Deciding between Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare is one of the most important choices travelers make when visiting Chicago. The two airports differ significantly in distance to downtown, crowd levels, flight availability, and overall convenience. At Black Car Services Chicago, we offer premium private car service Chicago and luxury airport transfer to ensure you enjoy a comfortable, stress-free arrival no matter which airport you choose. This guide will help you make the smartest decision.
Overview of Chicago Airports
Choosing between Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. Both airports serve millions but offer very different experiences.
Chicago Midway International Airport
The ideal location for families and other travelers alike, Midway International Airport (MDW) offers the convenience of managing its size. One common inquiry by travelers is, “how far is midway airport from downtown chicago?” A simple Google search shows that the airport’s south/southwest distance from the business district in Chicago meets 10 miles. Most Southwest Airlines flights departing from the airport are throughout the U.S. with long lines at screening and navigable traffic through the airport making it a major contender among business and family travelers seeking to avoid frustration when traveling to their destinations.
O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare Airport (ORD) is the largest and busiest City airport with over 80 Million passenger arrivals per year through its gates. O’Hare is approximately 18 miles north of downtown Chicago and is one of the largest international departure points on three different of the United and American Airline’s lists of the largest international departure points. O’Hare International has an extensive footprint available for both long-haul and international routes. Although O’Hare is larger than mid-state and receives considerably more passenger traffic, O’Hare’s World-Class Facilities and extensive list of flight options make it the best option for international or long-distance passengers.
Quick Comparison: Chicago Midway vs O’Hare
| Feature | Chicago Midway (MDW) | O’Hare (ORD) |
| Distance from Downtown | 10 miles southwest | 18 miles northwest |
| Primary Role | Mostly domestic flights | International & major domestic hub |
| Terminals | 1 main terminal (3 concourses) | 4 terminals (1, 2, 3, 5) |
| Major Airline Hub | Southwest Airlines | United Airlines & American Airlines |
| Annual Passengers (2025) | Approx. 19.4 million | Approx. 84.8 million |
| Best For | Quick domestic trips, less crowded | International flights & global connections |
| Crowd Level | Much less crowded, easy navigation | Very busy, one of the world’s busiest |
| Avg. Drive Time to Downtown | 20 to 40 minutes | 40 to 70 minutes |
Airlines and Flight Options
When comparing Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare, airlines and flight options differ significantly between the two airports. Midway specializes in domestic flights while O’Hare excels in international and long-haul connections.
Airlines and Flight Options at Chicago Midway International Airport
Midway Airport is the primary domestic hub of Chicago with its straightforward, cost-effective, and efficient flight operations. There are many domestic flights available multiple times daily to a variety of destinations within the United States. Because Southwest Airlines is the dominant airline at this facility, all of the airlines, by and large, are primarily domestic. This made Midway an ideal choice for travelers seeking low-cost, flexible travel solutions, along with fast and easy to get to airports for short trips with minimal connecting flights.
Airlines and Flight Options at O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International Airport is the major global hub of Chicago and the major hub for many international and domestic airlines based all over the world. United Airlines and American Airlines are located at O’Hare primarily and create the basis of a comprehensive international hub of their own with considerable domestic and international flights available all over the world. There are hundreds of domestic and international flights available at O’Hare Daily with hundreds of long-haul flights to major cities in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. O’Hare has the most extensive flight networks globally and many connecting options for international travel.
Terminals and Layout
When comparing MDW vs O’Hare, the terminal layout significantly affects how easy it is to navigate. Midway offers a single compact terminal while O’Hare has multiple expansive terminals.
Terminals at Chicago Midway International Airport
- Concourse A: There are 17 gates at Concourse A where you can fly to/from major airline carriers like Southwest, Delta, Frontier, and Volaris as well as enjoy many quick service food options and shopping opportunities.
- Concourse B: This is the largest of the three concourses with 23 gates. It handles most of Southwest Airlines’ domestic departure flights.
