If you’re flying to Chicago, you’ll probably land at Chicago O’Hare Intl Airport (ORD).O’Hare is situated on the northwest side of the city and is one of the busiest airports in the country and a major hub for domestic and international travelers.
The size of the airport can be confusing for a first-time visitor. There are many terminals, security checkpoints, parking areas, rental car facilities, hotels and transportation options. And if you’re searching online for Chicago TSA wait times, an O’Hare airport map, or the best way to get from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport, you may find plenty of information without knowing which details actually matter for your trip.
This guide collects those essentials so you can plan your Chicago O’Hare Airport visit with less guesswork.
Getting to Know Chicago O’Hare Airport
The official name is Chicago O’Hare Intl Airport, although travelers commonly call it Chicago O’Hare Airport, O’Hare Airport, or simply O’Hare.
Its airport code is O’Hare. You’ll see this code used when you book flights and check flight status, and you’ll read it on baggage tags and airport transportation.
O’Hare has 4 terminals for passengers. They are Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3 and Terminal 5. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are mostly domestic but Terminal 5 is used by many international flights. The airport has nearly 200 gates spread across its terminals.
Because the airport is so large, knowing your terminal before arriving is one of the easiest ways to avoid unnecessary stress.
Terminals at O’Hare Airport
O’Hare has four numbered passenger terminals with nine lettered concourses and a total of 215 gates.
| Terminal | Number of gates | Concourses | Airlines | Notes |
| Terminal 1 | 52 | Two (B, C) | United Airlines, Lufthansa, All Nippon Airways | Concourses connected by underground tunnel. |
| Terminal | Number of gates | Concourses | Airlines | Notes |
| Terminal 2 | 41 | Two (E, F) | United Express, Air Canada, JetBlue, some United Airlines |
| Terminal | Number of gates | Concourses | Airlines | Notes |
| Terminal 3 | 80 | Four (G, H, K, L) | American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, some United Airlines |
| Terminal | Number of gates | Concourses | Airlines | Notes |
| Terminal 5 | 35 | One (M) | Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines | Contains the U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities of the airport; processes non-precleared international arrivals. Used by all international airlines that do not depart from Terminals 1–3. 3 gates sized to accommodate an Airbus A380. |
Busiest international routes from ORD
| Rank | Airport | Passengers | Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | London–Heathrow, United Kingdom | 1,047,849 | American, British Airways, United |
| 2 | Toronto–Pearson, Canada | 875,802 | Air Canada, American, United |
| 3 | Cancún, Mexico | 798,727 | American, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, United |
| 4 | Mexico City, Mexico | 768,999 | Aeroméxico, American, United, Viva, Volaris |
| 5 | Frankfurt, Germany | 713,506 | Lufthansa, United |
| 6 | Dublin, Ireland | 499,476 | Aer Lingus, American, United |
| 7 | Tokyo–Haneda, Japan | 472,763 | All Nippon Airways, Japan Airlines, United |
| 8 | Guadalajara, Mexico | 407,735 | Aeroméxico, Viva, Volaris |
| 9 | Paris–Charles de Gaulle, France | 406,997 | Air France, American, United |
| 10 | Munich, Germany | 374,830 | Lufthansa, United |
Busiest domestic routes from ORD
| Rank | Airport | Passengers | Carriers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York–LaGuardia, New York | 1,378,638 | American, Delta, Spirit, United |
| 2 | Los Angeles, California | 1,155,773 | American, Frontier, Spirit, United |
| 3 | Denver, Colorado | 1,004,302 | American, Frontier, Southwest, United |
| 4 | Orlando, Florida | 987,240 | American, Frontier, Southwest, Spirit, United |
| 5 | San Francisco, California | 984,340 | American, United |
| 6 | Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas | 954,494 | American, Frontier, Spirit, United |
| 7 | Boston, Massachusetts | 930,116 | American, Delta, JetBlue, United |
| 8 | Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona | 859,154 | American, Frontier, Southwest, United |
| 9 | Newark, New Jersey | 855,899 | American, Spirit, United |
| 10 | Houston-Intercontinental, Texas | 851,412 | American, Frontier, Spirit, United |
Airline Market Share
| Rank | Airline | Passengers | Percent of market share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United Airlines | 39,821,278 | 47.1% |
| 2 | American Airlines | 28,010,409 | 33.1% |
| 3 | Delta Air Lines | 2,773,740 | 3.3% |
| 4 | Spirit (Closed) | 1,726,777 | 2.0% |
