A complete guide to every restroom at Chicago O'Hare International Airport — including family rooms, ADA accessible facilities, and insider tips for shorter lines.
O'Hare began as a Douglas Aircraft Company manufacturing plant during World War II called Orchard Place Airport — which is why the airport code is ORD (from 'Orchard'). After the war, the City of Chicago converted it to a commercial airport and renamed it in 1949 after Lieutenant Commander Edward 'Butch' O'Hare, a Navy aviator and Medal of Honor recipient killed in World War II.
O'Hare was the world's busiest airport from 1963 to 1998. United Airlines and American Airlines both have major hubs here. A massive $8.5 billion O'Hare 21 expansion program has been underway since 2018, adding a new Global Terminal to replace Terminal 2, expanding Terminal 5, and building new satellite concourses. The expansion will add 25% more gate capacity when complete. Terminal 5 was expanded in 2023 to handle more international flights.
O'Hare has restrooms in all four terminals across 8 concourses. All-gender single-user restrooms are in every terminal. Terminal 5 has the newest restrooms after the 2023 expansion. Terminal 3 has the most concourses (G, H, K, L) and the most total restroom locations.
All restrooms are ADA-accessible. The ATS (Airport Transit System) automated train connects Terminals 1, 2, and 3. Terminal 5 requires exiting security and taking the ATS or shuttle. Call O'Hare Accessibility at (773) 894-2427 for assistance.
Every terminal has a Mother's Room open 24/7 with seating, sink, outlets, changing surface, and soft lighting. Mamava lactation pods are in Terminals 1, 2, and 3. All-gender restrooms are in every terminal for parents with opposite-gender children.
Pre-security restrooms are on the ticketing and baggage claim levels of all terminals. Open 24/7 without a boarding pass. Terminal 5 has pre-security restrooms near the security checkpoint and food court.
18 restrooms across 15 areas at O'Hare Airport.
Restrooms on the ticketing level and baggage claim level. No boarding pass required. United Airlines terminal.
Multiple restroom banks on Concourse B. United Airlines hub — busy during banking times.
Restrooms on Concourse C. The iconic neon light tunnel connecting B and C concourses has restrooms at both ends.
Single-user all-gender restroom. O'Hare has all-gender restrooms in all four terminals.
Private Mother's Room open 24/7 with comfortable seating, sink, power outlets, diaper changing surface, soft lighting, and ADA compliance. Mamava lactation pods also available in Terminal 1.
Terminal 2 handles Delta and other carriers. Concourse E restrooms are near the Family Lounge area.
Restrooms on Concourse F. Terminal 2 is slated for replacement by the new Global Terminal as part of the O'Hare 21 expansion.
Mother's Room near the Family Lounge area. Private space with seating, sink, outlets, and changing surface. Mamava pods also available.
American Airlines terminal. Multiple concourses (G, H, K, L) make Terminal 3 the largest at O'Hare. Restrooms throughout.
Restrooms on Concourse H. Some of the older facilities at O'Hare — functional but not as modern as Terminal 5.
Restrooms on Concourse K.
Restrooms on Concourse L. Multiple all-gender restrooms also available throughout Terminal 3.
Mother's Room with comfortable seating, sink, outlets, changing surface, and soft lighting. Open 24/7. Mamava pods also in Terminal 3.
Interior Service Animal Relief Area (SARA) approximately 10'x8' with sink, relief pad, paper towels, and water hose. Two indoor areas in Terminal 3.
Pre-security restrooms near the security checkpoint and in the food court area. Terminal 5 is the international terminal and also handles some domestic carriers like Spirit.
Recently expanded Terminal 5 has modern restrooms. The newest facilities at O'Hare after the 2023 expansion.
Mother's Room in the expanded Terminal 5. Newest nursing facility at O'Hare with modern amenities.
Outdoor pet relief areas near baggage claim in all terminals. No boarding pass needed. Note: Chicago winters make outdoor areas uncomfortable — use the indoor Terminal 3 SARA when possible.
