Chicago Airport Arrivals

Chicago Airport Live Arrivals

Chicago Airport Arrivals Information

Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), one of Chicago City’s main international airports—alongside Midway International Airport (MDW)—welcomes passengers from more than 260 destinations worldwide. Flights land at Terminals 2, 3, and 5, with the majority of Chicago Airport arrivals landing at Terminal 5.

Since airlines use different terminals for departures and landings, we suggest using our live flight tracker above for an overview of Chicago Airport arrivals for today, to help you plan your onward journey.

*The CTA Station can be found on the Basement Level. All other transport options leave from the Multi Modal Facility.

Terminal 2

Operating Airlines – Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Denver Air Connection, JetBlue, Southern Airways Express, and Spirit Airlines.

Location – The Arrivals Hall is located on the lower level.

Terminal 3

Operating Airlines – Aer Lingus and Contour Airlines.

Location – The Arrivals Hall is located on the lower level.

Terminal 5

Operating Airlines – AeroMexico, Air France, Air India, Air New Zealand, Air Serbia, All Nippon, American Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avelo Airlines, Avianca Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, EVA Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, Finnair, Frontier Airlines, ITA Airways, Iberia Airlines, Icelandair, Japan Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch, Korean Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, SWISS, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), Southwest Airlines, Sun Country, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, VivaAerobus, Volaris Airlines, and Westjet Airlines.

Location – The Arrivals Hall is located on the lower level.

Arriving at Chicago Airport

After disembarking, follow the signs towards the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Processing Area. Most international arrivals at Chicago Airport will land at Terminal 5, as this is where the CBP facilities are situated. While US citizens may have access to Preclearance in the airport they departed from, most passengers will need to clear Immigration once they land. If you are arriving from a Preclearance destination, you may disembark at Terminals 2 or 3 instead.

Overseas visitors will need to apply for a tourism visa (B1 or B2) before traveling, or, if their country qualifies under the Visa Waiver Program, an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application will need to be submitted instead. 

Once you’ve cleared Passport Control, you can proceed to the Baggage Claim area to collect any luggage. Lastly, you will need to make your way through Customs, where a CBP officer may inspect your luggage. We recommend familiarizing yourself with items not permitted for entry under US Customs before packing your bags. 

*As of May 7th, 2025, US citizens will now need to present a REAL ID or a valid passport for domestic flights.

Chicago Airport Transport

With several transport options available, it couldn’t be easier for arrivals at Chicago Airport to connect with their Downtown destination. If you’re after a direct and door-to-door service, Chicago Airport taxis and private car services are available 24/7 from the lower level of each terminal where Baggage Claim is located. 

The CTA Blue Line train is also available around the clock, departing from the basement level of Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Note that you will need to take the Airport Transit System (ATS) or the Terminal Transfer Bus from Terminal 5 to all other terminals.

Finally, regional buses are available for those traveling outside the city center. Passengers will need to take the ATS to the Multi-Modal Facility to connect with their service.

What to do in Arrivals at Chicago Airport?

While there may be plenty to keep you busy in each of the Chicago Airport Departure Halls, the same can’t be said for O’Hare Airport Arrivals. Services in each terminal are limited to an Information counter, ATMs, restrooms, a pet relief area, and in some cases, a cafe or small convenience store. If you’re arriving from overseas at Terminal 5, you’ll find additional facilities such as currency exchange booths, banks, and a First Aid area.

Check out our comprehensive Chicago Airport Guide for more details on what you can find in the airport.

Chicago Airport Arrivals Parking

If you’re arranging for someone to pick you up on arrival, the best place for them to park is the free-of-charge Cellphone Parking Lot. Once you’ve collected your luggage and cleared Customs, you can phone or text them to drive up to the curb directly outside the Arrivals Hall.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time it takes to clear Immigration at Chicago Airport?

Wait times for Immigration at Chicago Airport Arrivals can vary considerably, from 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Do I have to pick up my luggage on a connecting international flight in Chicago?

Unless you’ve arrived from a Preclearance destination, all connecting passengers traveling on an international flight will need to clear Immigration and collect their luggage. You will then need to re-check your luggage and pass through Security once more.

If you’re transferring between two domestic destinations, or from a domestic flight to an international one, and your connecting flight departs from Terminals 1-3, you won’t need to clear Security or collect your luggage, so long as your airline checks your luggage all the way through. To transfer between terminals, use the airside Airport Transit System or Terminal Transfer Bus.

Do I have to go through Customs for a connecting flight in Chicago?

If you’re transferring from one international flight to another, you will need to clear Immigration and Customs and check in your luggage once again for the new flight.