Chicago Midway International Airport
Chicago, US · 19 km (12 mi) from the Loop business district
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| CTA Bus 55 Garfield Local bus · Every 8-12 min peak; less frequent late nights | Variable; CTA lists approx. 35-45 min end to end | $2.50 |
| CTA Bus 62 Archer Local bus · Every 10-12 min daytime; approx. every 20-30 min overnight (N62) | Can exceed 45-60 min Loop–Midway late at night | $2.50 |
| CTA Bus Routes (e.g., 55, 62, 63, 165, 169) Bus · Every 10-20 min depending on route | 30-60 min to various city neighborhoods | $2.50 |
| CTA Orange Line Train · Every 6-10 min peak, every ~10-15 min off-peak; not 24/7 | 25-30 min scheduled Midway–Loop | $2.50 |
Insider notes
Secure faster city commutes by relying on the speedy CTA Orange Line, just a short covered walk from the terminal.
Early morning and late afternoon flights require a 2-hour arrival to manage security line peaks.
Crowded gate areas by using the Central Market for seating and more available power outlets.
Welcome
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is more like a dense urban transit hub than a sprawling aviation giant, thanks to its compact size and heavy Southwest Airlines presence. Located just 19 km from the Loop business district, it's connected directly by the CTA Orange Line, making it a quick and cost-effective choice for travelers. While its footprint is small, meaning quicker terminal navigation, it still carries echoes of a bygone era with limited power outlets in older gate areas.
At a glance
Midway handles around 22 million passengers each year, primarily serviced by Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Allegiant Air. With only one Main Terminal housing 43 gates, it's far from overwhelming but can be cramped, especially during peak times. The airport is often selected over O'Hare specifically for its efficient access to downtown Chicago via the CTA Orange Line, which costs just $2.50 per ride and takes roughly 25–30 minutes.
Terminals & layout
The Main Terminal at Midway consists of three concourses (A, B, Central Market) built around a central hub, making gate transfers straightforward. If your gate area becomes overcrowded, it's possible to traverse the entire terminal in about 10 minutes. However, travelers often note cramped conditions and a lack of power outlets, particularly in Concourses A and B, where gate announcements can be loud and seating insufficient during busy periods.
Getting to and from the city
Getting to downtown Chicago from Midway is simple and affordable. The CTA Orange Line train connects the airport to the Loop, running every 10–15 minutes. For those preferring road transit, rideshares like Uber and Lyft cost between $25–40 and take 20–35 minutes depending on traffic. Metered taxis are another option, averaging $30–40 for the same route. Parking at Midway can be pricey, with the Daily Garage charging $43 per day compared to $8.75 at some off-site lots.
Traveller essentials
The security lines at MDW can vary dramatically. Frequent flyers advise arriving two hours before flight departure during peak times, given that TSA PreCheck is only available during certain hours. If you're carrying just a bag, bypass the often-crowded ticket counters by tagging your baggage early and handling it yourself if possible. Although the airport has improved since renovations, food options are heavily centralized in the Central Market.
Dining & shopping highlights
The Central Market features a variety of dining options such as America's Dog & Burger, Beecher's Handmade Cheese, and Arami. If venturing to Concourse B, you'll find Big City Chicken and Hubbard Inn among other choices. Garrett Popcorn Shops in the Central Market is a standout, offering beloved Chicago Mix popcorn perfect for gifts or snacks. Shopping includes local favorites like Chicago Sports and Nuts on Clark along with essential travel outlets like Hudson News & Gifts.
Lounges
Midway hosts two lounges: The Club MDW, located at the entrance of Concourse B, and the USO Lounge. The Club MDW offers better seating, a quieter environment, and a snack spread, but it’s essential to arrive early to avoid capacity issues. A $50 day pass lets non-members enjoy amenities that are a relative oasis compared to the chaotic main concourse.
Insider tips
- Insider: Secure faster city commutes by relying on the speedy CTA Orange Line, just a short covered walk from the terminal.
- Time: Early morning and late afternoon flights require a 2-hour arrival to manage security line peaks.
- Avoid: Crowded gate areas by using the Central Market for seating and more available power outlets.
- Local: Garrett Popcorn at Central Market serves a local favorite; grab a "Chicago Mix" to snack or gift.
- Money: For cheaper parking, consider nearby off-site lots over the official $43/day garages.
- Quiet: The yoga room and kids' play area are excellent low-traffic refuges; locate them on a terminal map.
- Time: During a 4+ hour layover, ride the Orange Line to Bridgeport for quick access to authentic local dining.