- Concourse C: This is the smallest concourse with three gates and only has regional and quick-turn airlines using this location to operate their flight schedule.
Terminals at O’Hare International Airport
- Terminal 1: This terminal serves as the primary base for United Airlines in addition to providing many other national and international carriers access to their gates from both Concourses B & C.
- Terminal 2: This terminal services several major domestic carriers and is an operating base of United Express, Air Canada, and JetBlue Airlines.
- Terminal 3: This terminal operates primarily as an American Airlines terminal and it has many gates operated by Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and numerous international carriers.
- Terminal 4: This is the Airport’s only terminal used for international flights and handles the arrivals from all overseas flights in addition to being used as a departure point for some domestic Delta & Southwest flights.
Chicago Airport Lounges
When comparing Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare, lounge access can greatly enhance the travel experience for premium and business travelers. Midway has limited options while O’Hare offers extensive facilities.
Airport Lounges at Chicago Midway International Airport
- The Club MDW: Chicago Midway International Airport has only one lounge available, The Club MDW. It provides plenty of space, comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks – both hot and cold – as well as good Wi-Fi and power outlets. It also has views of the runway.
- The Club MDW Access: The Club MDW is available for pay-per-use access from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily and is ideal for a quiet place to wait for domestic flights, where light meals and refreshments will also be provided.
Airport Lounges at O’Hare International Airport
- United Club: Multiple locations with complimentary hot and cold food, beer, wine, spirits, high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, private workspaces, and shower facilities in select clubs.
- United Polaris Lounge: Premium lounge for long-haul international travelers offering gourmet meals, full bar, lie-flat seating, shower suites, and high-end amenities for ultimate comfort.
- American Airlines Admirals Club: The American Airlines Admirals Club is a sizable lounge with plenty of food, beverages (both hot and cold), Wi-Fi, sufficient working areas and a full bar for any traveler flying with American Airlines, whether domestic or international.
- American Airlines Flagship Lounge: The American Airlines Flagship Lounge has chef-created meals, fine wines, an area consisting of private suites, showers and superior service for first and business class travelers flying with American Airlines.
- Delta Sky Club: Comfortable lounge with light bites, beverages, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and relaxing seating ideal for SkyTeam passengers before their flights.
Distance to Major Chicago Attractions
Travel time can also help determine the best airport for your trip.
| Destination | From Midway | From O’Hare |
| Downtown Chicago (The Loop) | 10 miles (20–35 min) | 18 miles (40–60 min) |
| Navy Pier | 12 miles (25–40 min) | 20 miles (45–70 min) |
| Millennium Park | 11 miles (22–37 min) | 19 miles (42–62 min) |
| Magnificent Mile | 11 miles (22–38 min) | 19 miles (43–65 min) |
| Willis Tower | 10 miles (20–35 min) | 18 miles (40–60 min) |
| McCormick Place | 9 miles (18–32 min) | 17 miles (38–58 min) |
| Lincoln Park Zoo | 14 miles (28–45 min) | 22 miles (50–75 min) |
Ground Transportation Options for Chicago Airports
When comparing Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare, ground transportation options play a major role in how quickly and comfortably you reach downtown Chicago. Both airports offer multiple choices.
1. CTA Public Transit
Chicago Transit Authority provides the most budget-friendly option from both airports. The CTA Orange Line from Midway reaches downtown in 25 to 30 minutes while the CTA Blue Line from O’Hare takes 45 to 50 minutes. Trains run frequently, are reliable, and cost only $3 to 6 per ride. This choice works well for solo travelers or those with light luggage who want to avoid road traffic entirely.
2. Taxi Service
Taxi stands are available right outside the terminals at both Midway and O’Hare. From Midway, a taxi to downtown usually costs $35 to 55 and takes 20 to 40 minutes. From O’Hare, the same ride costs $45 to 70 and can take 40 to 75 minutes during rush hour. Taxis offer fixed rates for some zones but can become expensive with traffic delays and extra luggage fees.
