There is no separate Midway Airport international terminal. International flights use the one main terminal. Passengers are processed at the CBP area upon arrival. Most of these flights are on Southwest and Volaris. You’ll be met at the baggage area or the curb to get your car. Once you know where, it’s easy to get picked up.
Many people search for the Midway Airport international terminal. They expect a separate building. O’Hare has one, called O’Hare Terminal 5. That is where the mix-up starts. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) works differently. It’s a single terminal and has three concourses. Foreign flights arrive at the airport and pass through immigration. It’s a waste of time to go and search the wrong place. This matters when you pick someone up. It matters more when you fly out.
In this blog, we cover the layout, airlines, customs steps, and pickup spots. We also compare rides to downtown Chicago. By the end, you will know exactly where to go.
Does Midway Airport Have an International Terminal?
No. Midway has only a single terminal building. It is for both international arrivals and departures. It’s also known as Midway Terminal or the MDW airport terminal. The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) runs the airport. It’s located on Cicero Ave in Chicago, IL. That is a short ride from the Chicago Loop.
Searches for Midway Airport terminals or Midway terminals often confuse people. The answer stays the same. One building handles everything.
One Terminal, Three Concourses (A, B, and C)
Two concourses are important for international tourists: A and B; both lead to the same building. Concourse C sits nearby. You never need a shuttle or train. Walking is enough.
Why It Is Called Midway International Airport
The name says Midway International. So people expect a big global hub. International flights are simply flights to other countries. Think Mexico and the Caribbean. This is an international airport by name, not by size.
How This Differs From O’Hare Terminal 5
O’Hare is O’Hare International Airport (ORD). It has 4 terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Most of the international flights are served at Terminal 5. You can read how O’Hare’s terminals work if you need that airport.
Midway has no such split. In a Midway vs O’Hare Airport match-up, Midway wins on simplicity. The Chicago airport terminal layout here is easy to learn. Walks are short. Signs are clear.
Midway Airport Terminal Layout: Concourses A, B & C
The Midway Airport terminal layout is simple. Check-in sits on the upper level. Baggage claim sits below. Three concourses branch off one building. Every Midway concourse is a short walk away.
Concourse A – International Arrivals
Concourse A is the key spot for the Midway Airport international terminal experience. International arrivals come through this side. Passport control and customs sit nearby. Delta and Volaris usually use this area too. Gates change often. Check your boarding pass.
Concourses B and C
Concourse B is Southwest’s main home. Concourse C adds more Southwest gates. Both are easy to reach after security.
People ask, what terminal is Southwest at Midway Airport? Others ask, what terminal is Southwest at Midway? The answer is simple. There is only one terminal. Southwest mostly uses Concourse B, plus some of C.
Terminal Map, Check-In, Security & Baggage Claim
A Midway terminal map shows a plain shape. The upper level has airport check in counters. Go through the hall, and you’ll find a ‘peaceful brand battle ‘. There are three airlines that compete for attention: Southwest, Delta, and Volaris. Do a quick Volaris check to find your counter.
TSA runs the security checkpoints. Lines move fast off-peak. After landing, head down to baggage claim. Screens show your belt number.
Driving? Midway parking is directly next to the building. There are economy and garage parking options at Midway Airport. It fills up during holidays. Lock bikes at bike racks near the entrance.
Which International Flights Use Midway?
International service here is small. It focuses on leisure routes. Think beaches, not long-haul.
International Airlines
Southwest’s destinations include Mexico and the Caribbean. Volaris operates in several cities in Mexico. Routes are subject to change seasonally. When booking flights with an airline, be sure to always verify with your carrier.
Major International Destinations
Mexico is at the top of the list. These are popular destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Los Cabos. Caribbean routes like Montego Bay follow. Canada and Europe are rare. For those, O’Hare is the better choice.
What Is the International Arrival Process at Midway Airport?
The Midway Airport international terminal process has five steps. Each one is quick.
Step 1: Follow Signs to Passport Control
Follow the signs, leaving your gate. Be sure to bring a passport. Don’t use your cell phone.
Step 2: Complete Immigration Checks
Your passport is checked by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers. They ask some questions. Give concise and accurate answers.
Step 3: Collect Your Checked Baggage
Bags are picked up at the baggage area. Look on the screen for your belt. Take up your bags and proceed.
Step 4: Clear U.S. Customs
Hand over your declaration. Officers may check your bags. Declare food and large cash amounts.
Step 5: Exit Toward Ground Transportation
Follow the signs outside. Here you find Midway Airport ground transportation. Your driver or ride waits nearby.
How Long Does Customs Take at Midway?
The average travel time is 30-60 minutes. Busy hours are longer. Use this as an approximate guide. Nothing is guaranteed.
How Do You Get to and From Midway International Airport?
