Can you walk between terminals at O Hare?

Navigating O’Hare: Walking Between Terminals and the Terminal 5 Shuttle

Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is a bustling hub, and understanding its layout can save you precious time and stress, especially when catching connecting flights. While some terminals offer convenient pedestrian walkways, others require a different approach. This guide clarifies the connections and helps you plan your transit within the airport.

Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are interconnected via pedestrian walkways located post-security. This means that once you’ve cleared security in one of these terminals, you can easily walk to the others without undergoing another security screening. This streamlined design is perfect for travelers with connecting flights within these terminals, allowing for efficient transfers and minimizing potential delays.

However, Terminal 5, which primarily serves international flights, operates differently. There are no pedestrian walkways connecting Terminal 5 to Terminals 1, 2, or 3. To travel between these terminals, you’ll need to utilize the Airport Transit System (ATS), also known as the “people mover” or inter-terminal shuttle bus. This secure, airside bus service operates frequently and provides a relatively quick connection. Importantly, this means you must still clear security at the appropriate terminal, even if transferring from an international flight arriving at Terminal 5.

Therefore, if your journey involves a connection between Terminal 5 and any of the other terminals, factor in extra time for the shuttle ride and the security procedures at your destination terminal. While the ATS is efficient, allowing extra time will provide a buffer against potential delays and ensure a smoother transition.

Planning ahead and understanding the nuances of O’Hare’s terminal layout will significantly improve your travel experience. Knowing whether you can walk or need to use the ATS will allow you to navigate the airport confidently and efficiently, making your journey through O’Hare as seamless as possible.