O'Hare Terminal 2 Guide
Complete guide to Terminal 2 at O'Hare Airport. Find airlines, gates, dining, shops, lounges, transportation, and terminal connections.
Author: Sarah Mitchell
Terminal 2 Quick Facts
- Primary Airline: United Airlines (domestic flights)
- Concourses: E and F
- Gates: E1-E11, F1-F11
- Security: TSA PreCheck available
- Lounges: United Club (Concourse F)
- Connection: Walking to Terminal 1, ATS to Terminal 3 and 5
Terminal 2 Overview
Terminal 2 at O'Hare is dedicated to United Airlines domestic operations, featuring two concourses (E and F) with modern amenities, dining options, and efficient connections to other terminals. As part of United's extensive hub at O'Hare, Terminal 2 handles thousands of daily passengers connecting throughout the United States.
Airlines and Gates
Terminal 2 Airlines
United Airlines
All gates in Terminal 2 serve United Airlines domestic flights
- Concourse E: Gates E1-E11
- Concourse F: Gates F1-F11
- Destinations: Major U.S. cities and connecting flights
- Aircraft: Narrow-body jets (737, A320 series)
Security Checkpoints
Terminal 2 security is located on the upper level (departures level) before entering the gate areas. TSA PreCheck is available for enrolled travelers.
- Location: Upper level, before Concourses E and F
- TSA PreCheck: Available in dedicated lanes
- Average wait: 15-30 minutes (varies by time of day)
- Peak times: 5:00-8:00 AM and 3:00-6:00 PM
- Recommended arrival: 2 hours before domestic departure
Dining Options
Concourse E
- Frontera Grill: Chicago-style Mexican cuisine
- Starbucks: Coffee and pastries
- Hudson News: Grab-and-go snacks
- Various kiosks: Quick meals and beverages
Concourse F
- Burrito Beach: Fresh Mexican fare
- McDonald's: Fast food classics
- Beaudevin: Wine bar and small plates
- Dunkin': Coffee and donuts
- Garrett Popcorn: Chicago-famous popcorn
Shopping and Retail
- Hudson News: Magazines, books, travel essentials
- Tech on the Go: Electronics and accessories
- CNBC News: Business reading and snacks
- Chicago souvenir shops: Local gifts and memorabilia
- Duty-free: Available for international connections
Airport Lounges
United Club - Terminal 2
Location: Concourse F, near Gate F3
Hours: 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
Access: United Club membership, Star Alliance Gold, business class tickets, day pass ($59)
Amenities include complimentary snacks and beverages, WiFi, charging stations, workspaces, and business center.
Terminal Connections
Terminal 2 to Terminal 1
Method: Underground pedestrian walkway
Time: 5-10 minute walk
Security: Remain post-security throughout
Notes: Well-lit tunnel with moving walkways
Terminal 2 to Terminal 3
Method: Airport Transit System (ATS) train
Time: 5-7 minutes including wait
Security: Post-security connection
Frequency: Trains every 3-5 minutes
Terminal 2 to Terminal 5 (International)
Method: ATS train
Time: 10-15 minutes total
Security: Post-security via Terminal 3
Notes: May require additional security screening for international flights
Ground Transportation
All ground transportation options are accessible from the lower level (arrivals level) of Terminal 2.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Follow signs to rideshare pickup zone, lower level
- Taxis: Taxi stand on lower level outside baggage claim
- Hotel shuttles: Designated pickup area on lower level
- CTA Blue Line: Walk to Terminal 3 station (10 minutes) or take ATS
- Rental cars: Take ATS to rental car facility
- Parking shuttle: Free shuttles to economy and long-term lots
Parking Near Terminal 2
Terminal 2 Parking Options
- Terminal parking: Check O'Hare's current Lots A, B, C, and D availability and rates before driving.
- Economy parking: Lots F, G, and H connect through the Multi-Modal Facility and ATS.
- Current pricing: Rates and capacity change; use the official parking page for a live quote.
Book parking in advance for better rates and guaranteed spots during busy travel periods.
Terminal 2 Amenities
- Free WiFi: Available throughout terminal
- Charging stations: Located at gates and seating areas
- ATMs: Multiple locations in both concourses
- Family restrooms: Available in both concourses
- Nursing rooms: Mamava pod near Gate F6
- Pet relief area: Post-security near Gate F8
- Kids on the Fly: Play area for children near Gate F1
- Information desks: Upper level near security
Tips for Terminal 2
- United connections: Most United connections stay within Terminals 1 and 2
- Arrive early: Security can be busy during morning and afternoon rushes
- Gate distances: Both concourses are compact, allow 5-10 minutes between gates
- Food options: Better selection in Concourse F
- Airport monitors: Check screens frequently for gate changes
- Terminal maps: Available at information desks and on O'Hare website
Bottom Line
Terminal 2 serves exclusively United Airlines domestic flights with two efficient concourses. Connections to other terminals are straightforward via walking or ATS train. Good dining and shopping options are available post-security. Arrive 2 hours before departure to allow time for security and finding your gate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines operate from Terminal 2 at O'Hare?
Terminal 2 primarily serves United Airlines domestic flights (Concourses E and F). Terminal 2 is part of United's massive O'Hare operation and handles thousands of domestic departures daily. All gates in Terminal 2 are operated by United Airlines, making it straightforward for United passengers connecting within the terminal.
How do I get from Terminal 2 to other terminals?
Terminal 2 connects to Terminal 1 via an underground pedestrian walkway (5-10 minute walk). To reach Terminal 3, take the Airport Transit System (ATS) train from Terminal 2 station—travel time is approximately 5 minutes. Terminal 5 (international) requires the ATS as well, taking about 10 minutes total. All connections are post-security.
Where is security screening in Terminal 2?
Terminal 2 security checkpoints are located on the upper level (departures level) before you enter Concourses E and F. TSA PreCheck lanes are available. Security wait times vary from 10-45 minutes depending on time of day—mornings (5-8 AM) and afternoons (3-6 PM) are busiest. Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours for international connections.
What restaurants and shops are in Terminal 2?
Terminal 2 offers various dining options including Burrito Beach, Frontera Grill, McDonald's, Starbucks, and local Chicago restaurants. Shopping includes Hudson News, duty-free shops, electronics stores, and travel essentials. Most dining and retail is located post-security in Concourses E and F. United Club lounges are available for members and eligible passengers.