You have four main choices. Each fits a different trip. Here is a quick look at transportation from Midway Airport.
CTA Orange Line
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) runs the Orange Line. It can be found next to the terminal. The trains are direct to the Chicago Loop. Fares are simple and low-cost. However, pack light bags. Heavy luggage is difficult to carry when on stairs or overcrowding in a car.
Taxi and Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
They’re both readily available. Uber and Lyft have a designated pick-up area. The airport taxi line is located outside. Wait times vary according to the hour. Ride-sharing fares rise during peak hours. Taxi fares are set by a meter. Make comparisons before you make your decision.
Driving and Airport Parking
You’re free to drive. Exit close to Cicero Ave (to the lots). On peak weekend days, parking lots are filling up at Midway Airport. Book early and save. Midway terminal parking costs more than the economy. Plan extra time in Illinois winters. Snow slows everything.
Private Car and Chauffeur Services
A private car service waits for you at arrivals. Your driver tracks your flight. You skip lines and guessing. Bags are handled for you. More expensive than public transportation. It saves you time, stress, and effort. Chauffeur service is ideal for late arrivals.
Where Does Your Chauffeur Meet You at Midway Airport?
The pick-up point at Midway Airport is subject to your booking. Two places are most typically used by most drivers. Both are readily available.
Meet & Greet Inside the Baggage Claim Area
Midway Airport meet and greet puts your chauffeur inside. They hold a welcome sign with your name. They help with bags. This works well after long flights. It is a true meet-and-greet service.
Pre-Arranged Black Car and Limo Pickup Locations
Prefer the curb? Your driver parks at the bottom-level arrivals curb. Your Midway Airport chauffeur pickup details come by text. The same goes for any Midway Airport limo pickup. Rules can change. Confirm the spot before landing.
Want more on the airport itself? See this Midway Airport car service page.
Other Pickup Options: Rideshare, Uber, and Taxi
Not everyone books ahead. Here is how each option works.
The Midway Airport Uber pickup and Midway Airport Lyft pickup are in the same zone. After baggage claim, follow the rideshare signs. Waits vary by time of day. Prices rise at peak hours.
The Midway Airport taxi stand sits outside baggage claim. Lines usually move fast. Fares follow the meter. An airport taxi is simple but unpredictable.
A chauffeur from Black Car Services Chicago waits for you instead. The rate is quoted upfront. See our airport transfer services for details.
| Option | Typical Wait | Pricing | Best For |
| Chauffeur | Already waiting | Quoted upfront | Groups, business, late flights |
| Uber / Lyft | 5–15 minutes | Changes with demand | Solo trips |
| Taxi | Short to moderate | Metered | Quick curb pickup |
Black Car Service From Midway Airport
A black car service feels easy after a flight. Your driver tracks your landing. No waiting. No guessing.
Black Car Services Chicago offers chauffeur service across the city. That includes a Midway Airport car service for solo and group trips. Many guests pick a private car service for the ride home. A Midway Airport transfer also works for early flights.
Heading downtown after you land? Check the Midway to downtown drive times. It covers Midway Airport transportation to downtown Chicago.
Airport Transfer Options (Sedan, SUV, Sprinter)
A sedan fits one to three riders. An SUV adds room for bags. A Sprinter van suits big groups. Pick based on people and luggage.
You can also book a private airport transfer for a family trip. Same pickup. Same easy exit.
How to Book Your Midway Pickup
Booking takes a few minutes. Share your flight number. Add your pickup time and address. Choose your vehicle.
Business traveler? Look at corporate travel options. You can book your ride online anytime. Questions first? Reach the team here.
Final Thoughts
The Midway Airport international terminal is not a separate building. Midway has one terminal and three concourses. International flights use the same space. Customs sits near Concourse A.
That makes the airport easy to learn. Know your concourse. Know your pickup spot. Then the rest feels simple.
Looking for a soothing landing? Request a pick-up for your flight. Make sure to book your Midway ride in advance. Once you have landed, your driver will be ready.
FAQs
Does Midway Chicago have terminals?
Midway has one main terminal. Three concourses, A, B, and C, branch off it. They all connect inside one building. You can walk between them in minutes. No shuttle needed.
What is the number of terminals at Midway?
Just one. At Midway, there is one terminal building. It has three concourses coming off it: A, B, and C. There is never a need to take a train or shuttle. All this is under one roof. Walking is easy.
Is Midway Airport still open in Chicago?
Yes, Midway is open and busy. It has a wide number of flights every day, primarily Southwest. Call your airline to find out if they’ve changed their schedules. The hours and gate information are subject to change. Always check before heading out of the house!
Is Midway a large airport?
No, it is compact. O’Hare is larger. There are three concourses and one terminal at Midway. This helps to keep the lines moving and the walks short. It is popular among travelers for its quickness. It’s closer, too.
