O'Hare International Airport (ORD) — Complete Airport Guide 2026
Chicago, Illinois · ICAO KORD
A massive dual-hub for United and American Airlines, O'Hare is one of North America's busiest connecting airports with four domestic terminals and one international terminal, linked by the Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover.
ORD Airport Overview
O'Hare International Airport (IATA: ORD / ICAO: KORD) is located in Chicago, Illinois. A massive dual-hub for United and American Airlines, O'Hare is one of North America's busiest connecting airports with four domestic terminals and one international terminal, linked by the Airport Transit System (ATS) people mover.
Hub for: United Airlines, American Airlines
flychicago.com ↗ · Wikipedia ↗
💡 ORD Insider Tips
- Arrive early: Plan for at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures from ORD.
- Know your terminal: Use our Terminal Finder tool to look up your airline's terminal before you leave home.
- Hub airport: ORD is a hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, so expect busy connecting traffic. If you're connecting, use the inter-terminal train or people mover to move between terminals.
- Check live conditions: Download the MyTSA app and check the FAA delay map before heading to the airport.
ORD TSA Security Wait Times
Typical security waits at ORD average about 9 minutes in standard screening. The quietest window is usually Tuesday around 11 PM and the busiest is Sunday around 6 AM. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally 60–80% faster.
Estimated wait right now
~2 min
TSA Checkpoint Locations at ORD
- Terminal 1 (Concourses B & C): Terminal 1 Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck lanes at Concourse B and C entries
- Terminal 2 (Concourses E & F): Terminal 2 Checkpoint — TSA PreCheck available
- Terminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L): Terminal 3 Checkpoint — multiple lanes, TSA PreCheck available
- Terminal 5 (International): Terminal 5 Security Checkpoint — international screening and re-clearance for connections
ORD Terminals, Gates & Checkpoints — Complete Guide
O'Hare International Airport has 4 terminal areas. Below is a detailed breakdown of each, including airlines, gates, security checkpoints, baggage claim locations, and dining. Always confirm your terminal with your airline.
Terminal 1 (Concourses B & C)
Terminal 2 (Concourses E & F)
Terminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L)
Terminal 5 (International)
Airlines at ORD — Terminal & Gate Directory
O'Hare International Airport is served by 11+ airlines. The table below shows which terminal and gates each airline uses. Gate assignments can change — confirm with your airline on the day of travel.
| Airline | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|
| United AirlinesHub | Terminal 1 (Concourses B & C) | B1–B22, C1–C31 |
| Delta Air Lines | Terminal 2 (Concourses E & F) | E1–E18, F1–F20 |
| Air Canada | Terminal 2 (Concourses E & F) | E1–E18, F1–F20 |
| United Express | Terminal 2 (Concourses E & F) | E1–E18, F1–F20 |
| American AirlinesHub | Terminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L) | G1–G21, H1–H20, K1–K20, L1–L20 |
| Envoy Air | Terminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L) | G1–G21, H1–H20, K1–K20, L1–L20 |
| British Airways | Terminal 5 (International) | M1–M22 |
| Japan Airlines | Terminal 5 (International) | M1–M22 |
| Lufthansa | Terminal 5 (International) | M1–M22 |
| Turkish Airlines | Terminal 5 (International) | M1–M22 |
| Spirit Airlines | Terminal 5 (International) | M1–M22 |
| Frontier Airlines | Terminal 5 (International) | M1–M22 |
| All other international carriers | Terminal 5 (International) | M1–M22 |
Airline Guides
Read our detailed guides for airlines that serve ORD:
Where to Eat at ORD — Dining & Food Guide
O'Hare International Airport has 17+ dining options across its terminals, from quick-service restaurants to sit-down eateries and coffee shops. Here's a sampling of what's available:
Getting To & From ORD — Ground Transportation Guide
Here are all the ground transportation options for reaching Chicago from O'Hare International Airport:
- CTA Blue Line — train from Terminal 2 to downtown Chicago Loop in ~45 min
- Airport Transit System (ATS) — automated train connecting all terminals and remote parking
- Ride-share & taxi — designated pickup at each terminal, Lower Level
- Metra BNSF line — from nearby stations with shuttle service
- Rental cars — consolidated facility via ATS train
ORD Parking Options, Rates & Tips
Here are the current parking options at O'Hare International Airport. Rates are subject to change — confirm on the official website ↗ before you travel.
Garage Parking
Attached garages at Terminals 1, 2, 3, 5
Economy Lot E
ATS people mover to all terminals
Economy Lot G
Free shuttle to terminals, ~10 min ride
Valet
Available at Terminals 1, 2, 3
Airport Lounges at ORD
The following airline clubs and independent lounges are available at O'Hare International Airport. Access is typically through airline elite status, premium tickets, Priority Pass, or day passes.
- United Polaris Lounge (Terminal 1)
- United Club (Terminals 1, 2)
- American Admirals Club (Terminal 3)
- Delta Sky Club (Terminal 2)
ORD Layover Guide — What to Do During a Connection
If you have a layover at O'Hare International Airport, here's how to make the most of your time:
Short Layover (Under 2 Hours)
- Stay near your gate. Check departure boards for your next gate assignment — it may change.
- Grab a quick bite at one of the terminal restaurants. Popular options include Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, Big Bowl, Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi.
- Charge your devices at charging stations found throughout the terminals.
Long Layover (3+ Hours)
- Visit an airport lounge for a quieter space with complimentary food and drinks. ORD has 4 lounge options.
- Explore the terminals. O'Hare International Airport has shops, restaurants, and amenities across 4 terminal areas.
- Use free Wi-Fi to catch up on work or entertainment — most U.S. airports offer complimentary wireless internet.
ORD Map & Location
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are TSA wait times at ORD?
Typical TSA security wait times at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) average around 9 minutes in standard screening, but they swing widely by time of day. The lines are usually shortest tuesday around 11 pm and longest sunday around 6 am. TSA PreCheck lanes are normally much faster. See the full hour-by-hour breakdown on our ORD TSA wait times page.
How early should I arrive at O'Hare International Airport (ORD)?
As a general rule, arrive about 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight from ORD. Add extra buffer during early-morning and Friday/Sunday peaks, when security lines at ORD are at their busiest, or if you are checking bags.
What airlines fly out of ORD?
ORD is served by carriers including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines and others. O'Hare International Airport is a hub for United Airlines and American Airlines.
How many terminals does ORD have?
O'Hare International Airport has 4 terminal areas: Terminal 1 (Concourses B & C); Terminal 2 (Concourses E & F); Terminal 3 (Concourses G, H, K, L); Terminal 5 (International). Always confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
How do I get from ORD to downtown Chicago?
Popular ways to reach downtown Chicago from O'Hare International Airport include CTA Blue Line; Airport Transit System (ATS); Ride-share & taxi. Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
Does ORD have TSA PreCheck and CLEAR?
O'Hare International Airport offers TSA PreCheck expedited screening, and most large U.S. hubs like ORD also have CLEAR lanes. PreCheck lets eligible travelers keep on shoes, belts, and light jackets and leave laptops and compliant liquids in their bags.
Where can I eat at ORD?
O'Hare International Airport offers a variety of dining options across its terminals. Popular spots include Tortas Frontera by Rick Bayless, Big Bowl, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Goose Island Beer Co., Frontera Grill, Summer House Santa Monica. Options range from fast food to sit-down restaurants and coffee shops.
Where is ORD located?
O'Hare International Airport is in Chicago, Illinois (IL). Its IATA code is ORD and its ICAO code is KORD. See the embedded Google Map on this page for exact location and driving directions.