O'Hare has four passenger terminals — 1, 2, 3 and 5. There is no Terminal 4 in the current passenger-terminal numbering.
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 form the central terminal area, while Terminal 5 is physically separate. Which terminal you're using affects walking, connections, drop-off and where you should meet your driver.
The Short Version: How the Terminals Relate to Each Other
Terminals 1, 2 and 3 form O'Hare's central terminal area and are located relatively close to each other.
Terminal 5 is a separate building and serves many international operations, including most international arrivals that require U.S. customs and immigration processing.
If you already know your terminal, use the detailed pickup guide for that specific location:
- Terminal 1 taxi pickup guide
- Terminal 2 taxi pickup guide
- Terminal 3 taxi pickup guide
- Terminal 5 taxi pickup guide
Your airline app or boarding pass should remain your primary source for the terminal assigned to your actual flight.
Terminal 1
Terminal 1 is strongly associated with United Airlines' O'Hare hub and handles a large volume of domestic and connecting traffic.
One of its recognizable features is the underground pedestrian connection between concourses, known for its lighting installation.
Because the terminal supports a major hub operation, travelers may be connecting between flights rather than simply beginning or ending a trip in Chicago.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2 is especially important to understand because it sits at the center of O'Hare's long-term redevelopment program.
The existing facility is planned to be phased out and ultimately replaced by the new Global Terminal.
If your airline currently uses Terminal 2, confirm the terminal again near your travel date rather than assuming an assignment from a previous trip is still current.
Read our O'Hare 21 construction guide for more information about the redevelopment.
Terminal 3
Terminal 3 spans several concourses and handles a substantial amount of O'Hare's domestic airline traffic.
Because the terminal covers a large area, walking time can vary significantly depending on your airline, check-in area and gate.
Travelers making a connection should therefore look at the actual gate assignment rather than treating every Terminal 3 connection as a short walk.
Terminal 5
Terminal 5 is O'Hare's primary international terminal and handles most international arrivals that need customs and immigration processing.
It is physically separate from the central terminals, which makes the transportation between terminals different from simply walking between nearby concourses.
Terminal 5 has also undergone significant expansion and modernization, adding gates and updated passenger facilities.
Getting Between O'Hare Terminals
- Terminals 1, 2 and 3: these form the central terminal area and have pedestrian connections. The exact path available to you can depend on whether you are inside or outside security.
- Terminal 5: use the airport's transportation system or follow the current connection instructions provided for your itinerary.
- International arrivals: passengers may need to clear immigration and customs, retrieve and recheck luggage, move to another terminal and pass through security again before a connecting domestic flight.
Allow meaningful transfer time when moving between a Terminal 5 international arrival and a domestic connection elsewhere at O'Hare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't O'Hare have a Terminal 4?
O'Hare's currently numbered passenger terminals are 1, 2, 3 and 5. There is no Terminal 4 in the current passenger-terminal layout.
How do I know which terminal my flight uses?
Check your airline app, reservation or boarding pass close to the travel date. Those sources are more useful than relying on a previous trip because terminal and gate assignments can change.
Which terminal handles international arrivals?
Terminal 5 handles most international arrivals requiring U.S. customs and immigration processing, although airline and flight operations can vary.
Can I walk between every O'Hare terminal?
The central terminals have pedestrian connections, while Terminal 5 is physically separate. Follow current airport instructions for the best connection between your particular terminals.
Can construction change the terminal I use?
Airline and gate assignments can change during normal operations and during long-term construction. Confirm your actual terminal shortly before traveling.
Know your terminal before you leave — and confirm it again before pickup
Understanding whether you're using Terminal 1, 2, 3 or 5 makes airport connections, drop-off and pickup much easier to plan. For ground transportation, use the detailed terminal guide for your exact arrival location.
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Terminal and airline information in this guide reflects general airport characteristics as of 2026. Airline assignments, gates, construction routing and passenger procedures can change, so confirm your terminal with your airline before traveling.
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