3. Rideshare Services (Uber & Lyft)
Uber and Lyft operate at both Chicago Midway and O’Hare airports with dedicated pickup zones. Midway rides are generally cheaper and faster due to shorter distance, while O’Hare rides often face higher surge pricing during peak hours. App-based booking is convenient but wait times and final fares can vary greatly depending on demand and traffic conditions at the time of arrival.
4. Shared Airport Shuttle
Shared shuttle vans provide a middle-ground option between public transit and private cars. They serve both Midway and O’Hare with drop-offs at major downtown hotels. Midway shuttles are quicker and more economical, while O’Hare shuttles take longer due to distance. This service is suitable for groups or travelers who want some comfort without paying full private car rates.
5. Black Car and Limo Service
Black Car Services Chicago delivers the most premium and reliable ground transportation from both Midway and O’Hare. Professional chauffeurs offer fixed pricing, flight monitoring, and door-to-door service with luxury vehicles. Whether you land at the closer Midway or busy O’Hare, you get stress-free comfort, ample luggage space, and a smooth ride to downtown without worrying about traffic or surge pricing.
Facilities and Amenities at Chicago Midway and O’Hare
When comparing ORD vs MDW, facilities and amenities vary greatly. Midway keeps things compact and convenient while O’Hare provides extensive premium options.
Dining Options
Midway Airport contains 33 traditional meals from Chicago restaurants. After passing through security, you’ll find quick authentic meals already waiting for you at Billy Goat Tavern, Arami and Gold Coast Dogs; O’Hare has over 130 restaurants to choose from within its terminals that will serve meals based upon your ethnicity (all types of ethnic), gourmet choices or the need to sit down during a layover (or both) and have plenty of time for your meal due to your next flight being scheduled later on that day (after an initial stopover).
Shopping convenience
If you want to buy something quickly at Midway and will not have time to do so later in the day or on your way back home, you’ll find a variety of stores available/being fulfilled by a toy store (FAO Schwarz), candy store (Sweet Indulgences), and newspapers, magazines and electronics. When shopping at O’Hare, you’ll be surprised to see the amount of duty-free shopping you can do in four different terminals, as well as for the number of brand-named products and Chicago-related souvenirs that you have access to when shopping.
Free WiFi
You can expect fast, free wi-fi access in both the terminal and concourse area on both sides (before and after) of security checks at Midway. If you find yourself with unlimited speeds of free wi-fi at O’Hare, you can connect with anyone and/or anything during your visit.
Smoke-free environment
Both Midway and O’Hare have made available designated and specific outdoor smoking areas located away from the respective terminal buildings; however, people that smoke will have to exit their respective terminals and be rechecked again for security upon return.
Airport Security Checkpoints
With a single compact terminal and three concourses, security lines are generally quick at Midway, averaging 10 – 15 minutes from check-in to boarding. By contrast, O’Hare has numerous multi-terminal security checkpoints with wait times of 20 – 40 minutes on average during busy periods/peak hours due to increased demand on services.
Airport Pet Relief Areas for Service Animals
Midway has two indoor pet relief areas for service animals located at concourse A directly north of concourse A near Gate A4A and both offer relief pads as well as water. O’Hare has multiple pet relief areas located in each terminal; they are open air or indoor depending on the terminal. This provides travelers with more locations to relieve their pets over the course of a greater number of layovers.
Mobile Charging Stations
Midway provides many charging outlets and mobile device charging stations throughout all concourses and gate locations so travelers may charge their devices in an expeditious manner. O’Hare has many charging stations throughout the terminals and power outlets for travelers, and several work areas with either USB ports or wireless charging ports.
Family Facilities / Restroom Facilities
Midway has clean and spacious restrooms plus one family restroom with a changing station located in each concourse for families traveling with small children. O’Hare has large and modern family rooms, nursing suites and clean restrooms, all located away from terminal entrances, and include lots of extra room and facilities for baby care items.
