Chicago Airport Map Guide – Terminals, Maps, Tips, and More for ORD & MDW

Grab a terminal-by-terminal map for ORD and MDW and save it on your phone or print a copy now. Start with ORD to mark each terminal’s layout, arrivals, and security lanes. If you need quick help, monica at the info desk can point you to the fastest underground routes, and ellie at the help counter can confirm gate changes and offer options for a coffee break or a light bite.

ORD has four terminals: T1, T2, T3, and T5, all linked by a people mover and pedestrian walkway connections. For blue signage and maps, head to the terminal maps posted in each area, then check the underground connectors to reach gates without backtracking. If you arrive with a carry-on only, use the checking counters, and when you crave a quick bite, look for Ethiopian or other кофе shops nearby. Banking kiosks and ATMs are placed near the food courts for a quick cash refill, and you can place an order at a coffee counter to skip the line. Travelers who have used the maps report faster transfers between terminals.

Midway (MDW) offers a compact, smoke-free environment with a single terminal and clear zones. The options for dining include quick-service spots, pastry shops, and кофе stands, plus a few mexican options nearby. If you want a thrifty bite, look for a bakery case or a buffet-style counter. The underground level connects to the domestic gates so you can reach your jet without stepping outside. A small club area near the gates provides a quiet rest if you need it.

To keep the pace, follow a simple order of steps: check in, drop bags, clear security, and reach your gate. In MDW, the compact layout helps you move between Concourse A and Concourse B without long walks. The blue signage and the walkway network at MDW help you stay on track; if you need a quick cash refill, ATMs are available in the central hub. The presence of loccitane и, конечно же, tocco shops adds a touch of comfort, and the Ethiopian and other coffee kiosks add a caffeine boost to your layover. The monica и, конечно же, ellie teams regularly update maps for changes, so ask them for a second look if a gate shifts.

Keep a straightforward plan: review the ORD map first, then MDW, and pick a gate route that minimizes walking. If you need real-time updates, open the live map and tap the help desk near security; the staff can share tips and expedite the transfer. This approach yields smooth term-to-term moves, confident bag handling, and comfortable waiting areas that stay smoke-free and easy to read. Use checking counters, reliable кофе spots, and banking options when you need a quick refresh or a cash option during longer waits.

ORD and MDW Terminal Overview: Gates, Concourses, and Airline Assignments

Recommendation: Start at ORD Terminal 1 for United connections, then move to Terminal 5 for international departures; at MDW, stay within the Southwest-dominated gates for easier transfers and shorter walks.

ORD Terminal Overview

A pool of gates spans ORD’s connected terminals, with concourses linked by walkways and a fast intra-airport shuttle. Terminal 1 concentrates the busiest domestic flow and hosts the largest number of United Airlines departures, including United Express connections. Terminals 3 and 5 handle a broader mix of carriers, with Terminal 5 serving most international flights and long-haul routes, where you’ll find connections to Aer Lingus (lingus) and other international partners. A few lounges and lounges-with-retail options sit above security, offering a quick lunch or a coffee break before you board. The facility is designed to support full domestic and international itineraries, allowing smooth transitions between gates and concourses.

• Terminal 1: Concourse B and Concourse C mainly serve United Airlines and United Express; you’ll find most domestic departures here. The terminal connects to quick airside transfers, helping you reach a connecting flight without backtracking.
• Terminal 3: A broader mix of carriers, including American Airlines and several SkyTeam partners; this terminal handles a significant domestic volume and a steady stream of international arrivals during peak times.
• Terminal 5: The international hub, with gates that accommodate Lufthansa, Aer Lingus (lingus), British Airways, Air Canada, and other overseas carriers; currency exchange and dedicated retail areas help you manage longer layovers and last-minute needs.

MDW Terminal Overview

Midway’s single-terminal design centers a compact, efficient layout with two main concourses. Southwest dominates MDW, providing a dense network of domestic short-haul options. American Airlines and Delta operate a smaller slate of routes from MDW, mainly domestic, with a few seasonal or regional international connections. The retail and dining spaces are concentrated near security and the gate areas, making it easy to grab lunch or a quick snack without wandering far. If you want a calmer experience, MDW tends to offer shorter lines and reduced wait times, especially outside peak morning and early evening rushes.

• Concourse A: Primarily Southwest operations with a broad set of domestic destinations; walk times between gates are short, which helps if you have a tight schedule.
• Concourse B: Mixed usage including a handful of American and Delta flights; check your boarding pass for the exact gate and concourse, as schedules shift seasonally.

