ORD Terminal 3 – Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Terminal 3 is the largest terminal at the Chicago ORD International Airport. A part of ORD 21 Modernization Project, worth $300 million; ORD Terminal 3 is currently undergoing a major renovation project called “Elevate T3”. Apart from its size, the terminal has unique amenities like the yoga room and urban garden which enhance overall airport experience. The terminal 3 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport has four concourses and a total approx 76 gates. O’Hare is a small city but it never bores you, especially the Tower Farm in the Rotunda between Terminal 2 and 3.

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 Overview 

Terminal 3 at Chicago ORD International Airport is a large terminal housing American Airlines and various international airlines. It consists of four concourses in a semi-fan arrangement, as well as 76 gates. There are a variety of food options, a yoga room, spa service options, and an indoor urban garden. Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 3 has secure indoor walkways connecting Terminals 1 and 2 from ATS to the International Terminal to allow you to avoid security with re-screening, it is essential for terminal 5 only. Gateway through the Blue Line on the CTA offers a convenient choice as well as taxis, shuttles, and parking, all these services help to improve the airport experience. 

Category	Details
Operated Airlines	Main Hub – American Airlines Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Cape Air, Contour Airlines
Concourses Layout	Four Concourses and 76 Gates –  Concourse G -G1A, G1B, G2A, G2B, G3–G5, G6B, G7–G14, G14A, G16–G19, G19A, G20, and G21 Concourse H –  H1, H1A, H2–H6, H8–H10, H11A, H11B, H12, and H14–H18. Concourse K – K1–K6, K8–K10, K12, K13, K15, K16, and K18–K20. Concourse L – L1, L1B, L2A, L2C, L3–L5, L6A, L6B, L7–L9, L10A, L10B, L10C, L11, L11A, and L11B.
Arrival Level	Lower Level : Baggage Claim, Ground Transportation, Information Desk, Restrooms, Lost and Found, Free Wi-fi, Food and Retail, Meeting Point, Special Assistance
Departure Level	Upper Level : Check-ins, Security Checkpoints, O’Hare Urban Garden, Yoga Rooms, Free Wi-fi, Relaxing Seating, Restroom
Lounges Available	Admirals Club – Concourse G, near gate G8Concourse H/K, between gate H6-K6Concourse L, near gate L2A American Flagship Lounge – Concourse H/K, between gate H6-K6 USO Lounge – Concourse G at the Mazennine Level
Priority Pass	No Priority Pass
Dining and Food Hub	Public Tavern, Tortas Frontera, Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar, Goose Island and Beer Company, Berghoff Cafe, Billy Goat Tavern & Grill, Rush Street, McDonald’s, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Pizza Hut, Burger Federation, Half Moon Empanadas, Auntie Anne’s, Starbuck’s Costa Coffee, Cafe Descarte, Garratt Popcorn, CIBO Express Gourmet Market
Shopping hub at Terminal 3	Hudson News & Gifts, Brooks Brother, Brookstone, I Love Chicago, Duty Free Shops, Chicago Duty Free Shop, Field Museum, Vosges Haut-Chocolat, Talie, Brighton
Parking	Main Garage Parking Economy Parking Lot (F, G & H) Valet Parking Premium Parking
Facilities and amenities	Yoga Room, O’Hare Urban Garden, High speed Wi-fi, Information Desk, Lost and Found, Baggage Service, Ground Transportation, Restroom, ADA Accessibility
Official Website	https://www.flychicago.com/

Where is the Chicago ORD Terminal 3 Airport ?

