O'Hare Terminal 5 Guide
Complete guide to Terminal 5, O'Hare's international terminal. Find airlines, customs, duty-free shopping, lounges, and connections to domestic terminals.
Author: Sarah Mitchell
Terminal 5 Quick Facts
- Purpose: International arrivals and departures
- Concourse: M (Gates M1-M24)
- Airlines: 40+ international carriers
- Customs: U.S. Customs and Border Protection on lower level
- Lounges: Air France/KLM, Swissport (Priority Pass)
- Connection time: Minimum 2.5-3 hours to domestic flights
Terminal 5 Overview
Terminal 5 is O'Hare's dedicated international terminal, handling all arriving international flights that require U.S. customs and immigration processing, as well as many departing international flights. The terminal serves over 40 international airlines from Europe, Asia, Middle East, Latin America, and other regions. With extensive duty-free shopping, international cuisine options, and specialized services for international travelers, Terminal 5 processes millions of international passengers annually.
International Airlines at Terminal 5
Major International Carriers
European Airlines
British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Swiss International, Iberia, Virgin Atlantic, Aer Lingus, LOT Polish, Scandinavian Airlines
Asian Airlines
ANA (All Nippon Airways), Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, Air India
Middle Eastern Airlines
Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Royal Jordanian
Latin American Airlines
Aeromexico, Copa Airlines, Avianca
Other Airlines
Air Canada, WestJet, Ethiopian Airlines, El Al, and seasonal carriers
Note: United and American international flights may also use Terminal 5 depending on routing and customs requirements
Customs and Immigration
All international arrivals must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Terminal 5 lower level. The process includes immigration inspection, baggage claim, and customs declaration.
Standard Process
- Immigration: Passport inspection and entry stamp/record
- Baggage Claim: Collect all checked luggage
- Customs Declaration: Present completed CBP form
- Exit: Proceed to ground transportation or connecting flights
Estimated Time: 45-90 minutes during normal periods, 90-120+ minutes during peak times
Global Entry (Expedited)
- Use automated Global Entry kiosk (scan passport, fingerprints, photo)
- Receive printed receipt
- Collect baggage
- Present receipt to CBP officer (minimal wait)
Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes total
Connecting to Domestic Flights
International to Domestic Connection Process
- Clear customs and immigration in Terminal 5
- Collect ALL checked bags (even those checked through to final destination)
- Exit customs area
- Follow signs for "Connecting Flights"
- Take Airport Transit System (ATS) to departure terminal
- Re-check bags at your airline's counter or self-service kiosk
- Proceed through security again for your departure terminal
Minimum Connection Time: 2.5-3 hours. Build in extra time during summer and holidays.
Duty-Free Shopping
Terminal 5 features extensive duty-free shopping for international travelers:
- Departures duty-free: Post-security before gates (liquor, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics)
- Arrivals duty-free: Before customs (electronics, luxury goods, spirits)
- Designer boutiques: Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, luxury accessories
- Electronics: InMotion, tech accessories and headphones
- Duty-free limits: $800 personal exemption for U.S. residents returning from abroad
Dining Options
Tortas Frontera: Mexican cuisine by Rick Bayless
Berghoff Cafe: German-American restaurant
Tuscany: Italian dining
Wicker Park Seafood & Sushi: Asian cuisine
Starbucks: Coffee and pastries
McDonald's: Familiar fast food
Various international quick-service options
Airport Lounges
Air France/KLM Lounge
Location: Concourse M, near Gate M8
Hours: Varies by flight schedule
Access: Air France/KLM business class, SkyTeam Elite Plus, Flying Blue Platinum
Amenities: French-inspired cuisine, premium wines, showers, quiet zones
Swissport Lounge
Location: Concourse M, Upper Level
Hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
Access: Priority Pass, LoungeKey, Diners Club, day pass ($40)
Amenities: Light snacks, beverages, WiFi, charging stations
Ground Transportation
Terminal 5 ground transportation is located on the lower level (arrivals level).
