Chicago O'Hare (ORD) Terminal Map & Navigation Guide
Everything you need to navigate Chicago O'Hare: 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 O'Hare terminal map?
The ORD 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.
Official map
Chicago O'Hare official terminal map — airport authority website
Chicago O'Hare interactive map — searchable by gate, airline, or amenity
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 O'Hare terminal?
Here is what each terminal or concourse at ORD handles — which airlines fly from it, the gate range, and key amenities to know before you go.
Terminal 1
United Airlines hub with 52 gates across Concourses B and C. Concourse B (gates B1-B22 approx.) handles United Express regional jets; Concourse C (gates C1-C27 approx.) handles United mainline domestic and international flights along with Star Alliance partners Lufthansa and All Nippon Airways (ANA). The two concourses are linked by the iconic Helmut Jahn-designed neon Hall of Lights underground walkway. United Club lounges are located near gates B6, B18, and C16. Airside walkway to Terminal 2 is on the departures level opposite gates B5-B6.
Terminal 2
Mid-size terminal with 41 gates across Concourses E (gates E1-E17) and F (gates F1-F28). Serves United Express regional operations, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue. The smallest of the four terminals, it is connected airside to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 via pedestrian walkways, allowing transfers without re-clearing security. Part of the broader O'Hare 21 modernization program.
Terminal 3
American Airlines hub and the largest terminal with approximately 75-80 gates spread across four concourses: G, H, K, and L. Handles American Airlines mainline domestic and international flights plus oneworld alliance partners including British Airways (some flights), Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Royal Jordanian. Also serves Vueling and Alaska Airlines. A $300M ElevateT3 renovation is underway with expected completion around 2027. The Terminal Transfer Bus for airside access to Terminal 5 departs from gates G17 and K20.
Terminal 5
Dedicated international terminal with 35 gates on a single Concourse M (gates M1-M40, non-sequential). Houses all U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities including automated passport kiosks and a Global Entry enrollment center. Serves Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and a wide range of international carriers: Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways (some flights), Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and others. Features three A380-capable gates. Lower level handles international arrivals and baggage claim; upper level handles ticketing and departures. Geographically separated from Terminals 1-3 by active taxiways — requires the ATS or airside bus to reach.
How do I get between terminals at Chicago O'Hare?
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected airside via underground pedestrian walkways — passengers can transfer between them post-security without re-screening. Terminal 5 is physically separated from the terminal core by taxiways and has two transfer options: (1) the free ATS (Airport Transit System) automated people mover running 24/7 on a landside loop connecting all terminals, parking, and the Multi-Modal Facility; (2) the airside Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB), which avoids security re-screening and runs every 15 minutes from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM with two routes — T1 (pickup gate B1) to T5 (gate M13), and T3 (gates G17 or K20) to T5 (gate M13).
Timing tip
Always allow 15–30 minutes for any inter-terminal transfer at ORD — wait times for people-movers, buses, or security re-screening add up faster than the physical distance suggests. Build the buffer into your Leave-By time, not your gate arrival time.
How do I find my gate at Chicago O'Hare?
Terminals 1-2-3 are airside-connected underground so domestic-to-domestic transfers require no security re-screening — but Terminal 5 is an island cut off by taxiways. For any itinerary touching T5, use the airside Terminal Transfer Bus (every 15 min, 11:30 AM-9:30 PM) to stay secure-side, or budget an extra 30-45 minutes to exit, ride the ATS, and re-clear security.
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 ORD 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 O'Hare?
Experienced travellers at ORD use a short checklist every time:
- Review the map before leaving home. Open the Chicago O'Hare 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 ORD lets you time your departure so you arrive at the gate relaxed, not sprinting.
Common questions about Chicago O'Hare maps
Where can I find the official ORD terminal map?
The official Chicago O'Hare terminal map is on the airport authority website at https://www.flychicago.com/ohare/map/Pages/printablemaps.aspx — an interactive version is also at https://www.ifly.com/chicago-ohare-international-airport/terminal-map. Maps are updated when new gates or concourses open; always verify your specific gate on your boarding pass.