| 5 | Frontier | 1,590,511 | 1.9% |
| Other | 10,631,914 | 12.6% |
Cargo Airlines
| Airlines | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Air Canada Cargo | Toronto–Pearson |
| Air China Cargo | Anchorage, Beijing–Capital, Frankfurt, New York–JFK, Shanghai–Pudong, Tianjin Seasonal: Billings |
| ANA Cargo | Tokyo–Narita |
| Atlas Air | Amsterdam, Anchorage, Cincinnati, Dallas/Fort Worth, Frankfurt, Hong Kong, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Liège, Miami, Milan–Malpensa, New York–JFK, Seoul–Incheon, Stuttgart, Tokyo–Narita |
| China Southern Cargo | Guangzhou, Shanghai–Pudong |
| Emirates SkyCargo | Copenhagen, Dubai–Al Maktoum, Maastricht/Aachen, Miami |
| Etihad Cargo | Abu Dhabi, Frankfurt |
| LATAM Cargo Chile | Campinas |
| Lufthansa Cargo | Anchorage, Atlanta, Frankfurt, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, Manchester (UK), Mexico City–AIFA, New York–JFK |
| MSC Air Cargo | Indianapolis, Liège |
| Nippon Cargo Airlines | Anchorage, Dallas/Fort Worth, Edmonton, Los Angeles, New York–JFK |
| Qantas Freight | Anchorage, Auckland, Chongqing, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Sydney |
| Qatar Airways Cargo | Amsterdam, Brussels, Doha, Los Angeles, Milan–Malpensa, Ostend/Bruges,[564] Singapore |
| Silk Way West Airlines | Baku |
| Singapore Airlines Cargo | Anchorage, Atlanta, Brussels, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Seattle/Tacoma |
| Turkish Cargo | Istanbul, Maastricht/Aachen, Shannon, Toronto–Pearson |
List of Airlines used by Chicago O’Hare Intl Airport
- Aer Lingus
- Aeroméxico
- Air Canada
- Air Canada Express
- Air France
- Air India
- Air Serbia
- Alaska Airlines
- All Nippon Airways
- American Airlines
- American Eagle
- Arajet
- Austrian Airlines
- Avelo Airlines
- Avianca
- Avianca Costa Rica
- Avianca El Salvador
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Condor
- Contour Airlines
- Copa Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Delta Connection
- Denver Air Connection
- EgyptAir
- Emirates
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- EVA Air
- Finnair
- Frontier Airlines
- Iberia
- Icelandair
- ITA Airways
- Japan Airlines
- JetBlue
- KLM
- Korean Air
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Philippine Airlines
- Porter Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Jordanian
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines
- Swiss International Air Lines
- TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
- United Express
- Viva
- Volaris
- WestJet
What Is the Best Way to Navigate O’Hare?
An Chicago O’Hare Intl Airport map can be useful when you’re trying to understand how the terminals are arranged.
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are located next to each other and are connected. Terminal 5 is separate from the domestic terminal complex, so travelers going between Terminal 5 and the other terminals should allow additional time.
If you’re connecting between flights, don’t assume that your next gate will be close to your arrival gate. Check your airline’s app or boarding pass for the latest terminal and gate information before walking through the airport.
O’Hare also operates the Airport Transit System (ATS), which connects the passenger terminals with other airport facilities, including the Multi-Modal Facility.
How Long Does TSA Take at Chicago O’Hare?
One of the most common searches before a flight is Chicago TSA wait times.
The answer isn’t a single number because security wait times at O’Hare can change throughout the day. Longer lines may occur during busy travel times such as morning departures, holidays and weekends.
How long you wait also depends on the terminal you are in, how many TSA lanes are open, how many people and if you have TSA PreCheck.
Instead of relying on an old average, check current airport or TSA information before leaving for O’Hare. And remember that security is only part of your airport experience. You may still need time to check bags, walk to your gate, or transfer between airport areas.
For an unfamiliar terminal, arriving early gives you more flexibility if the security line suddenly becomes longer than expected.
Parking at Chicago O’Hare Airport
Driving to the airport? Chicago O’Hare airport parking includes several options, from parking directly beside the terminals to more economical lots farther away.
The Main Garage provides convenient access to Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Terminal 5 has its own parking garage, while O’Hare also provides economy parking options for travelers leaving their cars for longer periods.
If convenience is your priority, parking close to your terminal can save walking time. If you’re going away for several days, an economy lot may make more sense financially.