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Designated pickup zone, lower level
- Taxis: Taxi stand outside baggage claim, flat $40-50 to downtown
- Hotel shuttles: Designated areas on lower level
- CTA Blue Line: Take ATS to Terminal 3 station (10 minutes)
- Rental cars: Take ATS to rental car facility
- Private car services: Meet at arrivals level
Terminal Connections
Airport Transit System (ATS)
Terminal 5 to Terminal 1: 10 minutes via ATS
Terminal 5 to Terminal 2: 12 minutes via Terminal 1
Terminal 5 to Terminal 3: 10 minutes direct
Frequency: Trains every 3-5 minutes
Hours: 24/7 operation
Note: International arrivals must clear customs before accessing ATS for connections
Terminal 5 Amenities
- Free WiFi: Available throughout terminal
- Charging stations: At gates and seating areas
- Currency exchange: Multiple locations (Travelex, ICE)
- ATMs: Various locations, multiple banks
- Family restrooms: Available in Concourse M
- Nursing room: Near Gate M10
- Pet relief area: Upper level near Gate M18
- Prayer room: Available for all faiths
- Medical clinic: For passenger emergencies
- Information desks: Multilingual staff available
Tips for International Travelers
- Arrive 3 hours early: For international departures, allow time for check-in and security
- Complete customs form: Do this on the plane before landing to save time
- Global Entry: Highly recommended for frequent international travelers ($100/5 years)
- Connection time: Book minimum 2.5-3 hours for international to domestic connections
- Declare everything: Failure to declare items can result in fines or seizure
- Keep receipts: For expensive purchases made abroad
- Check visa requirements: Before departing for your destination
- Medication rules: Bring prescriptions for any medications in original bottles
Customs Allowances
What You Can Bring Back
- Personal exemption: $800 worth of goods duty-free (U.S. residents)
- Alcohol: 1 liter per person (21+), additional bottles subject to duty
- Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars
- Gifts: Included in $800 exemption
- Prohibited items: Certain foods, plants, animal products, counterfeit goods
Declare all items. Honesty is the best policy to avoid fines or penalties.
Bottom Line
Terminal 5 is O'Hare's dedicated international terminal serving 40+ foreign carriers. Allow 45-90 minutes for customs and immigration (or 10-20 minutes with Global Entry). International to domestic connections require 2.5-3 hours minimum. Extensive duty-free shopping and dining options available. Take ATS train to other terminals for connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What airlines operate from Terminal 5 at O'Hare?
Terminal 5 is O'Hare's international terminal, serving dozens of foreign carriers including British Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, ANA, Korean Air, and many others. Some international flights from United and American also use Terminal 5. The terminal handles all arriving international flights requiring customs and immigration processing.
How long does customs and immigration take at Terminal 5?
Customs and immigration processing times vary from 30 minutes to 2+ hours depending on flight arrivals, time of day, and season. Summer and holidays see the longest waits. U.S. citizens with Global Entry typically clear in 5-15 minutes using automated kiosks. First-time visitors should expect 60-90 minutes. Factor this into connection times—minimum 2.5-3 hours for international to domestic connections.
Is there duty-free shopping at Terminal 5?
Yes, Terminal 5 has extensive duty-free shopping for both departing and arriving passengers. Shops include duty-free liquor, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, electronics, and luxury goods. Departing passengers can shop post-security. Arriving international passengers can shop before clearing customs. Purchases must comply with customs allowances ($800 duty-free for U.S. residents).
How do I get from Terminal 5 to other terminals?
The Airport Transit System (ATS) train connects Terminal 5 to Terminal 1, 2, and 3. Travel time is 10-15 minutes to Terminal 1. If you've arrived internationally and need to connect to a domestic flight, you must clear customs first, collect checked bags, then take the ATS to your departure terminal and re-check bags. Allow minimum 2.5-3 hours for international to domestic connections.