  • Best for kids: Chili’s ( Gate B14) or Garrett Popcorn Shop (Gate B8)

  • Pro Tip: Download the Tortas Frontera app to order ahead and skip the line.


  • Terminal 2 (43 gates, concourses E & F): Divided into three levels (mezzanine, upper for departures, and lower for baggage claim) Terminal 2 offers a variety of dining options:

  • Grab & Go: Argo Tea or Starbucks Coffee (Gates E2, E11)

  • Full Meal: La Tapenade (Gate E9)

  • Asian Cuisine: Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar (Main Hall)

  • Best breakfast: Brioche Doree (Gate F19)

  • Quick bite: Farmer’s Fridge (Gate F1) or CIBO Express Gourmet Market (Vegan) (Gate E1)

  • Best sit-down meal: Summer House Santa Monica (Main Hall)

  • Best bar: Stanley’s Blackhawks Kitchen & Tap (Gate E5)

  • Open late: McDonald’s (open until 10pm) (Gate F7)

  • Best with kids: Chili’s Too (Gate F9) or Home Run Inn Pizza (Gate E5)

  • Terminal 3 (79 gates, concourses G, H, K & L): This is the largest terminal at O'Hare, with 79 gates across four concourses (five more gates planned). Terminal 3 Eats:

  • Grab & Go: Starbucks (Gates H1, H6, K4, L1, L20), Dunkin’ Donuts (Gate H4)

  • Unique Eats: Gold Coast Dogs (Gate L4)

  • Breakfast: Great American Bagel Company (Gate H10, K1)

  • Quick bite: Green Market or Gold Coast Dogs (Gate L4)

  • Best sit-down meal: Publican Tavern (Gate K1)

  • Best bar: Chicago Cubs Bar & Grill (Main Hall) or Bubbles Wine Bar (Gate H4)

  • Open late: Facades Bar (Gate K15)

  • Best with kids: Reggio’s Pizza (Gates G8, K4)



  • Terminal 4 (Former Terminal): Fun fact! Once handling international arrivals, Terminal 4 now houses the bus shuttle center for the Hilton Hotel and provides access to the short-term parking garage.


Terminal 5 (International, 21 gates, Concourse M): Housing all major international airlines, Terminal 5 has two levels (upper and lower) and one concourse (M). Currently with 21 gates (nine more planned),


Terminal 5 Eats: 

  • Breakfast: Goddess & the Grocer (Terminal 5, Pre-Security)

  • Quick bite: Tocco (Gate M11)

  • Best sit-down meal: BAR SIENA (Gate M16)

  • Best bar: Hub 51 (Gate M16) or The Hampton Social (Gate M7)

  • Best with kids:  R.J. Grunts Burgers & Fries (Gate M16)






Sleeping at the Chicago Airport:

While there are several hotels near Chicago O'Hare Airport, the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is the only one located directly on the airport grounds. This convenient location allows guests to reach domestic terminals via underground walkways and the international terminal via the Airport Transit System. Additionally, the hotel offers a walkway to the CTA Blue Line train, providing easy access to downtown Chicago.

Nap pods at ORD:

Contrary to popular belief, there are no nap pods or other sleep-friendly options in the O’Hare airport.




Ground Transportation:

  • Ridesharing: Designated rideshare pick-up zones for Uber/Lyft are located outside baggage claim in each terminal. You can also request a rideshare through the rideshare app once you've collected your luggage.

  • Taxis: Taxi stands are located outside baggage claim in each terminal. Follow signs and hail a taxi for a convenient ride to your destination.

  • Public Transportation: Chicago' CTA Blue Line offers access to downtown Chicago from O'Hare. Follow signs for the CTA station and purchase a ticket before boarding the train.



Additional Tips:

  • O'Hare can be busy, so factor in enough time for security checks, potential delays, and navigating the airport. I recommend setting aside at least 3 hours for international flights and 2 hours for domestic flights. If you're traveling during peak seasons like holidays or summer, consider adding an extra hour as a buffer. It's always better to err on the side of caution than to miss your flight due to time constraints.

  • Download Entertainment: Long layovers happen! Download movies, shows, or podcasts to your device to keep yourself entertained while waiting for your connecting flight.

By following these tips and familiarizing yourself with the layout of the airport, you'll be well on your way to conquering O'Hare and experiencing the wonders of Chicago! For additional information and real-time updates, visit the official O'Hare website: https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/pages/default.aspx


Recap:

  • Smart Packing: Your organized carry-on is the envy of the security line.

  • Extra Time: You've budgeted enough wiggle room to avoid any last-minute dashes.

  • MyTSA App: This handy app keeps you TSA-approved and stress-free.

  • Terminal Knowledge: You're a map master – no more frantic terminal searches!


Now you can go explore Chicago like a local! Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, savor the iconic deep-dish pizza, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

This Windy City is yours to conquer. Have an amazing trip!

P.S. What are your favorite things to see and do in Chicago? Share your must-visit spots in the comments below!




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