Our Premium Black Car Service Options for Chicago Midway and O’Hare
- Black Car / Executive Sedan: Our flagship black car offers sleek comfort for 1 to 3 passengers with leather seats, climate control, Wi-Fi, and professional chauffeurs. Perfect for business travelers and VIP arrivals, especially when you book black car service chicago o’hare.
- Premium SUV: Spacious and powerful SUVs comfortably seat up to 6 passengers with extra luggage room and higher ground clearance. Excellent choice for families or small groups needing both luxury and practicality.
- Mercedes Sprinter Van: Our luxury Sprinter Van is designed for larger groups and corporate teams, seating 10 to 14 passengers with captain chairs, ample legroom, and high-end interior. Perfect for group travel from both airports.
- Stretch Limo: For special occasions, celebrations, or VIP arrivals, our Stretch Limo provides ultimate luxury with mood lighting, premium entertainment, and red-carpet service. We proudly offer O’Hare limo rental and Midway limo rental for unforgettable experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midway different from O’Hare?
Yes, they’re two totally different airports in Chicago. O’Hare (ORD) is the huge international hub on the northwest side with way more flights. Midway (MDW) is smaller, mostly domestic (especially Southwest) on the southwest side.
Is O’Hare the biggest airport in the world?
No, O’Hare is one of the busiest (recently #1 worldwide by number of flights). But by passenger count, Atlanta is usually bigger. “Biggest” depends on what you mean O’Hare feels massive though.
Is it easier to get into Chicago from O’Hare or Midway?
Midway is easier and faster to downtown Chicago. It’s closer (about 10-12 miles) so you’re in the city in 25-40 minutes. O’Hare is 17-18 miles out and traffic can make it 45-70 minutes.
How do I get from Chicago O’Hare to Midway Airport?
The best way is my private airport transfer service. It’s comfortable, direct and hassle-free door-to-door from O’Hare to Midway. It takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.
Which is cheaper, Midway or O’Hare?
Midway is usually cheaper for flights, especially with Southwest Airlines. Fares are often lower for domestic trips. Ground transport from Midway to downtown is also cheaper and quicker than from O’Hare. Always compare both though.
Which airport is closer in the Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare comparison?
Midway is much closer to downtown Chicago only about 10 miles away versus O’Hare’s 17-18 miles northwest. If you’re heading to the Loop or South Side, Midway saves you time and hassle.
How far apart are Midway and O’Hare airports?
They’re about 25 miles apart by road on opposite sides of the city. Driving or Uber usually takes 35-60 minutes depending on traffic. It’s not close to planning extra time if switching airports.
Is there a shuttle between MDW and ORD?
No free public shuttle. You can take private airport shuttles or just use CTA trains (Blue Line from O’Hare to downtown, then Orange Line to Midway about 90 minutes total, super cheap).
Final Decision: Which Airport is Better for You?
Choosing between chicago midway airport vs o’hare ultimately depends on your flight type, group size, and comfort needs. Here is a clear breakdown of advantages and disadvantages for both airports.
Chicago Midway International Airport
Midway is significantly closer to downtown Chicago, offers much shorter security lines, and provides a relaxed, easy-to-navigate experience with fewer crowds. It is ideal for domestic travelers seeking speed, convenience, and lower stress levels during arrival and departure.
Midway has limited international flight options, fewer airline choices, and smaller lounge and dining facilities compared to larger hubs. Passengers needing global connections or extensive amenities may find it restrictive for long-haul or complex travel plans.
O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare provides the widest range of domestic and international flights, excellent global connections, and extensive premium lounges, dining, and shopping options. It is the best choice for international travelers and anyone needing maximum schedule flexibility and world-class facilities.
O’Hare is farther from downtown Chicago, much busier with longer security times, and often experiences heavier traffic delays. Navigation can feel overwhelming due to its large size and multiple terminals, especially for first-time or time-sensitive travelers.