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 is part of the “U” shape layout along with terminal 1 and 2, but its internal four concourses consist of a branchout layout which convert it into a huge terminal, unique passenger amenities and an ongoing mega modernization project among all terminals. The address of Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 3 is:

10000 W O’Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, United States

ORD Airport Terminal 3 has many tourist places includes:

• Fashion Outlets of Chicago: Roughly about 2 miles away, an indoor outlet mall offers a wide range of luxurious brands.
• Rosemont Entertainment District: Around 2.1 miles from the airport, this area features various dining, nightlife, and entertainment options, including bowling at Kings Dining & Entertainment and comedy shows at Zanies.
• Schiller Woods: Roughly 4.3 miles away, this calm forest is ideal for a walk, picnic, or plane-spotting as aircraft fly low overhead for landings at O’Hare.
• Leaning Tower of Niles: A half-sized imitation of the Leaning Tower of Pisa, this quirky landmark is located about 8.3 miles from the airport along with a quick photogenic location.

How to Get to the Chicago ORD Terminal 3?

The terminal 3 at ORD Airport has a variety of ways, including: driving, taking a train, shuttle or airport transit. Internally, the terminal connects to nearby terminals by secure walkways and allows easy movement. 

• CTA Blue Line: Ride the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) Blue Line train, which is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The O’Hare station is located on the lower level concourse and can be accessed primarily through Terminals 1, 2, and 3 through underground walkways. Follow the signs for “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City” once you exit baggage claim.
• Taxi and Rideshare: If you are driving or using a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, follow the signs for “Terminal 3 Departures” as you approach the airport. Terminal 3 has separate drop-off and pick-up lanes, on the upper and lower levels, respectively. 
• Shuttle or Bus: If you arrive from a hotel, rental car center or off-site parking lot, you will most likely use the Airport Transit System (ATS), an automated people mover which provides access to all terminals and main airport facilities.
• Metra Union Station: Beginning at Union Station, walk or take a taxi to the nearby Blue Line station. Take the train to O’Hare and follow the signs through the pedestrian tunnel to Terminal 3.
• Connected Terminal: Terminal 3 has secure indoor walkways to connect directly to two other terminals. To arrive at the international terminal, utilize the free automated airport train, then exit security and re-clear screening to enter that terminal’s gates.

For swift and stress free travelling, it is advisable to report early at the airport to avoid any kind of rush while TSA Security Checkpoints process. For domestic flight travelers, it is advisable to reach two hours before the flight and for international, three hours before the flight reporting.

Airlines Operated By Chicago ORD Terminal 3

Chicago ORD Airport Terminal 3 is the airport’s largest terminal and is primarily a hub for American Airlines and its Oneworld partners, along with Spirit Airlines. Here is the main airlines operated by the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 3, with a distinguished categorized by domestic, international and regional airlines: 

International	Domestic	Regional
Aer Lingus	American Airlines	American Express
British Airways	Contour Airlines	Contour Airlines
Japan Airlines	Cape Air	Cape Air
Iberia	Spirit Airlines	Denver Air Connection

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 is the largest domestic terminal and the primary Midwest hub for American Airlines. However, it must be noted that all international arrivals operate at Terminal 5 because of customs constraints. As part of the ongoing “ElevateT3” renovation in the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 3, airline operations from American Airlines and others including Spirit Airlines and Denver Air Connection changed to Terminal 2 in 2025 to accommodate the extensive construction renovations.

Destinations of Chicago ORD Airport Terminal 3

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 3, which primarily serves as the main hub of a large U.S. airline and provides the most flights throughout the United States, including regional flights to surrounding cities.The Terminal has been under renovation and some airlines have had to relocate in the meantime. The Terminal has four concourses and handles a high volume of daily passenger operations.