The CTA Blue Line runs directly to O'Hare from downtown Chicago (Clark/Lake) for $5 in about 45 minutes. It runs 24/7. This is often faster than driving during rush hour and infinitely cheaper than parking or a taxi.
Terminal 5 (international) is NOT connected airside to Terminals 1-3. If you need to transfer between domestic and international terminals, you must exit security, take the ATS train, and re-clear security. Allow 60-90 minutes for international connections.
Terminal 5 has the newest restrooms after the 2023 expansion. If you're in Terminal 2 and have time, it may be worth the trip — but remember you'll need to re-clear security to get back.
The neon light tunnel between Concourses B and C in Terminal 1 is iconic and has restrooms at both ends. It's also where people stop to take photos, creating foot traffic jams.
O'Hare is notorious for weather delays, especially in winter. If you're stuck overnight, Terminal 3 has the most restrooms and the most space for camping out. The Hilton O'Hare is connected to Terminal 2 by a covered walkway.
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are in Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminal 2 typically has the shortest security lines among domestic terminals.
The Yoga Room in Terminal 3 (near gate G19) offers a quiet space to stretch. Not a restroom, but a nice break during a long layover.
Cell phone lot is free at 560 N Bessie Coleman Drive. Use it for pickups instead of circling the terminals.
O'Hare handles 250,000+ passengers daily during peak periods. Terminal 1 (United) and Terminal 3 (American) see the heaviest restroom traffic. Holiday weekends can push security waits past 60 minutes.
O'Hare is one of the most delay-prone airports in the US during winter storms. When flights are delayed or cancelled en masse, restroom facilities see extremely heavy use. Terminal 3 has the most capacity.
Chicago events bring extra passenger traffic through O'Hare. All restrooms remain open 24/7 during events.
Popular pre-game and post-game spots within walking distance.
Mexican · Terminals 1, 3, 5
Celebrity chef Rick Bayless's airport restaurant serving gourmet tortas and guacamole. Consistently rated among the best airport food in the US.
Known for: Gourmet tortas, fresh guacamole, margaritas
Snacks · Terminals 2, 3
Chicago institution serving handcrafted popcorn since 1949. The Chicago Mix (cheese and caramel) is legendary.
Known for: Chicago Mix popcorn, cheese popcorn, caramel corn
Brewery · Terminal 3
Chicago-born craft brewery with a full taproom in Terminal 3. Good beer selection and pub food.
Known for: 312 Urban Wheat, IPA, Chicago craft beer
Gastropub · Terminal 3
Outpost of the acclaimed Publican restaurant. Quality pub fare with excellent beer selection.
Known for: Craft beer, charcuterie, farm-to-table pub food
Garages, lots, and street parking options.
Attached to Terminals 1, 2, 3
Covered garages connected by covered walkway to Terminals 1-3. Most convenient but most expensive. Terminal 5 has its own garage.
South of terminals
Cheapest on-airport option. Free ATS people mover to all terminals. $3 first hour, $6 for 2 hours, capped at $15/day.
East of terminals
Economy lot with free ATS shuttle. Slightly closer than Lot G.
Near terminals
Covered economy lot. Good option for Chicago winters when you don't want to scrape ice off your car.
560 N Bessie Coleman Drive
Free waiting area for passenger pickups. Stay in car until your traveler is ready at the curb.
Take the CTA Blue Line — $5 and it runs 24/7 from downtown. Economy Lot G is the cheapest on-airport option at $15/day with free ATS shuttle to all terminals. The cell phone lot on Bessie Coleman Drive is free for pickups. Avoid the terminal garages at $43/day unless you're doing a quick drop-off.
CTA Blue Line to Downtown
ATS People Mover (inter-terminal)
Ride-share Pickup
656 ft
Nearby places sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Also nearby: Restrooms at Wrigley Field · Restrooms at United Center · Restrooms at Soldier Field