An O’Hare map becomes useful when you reduce it to three questions: which terminal, which concourse, and whether your route stays inside security. The airport has four passenger terminals—1, 2, 3, and 5—with Terminal 5 separated from the domestic complex.
The airport in one table
| Terminal | Concourses | Main orientation point |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B and C | B runs from the terminal; C is reached through the underground tunnel |
| 2 | E and F | Sits between Terminals 1 and 3 in the connected domestic complex |
| 3 | G, H, K, and L | Several branching concourses make the gate letter especially important |
| 5 | M | A separate, long concourse serving international and domestic flights |
The terminal number gets you to the right building. The concourse letter gets you moving in the right direction after security. The gate number tells you how far to keep walking.
Terminal 1 map: B and C
Concourse B attaches to the terminal building. Concourse C sits across the airfield and is reached by the pedestrian tunnel between B and C. The tunnel is inside security.
If a connection changes from B to C, follow signs toward the tunnel rather than leaving the secure area. Allow extra time for a gate near the far end of C.
Terminal 2 map: E and F
Terminal 2 has the E and F concourses and pedestrian links to the other domestic terminals. It is also the most practical connection point for the CTA Blue Line when arriving from Terminal 5 on the ATS.
The main hall splits toward E and F. Check the gate letter before following a restaurant or lounge sign; turning down the wrong concourse creates an avoidable backtrack.
Terminal 3 map: G, H, K, and L
Terminal 3 has the most branches. G runs toward Terminal 2, H and K split from the center, and L extends on the other side. “Terminal 3” alone does not tell you whether a restaurant or lounge is close.
American’s larger lounge complex is in the H/K area, with other club locations near G and L. Choose by the departure gate; crossing the terminal for a preferred lounge can take longer than expected.
Terminal 5 map: Concourse M
Terminal 5 has one concourse letter, M, but it covers a long run of gates. Ticketing and departures are upstairs; arrivals and baggage claim are downstairs. International arrivals pass through the federal inspection area before reaching the public arrivals hall.
Food and lounges are spread along the concourse. Check whether the gate is near the low M numbers, the central cluster, or the far eastern end before settling in. See our full Terminal 5 guide for connections, dining, and ground transportation.
Routes between terminals
Walking inside security
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 connect after security. Follow overhead signs for the next terminal or concourse. This is the normal route for a domestic-to-domestic connection within the core terminals.
Terminal Transfer Bus
The secure-side bus links Terminal 5 with stops in Terminals 1 and 3 during published operating hours. O’Hare currently lists 15-minute service from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and requires a boarding pass. Availability and eligibility can change, so follow airport staff directions.
Airport Transit System
The free ATS is outside security and runs 24 hours a day. Its stations are Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, Terminal 5, and the Multi-Modal Facility. Use it for rental cars, Economy Lot F, Kiss ’n’ Fly, or a Terminal 5 transfer when the secure bus is not an option.
If you take the ATS between terminals for a flight connection, plan to clear security again.
Ground transportation on the map
- CTA Blue Line: connected by walkways to Terminals 1–3. From Terminal 5, take the ATS to Terminal 2.
- Multi-Modal Facility: the ATS endpoint for rental cars, Economy Lot F, Kiss ’n’ Fly, Pace buses, regional buses, and the O’Hare Transfer Metra station.
- Main parking garage: next to the domestic terminals.
- Terminal 5 garage and Lot D: next to Terminal 5.
How to use the map on travel day
Save the official terminal map to your phone, then use the airline app or a departure screen for the live gate. On a connection, map both gates—not just the terminal numbers. Two Terminal 3 flights can be farther apart than flights in neighboring terminals.
Frequently asked questions
Does O’Hare have a Terminal 4?
No. The current passenger terminals are 1, 2, 3, and 5.
Are O’Hare terminals connected after security?
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected after security. Terminal 5 is separate, though an airside transfer bus serves eligible connecting passengers during its operating hours.
Which terminal is the CTA station in?
The O’Hare Blue Line station connects by pedestrian routes to Terminals 1, 2, and 3. From Terminal 5, take the ATS to Terminal 2 and follow “Trains to City” signs.
Can I print an O’Hare terminal map?
Yes. FlyChicago publishes official printable maps for the airport’s terminals and concourses.
Map routes and transfer details reviewed July 16, 2026. Follow temporary airport signs when they differ from a saved map.
Sources
- Chicago Department of Aviation: Printable Maps (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Chicago Department of Aviation: Transportation Between Terminals (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Chicago Department of Aviation: Airport Transit System (accessed July 16, 2026)
- Chicago Department of Aviation: Connecting Traveler (accessed July 16, 2026)
These links are here so you can check the details yourself. ARECO receives no payment when you use them.