Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), 10 miles from downtown on the city’s Southwest Side, is a key hub for Southwest Airlines and other carriers. Despite serving millions yearly, MDW is often overshadowed by the larger O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
This guide explains Midway’s location, access, airlines, amenities, and how it compares to O’Hare.
What Is Chicago Midway International Airport?
Chicago Midway International Airport, identified by the IATA code MDW, is a major commercial airport operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation. It’s the second-busiest airport in both the Chicago metropolitan area and the state of Illinois.
The airport sits in a square mile bounded by 55th and 63rd Streets, Central Avenue, and Cicero Avenue, straddling Chicago’s Clearing and Garfield Ridge communities. Its official street address is 5700 S. Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638.
Midway earned the title “home of the world’s busiest square mile for incoming and departing airline flights” during its peak decades—a legacy that still shapes its identity today.
Where Is Midway Airport Located in Chicago?
Midway sits on Chicago’s Southwest Side, approximately 10 miles (about 16 km) from the Loop, the city’s central business district. This is notably closer to downtown than O’Hare, which is about 17 miles to the northwest.
The airport is accessible via I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) and Cicero Avenue, with convenient access to the Loop and South and Southwest neighborhoods—ideal for those outside the North Side.
A Brief History of Midway Airport
Midway’s origins trace back to 1923, when the land was first used as Chicago Air Park. The site was formally established as Chicago Municipal Airport on December 12, 1927, and quickly became the city’s primary aviation hub.
By the 1930s and 1940s, it became the world’s busiest airport. In 1948, it surpassed LaGuardia Airport in New York, holding the “World’s Busiest Airport” title until 1960.
In July 1949, the airport was renamed Midway in honor of the Battle of Midway, the pivotal World War II naval engagement fought in the Pacific in 1942. The name stuck, and with it came a sense of pride that the airport carries to this day.
Midway’s dominance ended when O’Hare opened in the 1950s and 1960s. Midway adapted, becoming a key base for low-cost carriers and now a hub for Southwest Airlines.
Getting To and From Midway Airport
One of Midway’s biggest advantages is quick, easy city access. Travelers have several good options.
CTA Orange Line
The CTA Orange Line is the fastest, most affordable route to downtown’s Loop, with a station inside the terminal. Trains operate roughly from 4:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. and reach the Loop in about 25 minutes.
Taxi, Rideshare, and Limo
Taxis, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, and car services are curbside. Rideshare pick-up zones are marked. Drive time to downtown is 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic.
Rental Cars
Major rental car companies operate from Midway’s consolidated facility, ideal for reaching suburbs or areas not served by transit.
Parking
Midway offers a range of on-site parking options:
- Hourly Garage – starting at $4 for the first hour, ideal for short pick-ups and drop-offs
- Daily Garage – covered parking at a flat daily rate
- Economy Lots – lower-cost long-term parking, best for multi-day trips
- Reserved Parking – book in advance to guarantee a space upon arrival
Shuttles and Buses
Several regional shuttle services and bus operators serve Midway, connecting passengers to destinations throughout the Chicago suburbs and surrounding states. The N62 Archer bus operates as a Night Owl alternative to the Orange Line during late-night and early-morning hours when train service is limited.
Airlines at Midway Airport
Six commercial carriers currently serve Midway International Airport:
- Southwest Airlines (Concourses A, B) – the main carrier, serving most passengers
- Delta Air Lines (Concourse A)
- Allegiant Air (Concourse A)
- Frontier Airlines (C), Porter Airlines (A), Volaris (A)
Southwest Airlines defines Midway, using two concourses and handling most flights.
Amenities at Midway Airport
Midway’s terminal, opened in 2001, offers 43 gates across three concourses and was designed for smoother travel.
- International Passenger Facility in Concourse A for travelers clearing customs
- A 50,000-square-foot food court featuring Chicago-style dining options and retail shops
- A Yoga Room for pre- or post-flight relaxation
- Airport art installations throughout the terminal
- A dedicated USO lounge for active military personnel and their families
- Full accessibility accommodations throughout the airport, including accessible stations on the Orange Line
Recent updates added more security lanes and parking garage improvements.
To help you decide between Chicago’s two main airports, let’s compare Midway and O’Hare.
Chicago is one of the few major U.S. cities served by two significant airports. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | Midway (MDW) | O’Hare (ORD) |
| Location | Southwest Side | Northwest Side |
| Distance to Loop | ~10 miles | ~17 miles |
| Primary Carrier | Southwest Airlines | United Airlines, American Airlines |
| International Service | Limited | Extensive |
| CTA Connection | Orange Line | Blue Line |
| Scale | Mid-size | One of the world’s largest |
O’Hare is Chicago’s main international airport, serving global routes and offering extensive connectivity. Midway, by contrast, is smaller, located closer to downtown, and is dominated by Southwest Airlines, appealing mainly to domestic and budget travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Chicago Midway Airport?
Chicago Midway International Airport’s IATA code is MDW.
Where exactly is Midway Airport in Chicago?
Midway is located on Chicago’s Southwest Side at 5700 S. Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, approximately 10 miles from the downtown Loop.
How do I get from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago?
The quickest way is the CTA Orange Line, which runs directly from the airport to the Loop in about 25 minutes. Taxis and rideshares are also available curbside.
Which airlines fly out of Midway Airport?
Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Porter Airlines, and Volaris all operate at MDW.
Is Midway Airport or O’Hare closer to downtown Chicago?
Midway is closer. MDW is about 10 miles from the Loop, compared to O’Hare’s roughly 17 miles.
Does Midway Airport have international flights?
Yes. Midway has a Federal Inspection Service facility in Concourse A that supports international arrivals. Volaris operates international service to Mexico, and Porter Airlines connects MDW to Canadian destinations.
What time does the CTA Orange Line start and stop at Midway?
On weekdays, trains from Midway to the Loop begin at 3:30 a.m. and run until 1:05 a.m. Weekend service starts slightly later. The N62 Archer bus covers overnight hours.
What Time Is It in Ho Chi Minh City? A Guide to ICT - Lonely Planet
March 12, 2026[…] Chi Minh City is among Southeast Asia’s most congested cities. TomTom’s index reports average congestion at 46.9%, worse during rush […]