Domestic Destinations

• West Coast: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Las Vegas
• East Coast: New York, Boston, and Miami
• Southern U.S.: Dallas, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Orlando
• Midwest and other US: Minneapolis, Denver, and numerous other cities of US

Regional Destinations

Cincinnati, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Grand Rapids, Madison, Des Moines, Indianapolis, Louisville, Omaha, Buffalo, Columbus, Rochester, Syracuse, Tulsa

International Destinations

• UK – London 
• Spain – Madrid
• France – Paris 
• Ireland – Dublin
• Japan – Tokyo
• Italy – Rome 
• Germany – Frankfurt 
• Mexico – Cancún, Mexico City
• Canada – Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 Map and Layout

ORD Terminal 3 Map has significance in its role as American Airlines and its Oneworld partners’ most utilized hub. Because of its immense gate capacity, mega terminal design, and four connected concourses, it allows for quick, airside, corridor exchanges between the majority of the airport’s terminals. Understanding this mega structure by the help of Chicago ORD Airport Terminal 3 Map is crucial for smooth travelling. 

Category	Details
Concourse G	G1A, G1B, G2A, G2B, G3–G5, G6B, G7–G14, G14A, G16–G19, G19A, G20, and G21
Concourse H	H1, H1A, H2–H6, H8–H10, H11A, H11B, H12, and H14–H18.
Concourse K	K1–K6, K8–K10, K12, K13, K15, K16, and K18–K20.
Concourse L	L1, L1B, L2A, L2C, L3–L5, L6A, L6B, L7–L9, L10A, L10B, L10C, L11, L11A, and L11B.
Connected Terminal	Terminal 1(Walkways) Terminal 2 (Walkways) Terminal 5 (Automated Transit System)

Terminal 3 also serves another important function with terminal 5 by the Airport Transit System as terminal 5 has routing for most international departures and arrivals into and from Chicago. Chicago ORD Terminal 3 is constantly in the process undergoing upgrades all to ensure terminal 3 infrastructure continues to meet the demand of air travel and catering to its importance as a premier hub.

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 Arrival and Departure

Arrival Level

Departure Level

The arrivals of the ORD Terminal 3 operate at the Lower level of the Terminal. Here you can Claim your baggage, Ground Transportation, Information Desk, Restrooms, Lost and Found, Free Wi-fi, along with Food and Retail, Meeting Point, and Special Assistance for the disabled passengers at terminal 3. The CTA Blue Line Station offers 24/7 service to downtown Chicago at the lower level, accessible through the underground walkway of terminal 3. You can access the Airport Transit System (ATS) at the same level to transfer to Terminal 5, rental car service and the economy parking lot. ORD’s Terminal 3 mainly handles domestic flights and pre-cleared international flights. All other international arrivals go through Terminal 5 for customs. Passengers transfer internationally on the Airport Transit System and then have to re-clear security. As a result, Terminal 3 is key for an efficient domestic connection.

The departure of the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 3 handles at the Upper level of the Terminal. Facilities like the Airlines Check-ins, TSA Security Checkpoints, O’Hare Urban Garden, Yoga Rooms, along with Free Wi-fi, Relax Seating, and Restroom are available for the Terminal 3 passengers. Terminal 3 is where American Airlines, along with a few regional carriers such as Cape Air call home. Check-in is on the upper level. You will need valid identification and your boarding pass to get checked in. It is recommended to arrive 2-3 hours early to check in, clear TSA security, and reach your concourse to board your flight. These concourses are G, H, K, or L. Terminal 3 has international departures for American Airlines and Oneworld partners including British Airways and Japan Airlines. Check-in processing is done in the upper level which requires a passport or visa. American Airlines recommends arriving 3 hours before departure. All arriving flights will arrive into Terminal 5.

TSA Security Checkpoints and Weighing Station

There are three levels of security checkpoints in the ORD International Airport Terminal 3. With standard screening security, TSA PreCheck and CLEAR at the CP7,CP8, and CP9. The weighing process is part of the TSA security checkpoints, although there is no specific counter for weighing baggage. Passengers can weigh their luggages at the check-in counter or sometimes at the airline’s services kiosk.

