Chicago (MDW) Terminal Map & Navigation Guide

Everything you need to navigate Chicago: the official terminal map link, what airlines fly from each concourse, how to move between terminals, and gate-finding tips that save you backtracking. Verify your specific gate on your boarding pass — assignments change.

Where can I find the official Chicago terminal map?

The MDW airport authority publishes the most up-to-date map on its official website. Use the link below before you travel so you know the terminal layout and gate locations before you clear security.

Maps are updated when terminals are renovated or new concourses open. Terminal 5 at LAX, for example, has been closed since October 2025 for reconstruction — always confirm your terminal from your boarding pass rather than relying on a saved map.

What is in each Chicago terminal?

Here is what each terminal or concourse at MDW handles — which airlines fly from it, the gate range, and key amenities to know before you go.

How do I get between terminals at Chicago?

All concourses (A, B, C) are connected airside via pedestrian walkways — no tram, train, or shuttle is needed. After clearing the single security checkpoint in the Cicero Avenue bridge, passengers walk directly to their concourse. The layout is compact enough that the longest walk (Terminal to Concourse C) takes roughly 10 minutes on foot.

How do I find my gate at Chicago?

Southwest Airlines occupies Concourses A and B (40 of 43 gates), so most passengers clear security and head straight ahead. If flying any other carrier, confirm concourse before entering the security bridge: Delta, Allegiant, Porter, and Volaris are all in Concourse A; Frontier is in Concourse C. MDW has only one security checkpoint, so once airside there are no re-screening points when moving between concourses.

A few habits that prevent last-minute sprints:

• Open your airline app two hours before departure. Gate assignments update in the app before they appear on printed boarding passes and sometimes before terminal displays are updated.
• Check departure screens immediately after clearing security. Every terminal at MDW has overhead departure boards near the checkpoint exit — confirming your gate here costs 30 seconds and can save a long detour.
• Note which security checkpoint serves your concourse. At multi-concourse airports, entering through the wrong checkpoint can mean exiting security and re-queuing, which adds 20 minutes or more.
• International arrivals follow the customs signs first. If you are connecting from an international arrival, clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection before looking for your domestic connection gate — the process is one-way.

What is the easiest way to navigate Chicago?

Experienced travellers at MDW use a short checklist every time:

• Review the map before leaving home. Open the Chicago interactive map on your phone while you are still home so the terminal layout is familiar.
• Know your terminal before you arrive. At airports with multiple separate buildings (JFK, LAX, DTW, MSP) confirm your terminal from your boarding pass — rideshare and taxi drivers need the correct terminal to drop you at the right curb.
• Use automated people-movers instead of walking. At large airports with trains (ATL Plane Train, DFW Skylink, DEN AGTS) a single train ride replaces 20–30 minutes of walking. Look for signs to the train immediately after clearing security.
• Follow colour-coded signage. Most airports (TPA Blue/Red, SEA North/South Satellite, PHX T3/T4) use colour or number coding from curbside through gates — picking the right colour zone at check-in means you do not cross the terminal twice.
• Check the live TSA wait before you leave. Knowing the current security wait at MDW lets you time your departure so you arrive at the gate relaxed, not sprinting.

Common questions about Chicago maps