โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
OโHare International Airport has four terminals: Terminals 1, 2, and 3 form a horseshoe connected by airside walkways, while Terminal 5 handles most international flights and sits across the airfield. The Airport Transit System (ATS) train links all terminals, parking, and the rental car center on a frequent loop.
Walking between concourses inside the domestic complex is straightforwardโConcourses B and C in Terminal 1 are joined by the underground neon tunnel (5โ7 minutes end to end), Terminal 1 to Terminal 2 takes about 8โ10 minutes, and Terminal 3โs farthest gates are 12โ15 minutes from Terminal 1 via secure corridors. Travel to Terminal 5 requires exiting or riding the ATS from the domestic terminals; the train ride is about 8 minutes with another few minutes of platform access.
Each terminal hosts multiple TSA checkpoints with PreCheck and CLEAR lanes; the main checkpoints in Terminals 1 and 3 open earliest for banked morning departures. Typical waits run 15โ25 minutes, but peaks before 7 a.m. or during holiday afternoons can exceed 35 minutes, so the TSA โMyTSAโ feed is useful for live estimates. Re-entry from Terminal 5 to domestic gates requires clearing security again.
Immigration and customs for most international arrivals are handled in Terminal 5โs expansive arrivals hall with Global Entry, Mobile Passport, and baggage re-check desks for onward connections. Certain precleared arrivals from Canada and select international flights on United or American may use facilities in Terminals 1 or 3, but transfer passengers should follow airline-specific signs before boarding the ATS.
Amenities are extensive: United Polaris and United Club lounges populate Terminal 1, Delta Sky Club sits in Terminal 2, and Americanโs Admirals Clubs and Flagship Lounge anchor Terminal 3. Terminal 5 offers lounges for Delta, Air France/KLM, British Airways, and others, plus a large dining court. Nursing rooms are available in every terminal, โKids on the Flyโ play areas sit near Gates F1 and in Terminal 2โs rotunda, and all concourses provide elevators, moving walkways, and adult-changing stations for accessibility.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) requires careful planning, particularly when transferring between the main domestic terminals (Terminals 1, 2, and 3) and the primarily international Terminal 5. After re-checking your bags, take the ATS to your domestic departure terminal and clear TSA security there.
A highly efficient alternative for passengers on a single ticket who do not need to collect their luggage is the Terminal Transfer Bus (TTB). If the TTB is not running, or if you are on separate tickets, you must use the landside ATS and re-clear security at your next terminal. O'Hare is a place where terminal choice and connection timing matter, because the airport is large enough that the wrong assumption can cost real minutes. A minimum connection time of at least three hours is strongly recommended for international-to-domestic transfers to account for potential CBP delays and terminal changes.
Unlike the domestic terminals, Terminal 5 is physically separate and is connected to the rest of the airport via the 24/7 automated Airport Transit System (ATS). This airside shuttle operates daily between approximately 11:30 AM and 9:30 PM, allowing you to move between terminals without exiting the secure area or re-clearing security. Utilizing the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app can help expedite the immigration process.
For most international arrivals, you must clear immigration and customs at Terminal 5, collect all checked baggage, and then re-check your bags at the dedicated airline counters located just past the customs exit. The TTB can be accessed from Gate M13 in Terminal 5, Gate C18B in Terminal 1, and Gates G17 or K20 in Terminal 3. Travelers should also note that some domestic carriers, such as Delta and JetBlue, now operate out of Terminal 5, so it is essential to verify your departure gate on the information screens before heading to the main terminal core.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to O'Hare International Airport