Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare depends on your flight, not the size of the airport. Midway is smaller and faster to run, and is closer to the downtown area. O’Hare is larger, with more airlines and serves the majority of the long international routes. Looking for a short Southwest trip? Pick Midway. Flying overseas? Pick O’Hare. You should base your decision on your airline, destination, ticket price, and ground time.
There are two airports that are important in the city of Chicago. They provide a variety of travel opportunities. One is a big international hub that provides flights to all over the world. The other is smaller, closer to downtown, and is popular with domestic travelers.
Lots of people have the same question, but in a variety of different ways. Midway or O’Hare? ORD or MDW? You’ll even see it typed as Midway vs O’Hare. It’s all one question: which one is better for this trip?
The honest answer is that it depends. There’s more to it than ticket prices. All of these things are important: your airline, hotel, flight dates, your bags, and the way you’re going to get to and from the airport.
At Black Car Services Chicago, our drivers handle airport pickups at both airports, so we see the differences up close.
In this blog, you’ll see how the two compare on distance, airlines, crowds, parking, amenities, and getting downtown, and how to choose in about two minutes.
Midway vs O’Hare at a Glance
Here is MDW vs ORD Chicago, side by side.
| Midway (MDW) | O’Hare (ORD) | |
| Location | Southwest side | Northwest side |
| Distance from the Loop | About 11 miles | About 17–18 miles |
| Size | Small, one terminal | Huge, four terminals (1, 2, 3, 5) |
| Main airlines | Southwest, plus a few others | United and American, plus dozens more |
| International flights | Limited (Mexico, Caribbean) | Wide: Europe, Asia, Middle East, Latin America |
| Crowd level | Moderate, tight at peak times | Heavy, especially holidays and Sunday evenings |
| CTA line | Orange Line | Blue Line |
| Best for | Short domestic trips, quick exits | International trips, connections, more flight choices |
Where Are Midway and O’Hare Located?
Open a Chicago airports map, and the layout is clear. Midway is located to the southwest of the Loop. O’Hare is far in the northwest, away from the city centre. These are opposite ends of the city.
That’s why Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare is about more than flights. It’s about where your trip starts.
O’Hare: Northwest side
O’Hare International Airport is approximately 17-18 miles from downtown. It’s right next door to Rosemont and the northwest suburbs. If you live up there, O’Hare is your airport. Easy call.
Heading downtown instead?Interested in finding out more about that trip? Details on routes and timing are provided in our O’Hare to downtown guide.
Midway: Southwest side
Midway Airport is located approximately 11 miles southwest of the Loop. Not highways or airport hotels, it is surrounded by city blocks. It’s typically much easier for those who live on the South Side and in the southwest suburbs.
How far is each from downtown Chicago?
Is Midway or O’Hare closer to downtown Chicago? Midway. About six or seven miles.
- How far is Midway Airport from downtown Chicago? About 11 miles. Allow 25-40 minutes driving.
- How far is O’Hare from downtown? About 17 to 18 miles. Plan 35 – 60 minutes – more during rush hour.
How far apart are Midway and O’Hare?
Switching airports? Maybe you booked into one and connected out of the other. It happens. The distance between Midway and O’Hare Airport (MDW to ORD) or the other way around is approximately 20 miles and is typically 35-60 minutes long, depending on traffic.
Midway and O’Hare are the same distance apart either way. Only traffic changes. People search it as O’Hare to Midway, Chicago Midway to O’Hare, or distance from Midway to O’Hare. They all want one answer: about 20 miles, and plan an hour to be safe.
By train, it’s slower. Take the Blue Line from O’Hare to the Loop, then the Orange Line to Midway. Give it 90 minutes or more. A car is simpler.
How Do Midway and O’Hare Compare in Size and Layout?
Is Midway smaller? Yes, and by a lot. O’Hare covers more than 7,000 acres. Midway covers roughly 800. ORD vs MDW is not a close match on size.
O’Hare terminals and walking distances
O’Hare has four terminals: 1, 2, 3, and 5. There is no Terminal 4.
