Navigating Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) requires knowing your terminal and gate layouts before you arrive. O'Hare spans four active passenger terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) plus the global Terminal 4 (which is currently used exclusively as a multi-modal facility or bus shuttle center, while Terminal 5 handles international arrivals and departures alongside major carriers). Midway operates a single centralized terminal with three main concourses (A, B, and C). Understanding how these gates connect saves you from missing tight flight connections or getting lost in underground pedestrian tunnels.
If you are flying out of O'Hare, Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are physically connected post-security, allowing you to walk between them without exiting security checkpoints. Terminal 5 is isolated on the airfield's outer edge and requires a dedicated airport transit shuttle for airside transfers. Below is a detailed breakdown of gate locations, transit rules, and terminal strategies for both airports.
O'Hare International Airport Gate Layout
O'Hare features massive concourses spreading across multiple terminal buildings. Knowing which concourse houses your gate prevents unexpected 20-minute sprints across the airport.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is primarily used by United Airlines and its Star Alliance partners. It contains two concourses:
- Concourse B: Houses gates B1 through B22. This concourse runs parallel to Terminal 2 and connects directly to the main ticketing pavilion.
- Concourse C: Houses gates C1 through C32. Concourse C is an island satellite terminal linked to Concourse B by a famous underground pedestrian tunnel featuring neon lights and geometric sound art by Michael Hayden.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 handles domestic flights for airlines like Delta Air Lines and JetBlue. It features a single concourse:
- Concourse E: Contains gates E1 through E15.
- Concourse F: Contains gates F1 through F28. Concourse E and F share a large central rotunda featuring food courts and airline lounges, including the Delta Sky Club.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 serves American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and several other domestic carriers. It features three main concourses branching out from the central security area:
- Concourse G: Gates G1 through G21.
- Concourse H: Gates H1 through H18.
- Concourse K: Gates K1 through K20. Concourses H and K share a massive unified concourse space with seamless walking access between them. Concourse G sits slightly separate but connects via short indoor corridors.
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 is O'Hare's international terminal, handling all international departures (excluding flights with US Border Preclearance) and arriving international flights for foreign carriers. It contains:
- Concourse M: Gates M1 through M40. Because Terminal 5 operates separately from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, passengers arriving on domestic flights to connect to international flights must exit security, board the Airport Transit System (ATS) train, and re-clear TSA security in Terminal 5.
Midway International Airport Gate Layout
Midway Airport (MDW) is much more compact than O'Hare, making it easier to navigate on foot. It features one main terminal building split into three concourses radiating from a central security screening checkpoint and shopping hub.
- Concourse A: Gates A1 through A4. Primarily handles low-cost domestic carriers.
- Concourse B: Gates B1 through B26. Serves Southwest Airlines and other regional carriers, featuring the majority of Midway's dining and retail options.
- Concourse C: Gates C1 through C3. Handles international arrivals and overflow domestic flights.
All concourses at Midway are connected airside post-security, meaning you can walk from Concourse A to Concourse C in under ten minutes without leaving the secure zone.
Transfer Strategies Between Terminals
Transferring between terminals at O'Hare depends entirely on whether your connection is domestic-to-domestic or international.
- Domestic to Domestic: If you're flying on United (Terminals 1-3) or American (Terminal 3) and connecting to another domestic flight within Terminals 1, 2, or 3, you never need to leave the secure area. Follow overhead signs for concourse letters rather than terminal numbers.
- Domestic to International: If you land in Terminal 1, 2, or 3 and need to catch an international flight out of Terminal 5, give yourself at least 90 minutes. You must exit secure areas, follow signs to the Airport Transit System (ATS) automated train, ride it to Terminal 5, and clear security again.
- The Airport Transit System (ATS): The ATS is a 24/7 automated people mover connecting all four terminals, the Multi-Modal Facility (rental cars and economy parking), and the Metra train station. Rides are free and take less than 5 minutes between stops.
Common Navigation Mistakes to Avoid
Travelers frequently run into avoidable delays at Chicago airports due to a few common missteps:
- Confusing Terminal 4: O'Hare does not have an active passenger Terminal 4. Terminal 4 was the original international terminal in the 1980s and now serves as the airport's multi-modal bus and shuttle center. Don't look for T4 boarding gates.
- Ignoring Walking Distances: Concourse C at O'Hare's Terminal 1 and the outer edges of Concourse M in Terminal 5 require significant walks. Walking from the main entrance of Terminal 1 to the far end of Concourse C takes roughly 15 minutes at a brisk pace.
- Forgetting TSA PreCheck and CLEAR Locations: Not all security checkpoints offer TSA PreCheck or CLEAR. Check digital airport displays near check-in counters to find dedicated expedited lanes before joining long general lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer between O'Hare terminals?
Walking between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 takes 5 to 15 minutes. Transferring from Terminals 1, 2, or 3 to Terminal 5 requires taking the ATS train and re-clearing security, which takes 30 to 45 minutes total.
Can you walk between O'Hare and Midway?
No, O'Hare and Midway are located miles apart on opposite sides of the city. You must use rideshares, taxis, or the CTA Blue and Orange train lines to travel between them.
Where is the CTA Blue Line station at O'Hare?
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line train station is located on the lower level of the main parking garage, directly accessible from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via underground pedestrian tunnels with moving walkways.
How early should I arrive at Chicago O'Hare for a domestic flight?
The Chicago Department of Aviation recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic departures and 3 hours before international flights to account for security queues and terminal transit times.
