How long does it take to go from terminal 3 to Terminal 5 at OHare?

how long does it take from terminal 3 to terminal 5 at ohare?

Understanding how long does it take from terminal 3 to terminal 5 at ohare helps travelers avoid missed flights and unnecessary stress. Proper preparation prevents unexpected delays during the airport navigation process. Review official guidelines carefully for a smooth transition between different airport sections.

How long does it take to go from terminal 3 to Terminal 5 at OHare?

Transferring between terminals can be stressful, especially when catching a tight connecting flight at a massive hub like Chicago OHare International Airport. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes of actual travel time to get from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5, but you should allow 15 to 30 minutes total depending on waiting times and security lines. The exact duration depends heavily on whether you stay airside or exit to the landside terminal train.

Terminal Transfer Bus Option (Airside)

For passengers staying inside the secure zone, the Terminal Transfer Bus provides a direct route without requiring you to re-clear TSA security.

It takes about 15 minutes on the bus itself, picking up inside security at Gates G17 and K20 in Terminal 3 and dropping travelers off directly at Gate M13 in Terminal 5.

This airside option saves considerable hassle during peak hours when security lines stretch across the terminal. Lets be honest, though - this bus comes with strict limitations. It only runs daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and arrives roughly every 15 minutes. Furthermore, you must show a valid boarding pass for a departing international flight or eligible connection leaving from Terminal 5. If your layover falls outside these operational hours, you cannot use this route.

Airport Transit System ATS Train Option (Landside)

When traveling outside of the bus hours, or if you prefer an automated train ride, the ohare airport transit system terminal 3 to 5 serves as the primary landside alternative.

The monorail ride itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes, but the overall journey requires exiting security in Terminal 3, following airport signs to the ATS station, riding the free 24-hour train, and re-clearing TSA security at Terminal 5.

This entire process typically stretches closer to 25 to 40 minutes depending heavily on security queue lengths. I learned this the hard way during an afternoon connection when security at Terminal 5 was backed up for nearly half an hour. What seemed like a quick train ride turned into a stressful sprint to the gate. If you have checked bags that need re-checking or are switching between separate tickets, this landside route is mandatory anyway.

Factors That Impact Your O'Hare Terminal Transfer Time

Several variables can disrupt even the best-planned airport transfer. Peak travel banks during early mornings and late afternoons see massive surges in passenger volume across OHare.

Security checkpoint wait times at Terminal 5 can spike significantly during international departure banks, sometimes adding 20 or more minutes to the landside ohare terminal 3 to terminal 5 transfer time.

Baggage handling also changes your timeline completely. Passengers with carry-on luggage only can walk straight through to their next gate or jump on the airside bus. If you need to collect checked bags at baggage claim and re-check them for a separate airline ticket, add an extra 30 to 45 minutes to your transfer window to account for belt wait times.

Comparison of Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 Transfer Options

Choosing how to get from Terminal 3 to Terminal 5 at O'Hare depends on your schedule, security status, and luggage situation.

Terminal Transfer Bus (Airside)

• None - stays secure inside the gates
• Valid boarding pass for a departing Terminal 5 flight
• About 15 minutes on the bus itself
• Daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. only

Airport Transit System - ATS (Landside)

• Must exit Terminal 3 and re-clear TSA at Terminal 5
• Open to all passengers, including those with checked luggage
• 25 to 40 minutes total including security
• Free 24-hour train service year-round

Connecting to an International Flight

David arrived at Terminal 3 on a domestic flight from Dallas with a tight 90-minute international connection departing from Terminal 5. He panicked initially, assuming he had to take the landside train and brave security lines all over again.

Luckily, his flight landed at 2:00 p.m., placing him squarely within the operational window of the airside transfer bus. He checked his phone, located Gate K20, and rushed over without leaving the secure zone.

He caught the airside bus within five minutes of arriving at the pickup point, showed his connecting boarding pass, and enjoyed a smooth 15-minute ride directly to Terminal 5's Gate M13.

David walked straight onto his international flight with 30 minutes to spare, entirely avoiding the massive landside security queues.