There is a walkway between terminals 1, 2, and 3, which are connected inside security. Terminal 5 stands apart. It’s mostly international. You reach it by the ATS train (the Airport Transit System) or a shuttle bus.
It will take 15 minutes to walk inside O’Hare. Wear comfortable shoes. Need to connect to a terminal, but don’t know which one? Inquire at the airport before leaving which terminal your airline operates at.
Midway’s single-terminal setup
Only one terminal and three concourses (A, B, C) at Midway. Everything sits under one roof. The food court, Central Market, is in the middle.
You can learn the whole place in one visit. No trains. No terminal hopping.
What this means for connections and timing
At Midway, a tight layover often works. At O’Hare, it can fail. Moving between Terminal 5 and the others can mean going through security again.
A good rule: give O’Hare at least 90 minutes for a domestic connection. Give it two hours or more for an international one, especially when you’re flying into Terminal 5.
Which Airlines Fly Out of Each Airport?
On airlines, O’Hare vs Midway is a hub against a home base. For Chicago Midway vs O’Hare on routes alone, O’Hare wins on choice, and Midway wins on simplicity. O’Hare vs Midway is really United and American versus Southwest.
O’Hare: United, American, and international carriers
O’Hare is the home of both United and American. Other airlines also provide flights to the destination, such as Lufthansa, British Airways, and Qatar Airways.
There are nonstop flights to and from the U.S. and to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. More airlines also means more fare options on busy routes.
Midway: Southwest and domestic routes
Midway is Southwest’s Chicago home. Other airlines also operate there, including Delta and Frontier; Southwest is the dominant carrier.
The majority of the flights are domestic. A few go to Mexico and the Caribbean. If you are taking a Southwest flight, be sure to check Midway first.
Domestic vs international coverage
Domestic trip? Both airports work. Compare fares and departure times.
International trip? O’Hare, in most cases. Midway has only limited international service. Most long-haul flights leave from O’Hare.
Which Airport Is Busier and Harder to Navigate?
O’Hare is far busier. It handles several times as many passengers as Midway. But busy isn’t the same as hard.
Crowds and peak hours
The rush hours are the same at both – Thursday and Friday evenings, Sunday afternoons, early-morning flight waves, and holiday weeks.
On crowds, O’Hare vs Midway is a trade-off. O’Hare is LESS dense, but has MORE people. Midway is less populated, but the one terminal is always full when flights are packed.
Security lines
TSA PreCheck and CLEAR are available at both airports. Before you go, please consult the FlyChicago website or app to find out wait times.
There are multiple checkpoints at O’Hare; if your terminal has multiple, choose the one that is shorter. Lines tend to be more compact at Midway, as there are fewer checkpoints. Please arrive 2 hours before the flight at both airports (in holiday weeks, longer time is required).
Weather and delay patterns
Winter snow hits both airports. Summer storms do too.
O’Hare delays tend to spread across the country because United and American run hubs there. At Midway, a bad storm hits Southwest’s schedule hardest. Review your airline’s app the night before and the morning of your flight.
How Long Does It Take to Reach Each Airport from Downtown?
Drive time at different hours of the day
Chicago O’Hare vs Midway drive times depend more on the clock than on the miles. Here are typical ranges from the Loop:
| Time of day | Midway | O’Hare |
| Late night / early morning | 20–30 min | 30–40 min |
| Midday | 25–40 min | 40–55 min |
| Weekday rush hour | 45–60 min | 60–90+ min |
Check a live map before you leave.
The Kennedy Expressway (I-90) is O’Hare. Midway is the intersection of Stevenson (I-55) and Cicero Avenue. Both can jam fast.
Rush hour and event-day traffic
Game days change everything. It can be a big time investment for a Bears game at Soldier Field or a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. So can a concert at the United Center, a large convention, or a festival weekend.
On those days, leave early. Then leave a little earlier.
How close Midway really is to the Loop
Midway feels close because it is close. But close doesn’t always mean quick. Rush hour on Cicero Avenue can eat up the savings. Our Midway to downtown distance guide shows the routes and timing in detail.
How Do You Get to Midway and O’Hare?