Security Checkpoints at Terminal 3

• Checkpoint 7 and 7A: Main checkpoints of terminal 3 at the upper level, CP 7 opens 3:00 AM to 9:00PM, whereas CP 7A opens around 3:15 AM to 10:00 PM. 7A has allocated TSA PreCheck lanes for the eligible passengers.
• Checkpoint 8: Another checkpoint which offers TSA PreCheck service as well. Opens Approximately at 5:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Checkpoint 9: Mostly used by known crewmembers, sometimes for the passengers screening, opens at 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Weighing Station at the Terminal 3 

Although there is not a baggage weighing counter at ORD Airport Terminal 3, passengers weigh their luggage at either the check-in or self-service counters of the airline services. Luggage weight limitations vary by airline, so be sure to check your specific airlines guidelines prior to arriving to avoid extra fees for overweight/oversized bags.

• The one personal item is free at the airport like carry bags.
• For economy class the average weight is 50lb and for premium classes the weight range goes to 70lb.
• For overweight luggage the extra fees would be $100-$200, more than 100lb is not acceptable further from the security checkpoints.

Parking at Chicago ORD Terminal 3

ORD Terminal 3 in Chicago provides a number of different parking options, including premium covered parking, a main garage with hourly rates, affordable parking lots with shuttles, and reserved spaces for all different budgets and preferences.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Premium Parking

Location : parallel to the terminal 3

With a short walking distance, the overall charge of the day is $63.

Main Garage Chicago O’Hare International Airport Parking

Location: adjacent to terminal 3 at level 2-6

Accept cash and card as well, with parking charges – for first hour $3, for 1-2 hours $6, for 2-3 $10, for 8-10 $36 and for 24 hours $43, flexible according to the passengers desire.

ORD Airport Valet Parking

Location: at Lot A in the Terminal 3

With staff service for parking, highly convenient for passenger comfort for $64 per day cost.

Economy Parking – (Lot F, G & H)

Location: Near Airport Transit System and Multi Modal Facility

Most affordable parking with charges of 416-$34 for 1-24 hours, with the starting short parking at $3.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Reserved Parking

Location: at Level 4 in the Main Garage of Lot F

A covered parking space even if the garage is full at the rate of $10 for a day.

Shopping Hubs at Chicago ORD Terminal 3

These shops at the Terminal 3 are across the concourses and main areas of post-security, which gives the traveler plenty of options for retail, whether it be souvenirs, necessities, electronics, fashion, or snacks while waiting for flights. Below is a summary of the shopping spots in Chicago ORD Airport Terminal 3, broken down by concourse:

Concourse G

• Hudson News – Books, snacks, travel essentials
• InMotion – Electronics, headphones, chargers
• Life is Good – Apparel and gift items
• Chicago Market – Local souvenirs and snacks
  

Concourse H

• Hudson – Magazines, drinks, and convenience items
• Brookstone – Travel gadgets, pillows, and personal tech
• America – Patriotic-themed clothing and souvenirs
• Chicago Sports – Sports team apparel like Bulls, Bears, Cubs, etc.

Concourse K

• iStore – Apple-compatible tech accessories
• XpressSpa – Wellness and travel comfort items
• Tech on the Go – Mobile accessories, power banks
• Field Museum Store – Gifts and educational toys

Concourse L

• Duty-Free Store – Available for international departures 
• MAC Cosmetics – Beauty and skincare products
• Desigual – Colorful fashion apparel
• Chicago Cubs Store – Official MLB merchandise

Other Notable Spots

• Garrett Popcorn Shops – Iconic Chicago snack
• Discover Chicago – Gifts and city-themed souvenirs
• Brighton Collectibles – Fashion accessories and jewelry
• Sundries Express – Last-minute essentials

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 Lounges

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 Lounges has regular lounges specifically for both domestic and international passengers. The lounges are located in the neighborhoods around Concourses G , H/K , and L and may offer amenities, such as Wi-Fi, light snacks, beverages, seating, power outlets, and, in some locations, showers, business facilities, and other services. 

