Chicago Midway Airport is smaller and closer to downtown than O'Hare.
Southwest Airlines main hub, often more convenient than O'Hare for those arriving from or traveling to downtown.
How to get to Chicago Midway International Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MDW
Parking near Chicago Midway International Airport
Off-site partner parking starts from 8.75 USD/day; on-airport economy parking costs up to 20 USD/day; higher terminal rates reach up to 40 USD/day.
How to get to Chicago from MDW
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Chicago Midway International Airport
A shuttle service connects the terminal to the desks of major car rental companies.
You need a license, passport, and credit card in the driver's name; for a brief stay, those with a Latin-character license don't need an IDP.
Hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport
Airport area (Cicero Avenue)
Free hotel shuttles in 5-10 minutes from Midway's terminals, along Cicero Avenue.
Best for: A dawn flight, a night arrival or a short layover, with no need to go into the city.
- Free shuttle, often also to the Orange Line station
- Just minutes from check-in to the gate even at peak times
- Commercial strip along the highway, little to do on foot in the evening
- For downtown Chicago you still need the train or a car
Recommended hotels
- DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport A mile from the terminals with free shuttle, an indoor pool and the classic warm cookie at check-in. View availability
- Chicago Marriott Midway Besides the airport shuttle, it offers a free ride to the Orange Line station for downtown. View availability
- Holiday Inn Chicago – Midway Airport S Less than 3 miles from the terminals, with free shuttle and lower rates than nearby chains. View availability
South Loop and Museum Campus
About 15-20 minutes by car or taxi from Midway; on the Orange Line, get off at Roosevelt and walk a few blocks.
Best for: Travelers who want the Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium) or Soldier Field just minutes away, while staying closer to Midway than the full downtown.
- Closer to Midway than the heart of the Loop
- Museum Campus and the lake reachable on foot in 10 minutes
- Fewer evening venues than the Loop or River North
- The most convenient Orange Line stop still requires a walk
Recommended hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop Ten minutes on foot from the Museum Campus, with an on-site restaurant and a gym open around the clock. View availability
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown South Loop Suites with breakfast and an evening reception included, convenient for those staying more than one night near the lake. View availability
The Loop (Orange Line terminus)
Orange Line from Midway to the terminus in the Loop in 20-25 minutes, then a few minutes on foot to the hotel.
Best for: Travelers who want Millennium Park, the Art Institute and Michigan Avenue within walking distance and don't have a very early flight.
- Same direct train from Midway, no transfers
- Millennium Park, the Art Institute and historic theaters within walking distance
- Farther from Midway than the South Loop
- Higher rates on weekends with events and conventions
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The single terminal, more compact than O'Hare, handles primarily domestic flights.
To be safe, it's best to arrive 2-2.5 hours early for flights.
Map of Chicago Midway International Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Midway closer to downtown than O'Hare?
Yes, and it's generally smaller and less congested, often preferred for domestic flights on Southwest Airlines.
Q. Is there a surcharge on the train from Midway like at O'Hare?
No, the Orange Line fare from Midway is the standard 2.75 USD, without the surcharge applied at O'Hare.
Q. Does the Orange Line operate at night?
No, unlike O'Hare's Blue Line it's not active 24 hours a day: the last train leaves around 1:00 am.
Q. Which airline is Midway a hub for?
Southwest Airlines has its main Chicago hub here.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