Getting Downtown: Orange Line vs. Blue Line (CTA Trains)
What is the best public transit route to get from MDW to downtown Chicago? Ride the CTA Orange Line. It takes around 25-30 minutes to travel from Midway to the Loop.
From O’Hare, take the Blue Line. It takes approximately 40-50 minutes to get to the Loop. The Blue Line is a 24-hour service. The Orange Line does not; check the schedule for early and late flights. Use the Ventra app/card to pay.
Trains are cheap and skip traffic. But stairs and big bags don’t mix well.
Here’s an honest side-by-side comparison for both Chicago airports.
| Transportation | Midway → Downtown | O’Hare → Downtown |
| CTA | $2.75 (Orange Line) | $2.75 (Blue Line) |
| Taxi | $35–$55 | $45–$70 |
Taxi and rideshare
There are taxi stands and pick-up points for taxi services at both airports. Follow the signs at the airport. Pickup locations may change during construction; please verify the app prior to walking.
When multiple flights land at the same time, the fare prices of rideshares may rise. Taxis have a meter, so the fare will depend on traffic.
Private car and black car service
A pre-booked private car is the no-surprise option. The price is agreed first. Your driver is familiar with your meeting place. After a long flight, you don’t go to the pick-up zone for a hunt.
Comfort, luggage, and reliability compared
| Option | Comfort | Luggage | Reliability |
| CTA train | Basic | Hard with large bags | Steady, no traffic |
| Taxi / rideshare | Good | Fine for most trips | Depends on traffic and supply |
| Private car | High | Easy, driver helps | Pre-booked, set pickup |
Ground transportation costs from both Chicago airports to the city center
Midway vs O’Hare on price is simple. The shorter ride usually costs less. That’s Midway.
There are four factors that affect price: distance, time of day, demand, and ancillary services such as tolls and tips.
Here’s how the options compare going to the city center:
| Option | Midway to downtown | O’Hare to downtown |
| CTA train | Lowest cost | Lowest cost |
| Taxi | Moderate | Higher, longer ride |
| Rideshare | Varies, can spike | Varies, spikes more |
| Private car | Set price, agreed up front | Set price, agreed up front |
The train wins on cost every time. A private car costs more than the train.However, when a ride-share service is charging a surge fee, the difference can diminish. Whichever you select, ask for the full price before booking.
What About Parking and Drop-Off?
MDW vs O’Hare for parking comes down to space. O’Hare has a lot of it. Midway doesn’t.
Parking options at each airport
O’Hare has terminal garages and cheaper economy lots. Economy lots connect by shuttle or the ATS train.
Midway has a main garage and a cheaper economy lot with a shuttle. It’s smaller, so the garage can fill up in holiday weeks. Reserve ahead if you can.
At both airports, economy parking beats the garage on price. The garage wins on walking time.
O’Hare Airport Parking Options
| Parking Type | Location |
| Main Garage – Hourly | Level 1, near Terminals 1–3 |
| Main Garage – Daily | Levels 2–6 |
| Lots B & C | Outdoor, near domestic terminals |
| Terminal 5 Garage & Lot D | Adjacent to Terminal 5 |
| Economy Lots F, G & H | Along Bessie Coleman Drive, free shuttle or ATS |
| EV Charging | Main Garage, Level 1 |
For the full comparison of every O’Hare lot and shuttle option, see the Parking at Chicago O’Hare Airport guide.
Midway Airport Parking Options
| Parking Type | Location |
| Terminal Garage – Hourly | Level 1 |
| Terminal Garage – Daily | Levels 2–6 |
| Economy Garage & Lot | 5050 W. 55th St, quarter-mile from terminal |
| Accessible Parking | Available on all garage levels |
| EV Charging | Level 1, hourly section |
Drop-off and pickup curb rules
Departures are on the upper level and arrivals on the lower level at both airports. Curbs are for quick drop-offs only. Don’t wait there. Officers will move you along.
Picking someone up? Use the cell phone a lot. Have your passenger text you once they have their bags.