O’Hare also offers advance parking reservations, which can be useful during busy travel periods when airport parking demand is higher.
Staying at a Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel
Sometimes the easiest way to deal with an early flight is to stay close to the airport the night before.
There are plenty of hotels near Chicago O’Hare Airport, particularly around Rosemont, Des Plaines, and Schiller Park.
Another hotel that travelers often search for near Des Plaines is Hilton Garden Inn Chicago O’Hare Airport.
Another favorite is the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport, just at the airport. This could be especially handy for folks with early flights or long layovers.
When choosing a Chicago O’Hare Intl Airport hotel, don’t look only at the distance shown on a map. Check whether the property provides an airport shuttle, what hours the shuttle operates, and how easy it is to reach your terminal.
Renting a Car at O’Hare
If you’re planning to explore Chicago or continue your trip outside the city, renting a vehicle can be an option.
The rental car Chicago O’Hare Airport facilities are located at the airport’s Multi-Modal Facility. Major rental companies operate from this facility, and passengers can use the Airport Transit System to reach it from the terminals.
After collecting your luggage, follow airport signs for the rental-car facility rather than trying to walk directly from the terminal.
If you’re returning a rental car before a flight, give yourself extra time. You need to return the vehicle, reach the terminal, check in, and then go through security.
Flights to Chicago O’Hare Airport
O’Hare handles flights to Chicago O’Hare International Airport from destinations across the United States and around the world.
American Airlines and United Airlines have major operations at ORD, while numerous other airlines also serve the airport.
When booking a flight to O’Hare, remember that Chicago also has Midway International Airport (MDW). If you’re staying in Chicago, check the airport code carefully before booking because the two airports are on different sides of the city.
For an O’Hare flight, look for ORD on your itinerary.
Before leaving for the airport, check your airline’s current flight status. Departure gates and terminal information can change, and the information on your reservation may not always reflect a last-minute operational change.
Getting From Downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport
One of the most common questions for visitors is how to travel from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport.
The CTA Blue Line is one of the best ways to go if you’re using public transportation. Offering a direct rail link from downtown Chicago to O’Hare, it is a favorite among travelers looking to escape highway traffic.
Taxis and rideshare are also available.
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or with a group, driving is an easy way to get around, but traffic in Chicago can make the drive a little unpredictable. During weekday rush hours, it’s smart to allow additional time rather than planning the trip based only on the normal driving distance.
What About the Famous O’Hare UFO Incident?
O’Hare has an unusual piece of aviation history that still attracts online searches: the Chicago O’Hare Airport UFO incident.
On November 7, 2006, several United Airlines employees reported seeing a disc-shaped object above the airport near Gate C17. The report later received widespread attention after information about the sighting became public.
The incident remains controversial. The FAA did not treat it as evidence of an extraterrestrial craft and reportedly attributed the observation to a weather phenomenon. No radar confirmation of the reported object was established.
So if you’ve seen searches for “Chicago O’Hare airport incident UFO,” they generally refer to this 2006 sighting rather than a recent incident at the airport.
Tips for a Smoother O’Hare Trip
O’Hare is a large airport, but a little preparation can make it much easier to navigate.
Before leaving home:
- Check your airline and terminal.
- Confirm your flight status.
- Check current TSA information.
- Have your boarding pass ready.
- If you’re parking, know which parking facility you’ll use.
- If you’re renting a car, confirm the rental return location.
- If you’re staying at a hotel, check its airport transportation.
- If you’re connecting through O’Hare, confirm your arrival and departure terminals.
Most importantly, don’t rely on an old gate number or security wait-time estimate. Airport operations change throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
Chicago O’Hare International Airport is much easier to navigate when you know what to expect before arriving. Your airport journey can be affected by things like your terminal, security checkpoint, parking location and transportation plan.
Whether you’re flying into ORD, heading home, staying at a nearby hotel, picking up a rental car or traveling from downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport, the best way to avoid unnecessary surprises is to check the latest airport information before your trip.
If you’re checking Chicago TSA wait times, Chicago O’Hare airport parking, hotels near Chicago O’Hare Airport, flights to Chicago O’Hare Airport or an O’Hare airport map, just remember that this information can change. Use current airport information for your travel date rather than relying on outdated estimates.
If you’re visiting Chicago in the fall, O’Hare can be the starting point for exploring the city and other seasonal destinations. For more ideas on where to travel during the month, check out our guide to Best Places to Visit in October: Top Destinations for an Amazing Fall Trip before planning your itinerary.