Admirals Club

Located: Concourse G, near gate G8

                Concourse H/K, between gate H6-K6

                Concourse L, near gate L2A

Operational Hours : Opens around between 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM

With texture food and full service bar, along with high speed wi-fi and power outlet. In concourse H/K, here you can enjoy the facility of showers, quiet workplace and area for kids as well.

Access to: 

• Admirals Club members
• Eligible American
• Oneworld elite flyers
• Premium cabin passengers – First/ Business Class
• One day-pass holders

American Flagship Lounge

Located: Concourse H/K, between gate H6-K6

Operational Hours: Opens around 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM

With chef inspired food in partnership with James Beard Foundation, special cocktails like premium wine tables along with shower suites, ample seating and free wi-fi.

Access to: 

• Flagship First or Business Plus passengers
• Oneworld Emerald/Sapphire elite members on same-day
• ConciergeKey members, certain Alaska elite members
• Single-visit passes available

USO Lounge

Located: Concourse G at the Mazennine Level

Operational Hours: Approximately opens at 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Free snacks, beverages, and coffee, along with essential computers, printers and faxes. With Lounge TVs, free wi-fi, Kid’s Area and storage for the passengers.

Access to: 

• Active duty military with ID
• Retired military with ID
• Members of the guard and reserve and their dependents

Restaurants at Chicago ORD Terminal 3

Apart from the luxury lounge services, Terminal 3 at ORD airport has a wide range of food and dining options. Here is the details options according to their available concourses : 

Casual Dining

• Tontras Frontera
• Publican Tavern
• Goose Island Beer Company
• Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi Bar
• Billy Goat Tavern & Grill
• Rush Street

Quick Service

• Burger Federation
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop
• McDonald’s
• Chili’s Grill & Bar
• Auntie Anne’s
• Gab and Go – 
• Starbucks
• Garrett Popcorn
• CIBO Express Gourmet Market
• Costa Coffee

Hotels Near Chicago ORD Terminal 3

There are two types of hotels near Chicago ORD Terminal 3. The first is the on-site Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel, and the second is various hotels that are located near the close village of Rosemont and provide free airport shuttles.

On-site Hotel

Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport: Most convenient hotel at the airport ground, direct access from the Terminal 3 through 5-10 minutes walking by the underground pedestrian tunnel.

Amenities – Multiple restaurants, sports bar, fitness centre along with barber shop. Direct from the CTA Blue line access to the Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminal 3.

Near Rosemont Village

These Hotels have free shuttle services with luxury amenities, with a wider range of prices.

• Hyatt Residency O’Hare Chicago
• Crowne Plaza Ohare Hotel & Conf Ctr
• Four Points By Sheraton Chicago O’Hare Airport
• Sonesta Chicago O’Hare Airport Rosemont
• Hilton Rosemont/Chicago O’Hare

Amenities and Facilities of Chicago ORD Terminal 3

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 is equipped with a wide variety of amenities including yoga and nursing rooms, 24/7 atms, currency exchange, retail shops, a spa, and an incredible indoor garden. In addition, the accessible hotels and services will enhance the comfort and convenience of travelers.

Relaxation and Wellness	Yoga Room Urban Garden
Transportation and Connectivity	Escalator Elevator Free wifi Charging Stations Inter-Terminal Walking Airport Transit System Wheelchair
General Services	Family Restrooms Wellness area Information Desk Travel Aid Services ATMs Currency Exchange

Chicago O’Hare International Airport Terminals

• ORD Terminal 1 – Chicago O’Hare International Airport
• ORD Terminal 2 – Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Conclusion

Chicago ORD Terminal 3 is an important terminal for primarily American Airlines and its partners with good check-in, security, and boarding efficiencies. It has a variety of dining, shopping, and lounge venues as well as basic necessities such as wellness rooms, and a currency exchange. With effective connectivity and amenities for travelers, Terminal 3 is set up to keep both domestic or international passengers a comfortable and secure journey.  

FAQs on ORD Terminal 3 – Chicago O’Hare International Airport