Check rates before you go
Prices change. Check the official FlyChicago website for today’s rates. Then compare the total cost: parking, gas, and your time.
Midway vs O’Hare Parking Rates
Parking charges are subject to change and not always announced with due notice, so check the official Chicago airport parking page for parking rates before driving in.
Rates checked/updated: September 2026
| Parking Type | Midway | O’Hare |
| Hourly | $4 (first hour) | $3 (first hour) |
| Daily | $43 (8–24 hrs, Terminal Garage) | $79 (8–24 hrs, Main Garage) |
| Economy | $15–$25/day | $16–$25/day (Lots F, G, H) |
| Terminal parking | Terminal Garage, $4–$43 | Main Garage / Lots B & C, $35–$60/day |
| Long-term | Economy Garage & Lot | Economy Lots F, G, H |
| Valet/premium | Not offered at Midway | Valet available, around $64/day |
| EV charging | Free, Level 1 hourly section | Free, Main Garage Level 1 (12 stations) |
Comparing Amenities at O’Hare and Midway Airports
MDW airport vs O’Hare on amenities is simple. O’Hare wins on volume. Midway wins in ease.
O’Hare
- Lots of restaurants, including Rick Bayless’s Tortas Frontera
- Airline lounges from United, American, Delta, and others
- Hilton Chicago O’Hare connects to the airport. Need a bed nearby? See hotels near O’Hare.
- A replica Brachiosaurus skeleton in Terminal 1
- Nursing rooms and kids’ play areas
Midway
- Central Market food court with local Chicago names
- Free Wi-Fi and plenty of charging spots
- Art displays, a kids’ play area and nursing rooms
- A USO lounge for service members
Both airports are in the middle of upgrades. Expect some construction.
ORD or MDW: Which is better to fly to?
Which Chicago airport is better? The best Chicago airport is the one that best suits your airline, your departure point and your price limits. Making Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare a bit easier is the information you can provide: Who is traveling?
Business travelers
O’Hare, usually. Fewer no-shows, more options, and more lounges when it comes to change-of-plans. If you’re flying Southwest, or you’re planning on heading to McCormick Place, then Midway is appropriate. Arranging rides for a team? Look at corporate travel.
Families
Midway Airport vs O’Hare for families: Midway is easier. One terminal, short walks, less stroller stress.
O’Hare has more play areas and more nonstop flights, which means fewer connections with kids in tow. Pick based on your route.
Budget-minded travelers
Which airport is better in Chicago for budget travelers? Often Midway. Southwest’s schedule and shorter, cheaper ground trips help.
But don’t assume. Compare fares for your exact dates. Sometimes O’Hare is cheaper.
International flyers
O’Hare. More airlines, more routes. Midway only fits if you’re flying to a few Mexico or Caribbean spots.
Travelers staying downtown, on the North Side, or in the suburbs
Staying downtown? Midway is closer on the map. That includes the Magnificent Mile, River North, and the West Loop. The Blue Line from O’Hare is also direct, so it’s not a bad trip either.
Living on the North Side or in the northwest suburbs? O’Hare. South Side or southwest suburbs? Midway.
Midway or O’Hare: How to Decide
Is Midway or O’Hare better? Is O’Hare or Midway better? Neither, for everyone. Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare isn’t a trick question. Chicago O’Hare or Midway: use these four checks.
Check the airline first
Your airline decides most trips. Southwest flies mostly from Midway. United and American are based at O’Hare. Other airlines may use both, so compare.
Check the location of your pickup point
Where does your trip start? Which Chicago airport is closer to downtown? Midway. But closer to you matters more. Map it from your door.
Compare total travel time, not just distance
Count it all: the ride, security, the walk to the gate. A cheaper flight from O’Hare can beat a closer Midway flight. A shorter ride only helps if the rest lines up.
Quick checklist
- Which airline is on your ticket?
- Domestic or international?
- Where are you starting from?
- How much luggage do you have?
- What time is your flight?
- Confirm the airport code: O’Hare or Midway Airport, ORD or MDW.
Black Car Airport Transfers from O’Hare and Midway
Picked your airport? Next question: how are you getting there? Many travelers book a car ahead. Not for show. For fewer surprises.
