O’Hare Airport to Restore Terminal Transfer Bus Service on March 1

By Jeff L. Tucker, The Chicago Times

February 24, 2023

CHICAGO – The Chicago Department of Aviation announced Thursday that secure airside bus service between Terminal 5 and Terminals 1 and 3 will resume operation on March 1.

“After having to suspend this service due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Terminal 5 construction, I’m happy to say that we’re again ready to whisk connecting passengers from our core terminals to the newly renovated and expanded T5,” said CDA Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee.

CDA said daily service will include two different routes running every 15 minutes between the hours of 11:30 am and 9:30 pm.  One Terminal Transfer Bus route will operate between Gate B1 at Terminal 1 and Gate M13 at Terminal 5.  The other Terminal Transfer Bus route will operate between Gates G17 and K20 in Terminal 3 and Gate M13 at Terminal 5. 

“The secure airside bus service, which was suspended in March 2020, dramatically improves convenience for passengers arriving on a flight into Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and connecting to a flight that departs from Terminal 5, or vice versa. Currently, these passengers must exit the secure area, board the Airport Transit System (ATS) to access their connecting terminal, then be re-screened to again access the secure area. The restored bus service will save travelers time and stress, with the added benefit of reducing passenger volumes at all security checkpoints, particularly those at Terminal 5.” CDA said in a press release.

CDA expects that passengers arriving at Terminal 5 will find a significantly improved facility, with 25% more gate capacity, new dining and retail locations, and a new Delta Sky Club lounge.