Helpful steps to navigate quickly:

1. Check the latest guide and alerts on the airline app, which provides real-time gate changes and boarding group updates, allowing you to adjust plans on the fly.
2. Use the connects and wayfinding signs above the gates; they point you toward the shortest walking routes and True-to-map options.
3. Plan a quick visit to the retail area for Armani-inspired items or essential travel gear, then grab a light lunch before your long flight; the retail clusters are positioned for easy access between security and gates.
4. For international legs, locate the currency exchange counters and relief lounges–these provide flight-friendly services and currency conversion options to avoid extra fees.
5. During longer layovers, consider stepping outside to enjoy eastern-facing views of the runways and the regency-area amenities before returning through security, which can be a refreshing break.

Tips and notes: Provided airport maps show above-ground connections between terminals and concourses, making it easier to plan a faster route. If you want to customize your route, use the airline’s steps and points–especially when you have multiple bookings on the same itinerary–to minimize walking time. For long-haul or multi-airline trips, verify the flight’s assigned terminal on the day of departure, since airline assignments can shift with seasonal schedules. If you face a longer-than-expected wait, door-to-gate relief options and customer-service desks are clearly marked, and alerts are pushed to your phone to keep you informed. If you prefer alternatives, you can route through another terminal, then rejoin your original plan using the provided shuttle options. This guide aims to help you move efficiently, connect smoothly, and arrive relaxed, whether you’re heading east toward the eastern hubs or west toward the Southwest network.

Official Maps and Signage: Where to Find Terminal Maps, Kiosks, and Mobile Options

Go to the ORD and MDW information desks for official terminal maps, or use interactive kiosks by doors and gates to view a live map and plan your route. You can load the same map directly onto your mobile via the providers, and cp7a appears as the current version on the screen. The map interface is smooth and colorful, with icons for restaurants, shops, and rooms including executive lounges. frontier counters and alliance lounges often display their own directions on the map, and kors corridor signs help you move efficiently between terminals. theres no guesswork here; theres a clear path from check-in to your gate. This setup saves you much time in busy periods.

Where to find maps and kiosks

In ORD, kiosks sit near doors A1–A6 and at major concourses; in MDW, look by baggage claim and near security checkpoints. The colorful panels indicate gates, рестораны, shops, snack spots, and break areas. For sit-down options, search the map for club lounges and executive rooms. If you’re traveling with друзья или club, you can save routes and share them with murphy or anyone else. There are lots из below ceiling displays to guide you, and all signage uses periods for multilingual readers. Always check the door indicators when you approach each gate to confirm the right terminal. At least one display is tuned to be readable from a distance, helping you plan with the least effort.

Mobile options, apps, and practical tips

The official mobile map works напрямую from the map providers; you can use it offline after initial download if the connection is spotty. It shows рестораны, shops, rooms, и executive lounges, and you can tap to get directions to your gate. There are charge stations near many kiosks and lounges so you can power up on the go, and some holders keep your bag stable while you read. If you’re with друзья или club group, share the route so everyone stays coordinated; on friday crowds the app updates quickly to reflect crowd levels. If anything isn’t clear, ask a staff member near the information desks–the провайдеры will operate the display and help you refine your route. theres always a printed backup map near the door in case your device dies.

Security Checkpoints: Locations, Hours, and Screening Tips

Start at ORD’s South Security Checkpoint to minimize lines and speed gate access. The distance to most gates from this lane is favorable, allowing you to reach your concourse quickly. Hours vary by terminal and day, but most lanes open early in the morning and stay open into the evening; on busy convention days they may run later. Police presence helps maintain order at entrances and along lines, enabling a smoother flow for travelers, especially business passengers.

ORD layout features three main screening lanes: Юг (Terminal 1), Центральный (Terminal 3), and Север (Terminal 5) to serve nearby connections. At MDW, use the single main checkpoint near baggage claim. If you arrive by car, the Hertz desk and short-term parking are within walking distance of security, helping you manage your distance to the gate. For executive travelers, quick access to sit-down lounges and a boutique area nearby makes a quick rest feasible, and a small gift shop is handy for last-minute buys.

Screening tips: Pack light to reduce scan time. Keep your ID and boarding pass in hand, place electronics in a separate bin, and keep liquids in a labeled bag. Remove belts and bulky items, and avoid carrying unnecessary items that trigger extra checks. Keep money and valuables secured in a pocket or pouch. If eligible, enable TSA PreCheck or use any on-demand lanes when offered. For business travelers, executive lounges and sit-down areas are a short walk away, and a quick gift boutique visit can pass the time.