Why a pre-booked ride helps at both airports
The price and pickup are set before you land. No surge. No searching for the right pickup zone. Your driver knows which door to meet you at. After a long flight, that matters.
Not sure how booking works? Here’s how to book a car service to O’Hare. Flying out of Midway? See our car service to Midway Airport guide. Both are covered by our black car service.
Flight tracking and meet and greet
Flights land early. Flights land late. Your driver tracks yours and adjusts. A delay doesn’t turn into a missed pickup. With meet and greet, your driver waits for you at arrivals. Meet-and-greet service adds a flat $45 to your fare.
For the full breakdown of every terminal, door, and lane, check the complete O’Hare Midway limo pickups Chicago guide.
Luggage and group travel
Heavy bags? Sedans and SUVs have the room, and your driver helps with loading. Traveling with a crowd? See our group transportation options and the fleet.
Book your airport transfer
A pre-booked car also works for airport-to-airport rides, like Chicago Midway Airport to ORD after a rebooked flight.
Ready to go? Get a free quote or browse all airport services.
Tips for a Smoother Chicago Airport Trip
Leave extra time for traffic
Add 30 minutes to any estimate. Add 45 minutes in rush hour or bad weather.
Confirm terminal and pickup point
At O’Hare, double-check your terminal. At both airports, confirm where your driver or rideshare will meet you.
Book your ride early
Holiday weeks fill up fast. Use online booking ahead of time. Flying out and back? A round-trip transfer saves a step.
Plan for weather
Snow slows everything. Check your airline’s app. Leave early. A calm start beats a rushed one.
Final Thoughts
Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare has no universal winner. Midway is closer, smaller, and easier. O’Hare is bigger, has more airlines, and handles most international flights.
Start with your airline. Then check distance and trip type. That usually settles it.
Questions about a ride to either airport? Contact us, and we’ll help.
FAQs
What are the two airports in Chicago?
Chicago O’Hare International (ORD) and Chicago Midway International (MDW). How many airports in Chicago? Two big ones. Smaller airports like Rockford and Gary have limited flights. Some travelers also drive to Milwaukee Mitchell Airport.
What are the main differences between MDW and ORD airports?
Size, location, and airlines. O’Hare is much larger, sits northwest, and hosts United, American, and many international carriers. Midway is smaller, sits southwest, and is Southwest’s main base.
Which Chicago airport is easier for downtown access?
Midway. It’s about 11 miles away, and the Orange Line reaches the Loop in 25 to 30 minutes. Which airport in Chicago is closer to downtown? Midway every time.
Which airport is better for domestic flights, MDW or ORD?
It depends on your airline. Southwest flies mostly from Midway. United and American fly from O’Hare. On domestic routes, ORD vs. Midway comes down to fares and schedules, so compare both.
Is Midway Airport smaller than O’Hare?
Yes. Midway covers roughly 800 acres with one terminal. O’Hare covers more than 7,000 acres with four. Is Midway Airport smaller than O’Hare in passengers too? Yes, several times.
How do I get from MDW to downtown Chicago using public transportation?
Take the CTA Orange Line from the Midway station to the Loop. It takes about 25 to 30 minutes. Check the schedule for very early or late flights.
Is it better to fly into Midway or O’Hare?
It depends. The best airport to fly into Chicago is the one that fits your airline, trip type, and starting point. Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare is a trade-off, not a contest.
Which is closer to downtown Chicago, Midway or O’Hare?
Midway, at about 11 miles. People also ask how far O’Hare is from downtown. It’s about 17 to 18 miles, and the drive takes longer.
Is Midway cheaper than O’Hare?
Often, but not always. Southwest’s fares and a shorter ground trip help Midway. But compare flights and parking for your dates. O’Hare sometimes wins on price.
How far apart are Midway and O’Hare?
About 20 miles by road, and 35 to 60 minutes by car. That’s how far MDW is from ORD. Midway Airport to ORD by train takes 90 minutes or more. How far is Chicago Midway from O’Hare by car? Plan an hour.
