How to Navigate O’Hare International Airport Inside & Out

Whether you like to travel across the country or around the world, you’ll likely come into contact with the Chicago O’Hare International Airport at some point. This major travel hub connects to over 200 countries and provides services to tens of millions of passengers every year.

We’ll help you learn how to navigate the O’Hare Airport and get where you need to go.

1. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected to each other. Terminal 5 is not connected to the other terminals. If you need to reach Terminal 5 from the other terminals after passing through security (or vice versa), you can use the free Terminal Transfer Bus.
2. In general, Terminal 5 is for international flights, while Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are for domestic flights. There are some exceptions though, so check your tickets and your airline to confirm your terminal.
3. Terminals 1 and 3 both have multiple TSA security checkpoints, so you have options. You might prefer the one closest to your takeoff gate, but consider comparing wait times if you’re in a rush.
   

• Where is car rental at O’Hare International Airport? You can find car rentals at the Multi-Modal Facility (or MMF). You have to use the Airport Transit System to get there.
• Do arrivals and departures happen on different levels? Arrival pickups take place on the ground floor roadway near the terminals. Departing passengers can be dropped off on the upper roadway near the terminals. O’Hare also has Kiss ‘n’ Fly, a pickup and drop-off area with free trains to and from the terminals—keep it in mind for busy travel days.
• Which major roadways lead to the O’Hare International Airport? O’Hare Airport is on the northwest side of Chicago. I-190 is the road that connects directly to the terminals. I-90 and I-294 also pass by O’Hare and can connect you to I-190 and the airport campus.

Learning how to navigate the O’Hare Airport means getting familiar with its terminals. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are all connected via long hallways, while Terminal 5 is separate.

Each terminal at O’Hare has at least one TSA screening area. The average wait time during screening is between 15 to 30 minutes, though you may wait 45 minutes or longer.

If you need to find the baggage claim at O’Hare, visit the lower levels.

1. Not sure what to do at the Chicago O’Hare Airport? Consider going on an art walk. This airport is famous for its beautiful original airport art stretching across multiple areas, including permanent displays and rotating exhibitions.
2. The O’Hare International Airport has a yoga room where you can stretch, breathe, and unwind after a long trip.
3. There is a quiet Interfaith Room if you need a quiet, dedicated space to pray or meditate.
   

An Avis car rental can be your companion during a stay in the Chicagoland area. We offer a diverse selection of modern vehicles with all the amenities you need to enjoy your trip to the fullest.