Family and kids: consider storing tiny items like lego pieces in a bag to prevent them from appearing as clutter. The security line experience can vary; an eight-minute wait is typical on calm mornings, but it depends on staffing and flight volume. The azul signage helps you navigate faster, and officers provide clear directions at each checkpoint. After security, nearby shops, gift options, and a few boutique corners help you pick up essentials or souvenirs before you head to your gate, avoiding expensive impulse buys and keeping your plans simple for a little relief between steps.

Navigating the Airports: Apps, Monitors, and Wayfinding for ORD & MDW

Smart Apps and Monitors for ORD & MDW

Book ahead and stay on track with the official ORD/MDW apps; enable live maps to reach gates faster. polaris overlays show terminal wings, concourses, and the gate area around g14a, so you know where to head even if you’re running late. unlike smaller airports, ORD & MDW span multiple concourses, and this setup has been refined by years of use and strengthened by the alliance with flychicago to simplify transfers.

Monitors across concourses display live flight status, gate changes, and arrival reminders. There are lots of screens in every zone, and you can compare them with app alerts to avoid the hassle of outdated information.

Always check opposite signage and the app for updates–signs and boards may disagree briefly. If a gate closes, the alert surfaces instantly on your device.

Look for vending stands with snacks, including nuts; chinese signage helps you locate international gates. Map legends sometimes show icons like a horse or a post to mark service points.

Use the search function to book rides through flychicago or alliance partners; the app suggests curbside pickup locations in your zone, reducing walking and getting stressed. If a route stalls, replace your plan with a quicker option suggested by the map.

Practical Ground Wayfinding

Walkways connect terminals with clear color-coded paths; curbside and commuter zones are clearly posted at each entry. In busy times, follow the arrows to the next zone and use the app to verify gates and walking times to avoid backtracking.

Keep a charged device; maps show the fastest routes to a gate, vending area, or post where you can grab a quick bite. For a quick reset between connections, look for yoga spaces and lounges; chinese signage can guide you to calm corners.

The app highlights connection times between flights and walking routes to minimize layovers.

Ground Transportation and Amenities: Parking, Rides, Baggage, and Facilities by Terminal

Рекомендация: Book your parking in advance for your departure terminal to lock in a premium spot and shorten your duration from curb to gate. Quick booking saves minutes, reduces lines, and keeps you connected with wi-fi as soon as you step inside.

ORD – Terminal 1 Park in the hourly or premium garages closest to the arrivals area for the fastest transfer to the boarding gates. Rideshare pickups happen at clearly marked curb zones; know the pickup line that corresponds to your app and head to the nearby mezzanine for the shortest transfer to the terminal field. Baggage services are near the baggage claim, with cell charging stations along the main concourse. Check-in kiosks open early, and you’ll find executive lounges accessible with your boarding pass or a qualified booking. Shops line the central nave, offering last-minute picks and essentials before you step onto the blue routes toward your gate.

ORD – Terminal 3 Reserve a premium space in the adjacent garage to minimize walking miles to the security lines. When you transfer between concourses, use the dedicated transfer corridors and connector bridges on the mezzanine level. Baggage handling follows the standard belts, with carts stationed near the check-in area and near the elevators. Free wi-fi remains active throughout, and quiet bubbles in lounge areas provide space to work or relax before boarding. The opening hours of parking and shops align with flight schedules, and grunts of delays fade when you pre-plan your route and time.

ORD – Terminal 5 International arrivals and departures benefit from a streamlined parking option with easy access to transfer corridors. Rideshare zones are clearly labeled, and booking a pickup a few minutes before you land keeps the lines short. Baggage services include check-in counters for last-minute adjustments and cell charging stations near the gates. Executive lounges welcome qualifying passengers with comfortable seating and conference-style spaces for small meetings. Shops in the mezzanine area carry currency, tech gear, and travel essentials, while the onboard wi-fi keeps you connected during the duration of your stay.

MDW – Terminal Parking areas nearby offer hourly and daily rates, with a quick walk to the terminal entrance that keeps the duration of your trip short. Rides and transfer options cover taxis, rideshares, and rental cars; booking ahead prevents waits and ensures your pickup aligns with opening flight times. Baggage belts are located near the central baggage claim, and cell charging stations are scattered through the concourses. Shops at this terminal provide practical picks for travelers, and executive lounges offer a quiet space for a short conference or work session. Wi-fi is active across all gates, and check-in kiosks streamline your start to boarding, with blue signage guiding you to the correct line.

Extra tips to speed things up: review the airport map to know the closest parking field to your terminal, use the blue lines for fastest routing between landside and airside, and check the opening times of facilities so you don’t miss essential services. If you’re unsure where to start, Wolfgang’s picks at the shops near the mezzanine often highlight reliable accessories and travel gear. For longer layovers, consider a quick transfer to a nearby lounge to unlock additional comforts and a private space to prepare for your next boarding.