How do I get between terminals at ORD?
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected airside via underground pedestrian walkways — passengers can transfer between them post-security without re-screening. Terminal 5 is physically separated from the terminal core by taxiways and has two transfer options: (1) the free ATS (Airport Transit System) automated people mover running 24/7 on a landside loop connecting all terminals, parking, and the Multi-Modal Facility; (2) the airside Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB), which avoids security re-screening and runs every 15 minutes from 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM with two routes — T1 (pickup gate B1) to T5 (gate M13), and T3 (gates G17 or K20) to T5 (gate M13).
How do I find my gate at ORD?
Terminals 1-2-3 are airside-connected underground so domestic-to-domestic transfers require no security re-screening — but Terminal 5 is an island cut off by taxiways. For any itinerary touching T5, use the airside Terminal Transfer Bus (every 15 min, 11:30 AM-9:30 PM) to stay secure-side, or budget an extra 30-45 minutes to exit, ride the ATS, and re-clear security. Your boarding pass shows the exact gate. Open your airline app about two hours before departure — gate assignments sometimes change after check-in closes. Look for departure boards throughout the terminal for real-time gate information.
What is the easiest way to navigate ORD?
Use the official interactive map at https://www.ifly.com/chicago-ohare-international-airport/terminal-map before you arrive to familiarise yourself with the layout. Terminals 1-2-3 are airside-connected underground so domestic-to-domestic transfers require no security re-screening — but Terminal 5 is an island cut off by taxiways. For any itinerary touching T5, use the airside Terminal Transfer Bus (every 15 min, 11:30 AM-9:30 PM) to stay secure-side, or budget an extra 30-45 minutes to exit, ride the ATS, and re-clear security.
What is in each ORD terminal?
Terminal 1: United Airlines hub with 52 gates across Concourses B and C. Concourse B (gates B1-B22 approx.) handles United Express regional jets; Concourse C (gates C1-C27 approx.) handles United mainline domestic and international flights along with Star Alliance partners Lufthansa and All Nippon Airways (ANA). The two concourses are linked by the iconic Helmut Jahn-designed neon Hall of Lights underground walkway. United Club lounges are located near gates B6, B18, and C16. Airside walkway to Terminal 2 is on the departures level opposite gates B5-B6. Terminal 2: Mid-size terminal with 41 gates across Concourses E (gates E1-E17) and F (gates F1-F28). Serves United Express regional operations, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, and JetBlue. The smallest of the four terminals, it is connected airside to both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 via pedestrian walkways, allowing transfers without re-clearing security. Part of the broader O'Hare 21 modernization program. Terminal 3: American Airlines hub and the largest terminal with approximately 75-80 gates spread across four concourses: G, H, K, and L. Handles American Airlines mainline domestic and international flights plus oneworld alliance partners including British Airways (some flights), Iberia, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Royal Jordanian. Also serves Vueling and Alaska Airlines. A $300M ElevateT3 renovation is underway with expected completion around 2027. The Terminal Transfer Bus for airside access to Terminal 5 departs from gates G17 and K20. Terminal 5: Dedicated international terminal with 35 gates on a single Concourse M (gates M1-M40, non-sequential). Houses all U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities including automated passport kiosks and a Global Entry enrollment center. Serves Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and a wide range of international carriers: Air France, Lufthansa, British Airways (some flights), Emirates, Turkish Airlines, and others. Features three A380-capable gates. Lower level handles international arrivals and baggage claim; upper level handles ticketing and departures. Geographically separated from Terminals 1-3 by active taxiways — requires the ATS or airside bus to reach.
Leave-By calculator
Know exactly when to leave for ORD
The TSA Wait Times Leave-By calculator folds the live ORD security wait, your drive time, and terminal navigation into one exact time to leave home — so you reach your gate without guessing.
See also: Live ORD TSA wait times · ORD terminals guide · ORD security tips