Midway vs O'Hare: Which Chicago Airport Is Best for Your Trip?
Should you fly into O'Hare or Midway? Chicago's two commercial airports serve different purposes, and choosing the right one can save you time and money. This comprehensive guide compares both airports to help you decide.
Need transportation from either airport? Call (224) 801-3090. We serve both O'Hare and Midway.
Quick Comparison
| Factor | O'Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 83M passengers/year | 22M passengers/year |
| Terminals | 4 terminals | 1 terminal |
| Distance to Downtown | 17 miles | 10 miles |
| Travel Time to Loop | 35-60 min | 20-40 min |
| Primary Airlines | United, American, Delta | Southwest |
| International Flights | Yes (Terminal 5) | Limited |
| Black Car Rate | From $65 | From $55 |
Choose O'Hare (ORD) If...
- Flying United or American: Both airlines have hubs at O'Hare
- International Travel: Nearly all international flights use Terminal 5
- Need Flight Options: More airlines, more routes, more frequencies
- Connecting Flights: Better connections through United/American networks
- Going to North/Northwest Suburbs: Closer to Schaumburg, Arlington Heights
Choose Midway (MDW) If...
- Flying Southwest: Midway is Southwest's Chicago hub
- Want Lower Fares: Southwest often has competitive pricing
- Quick In/Out: Smaller terminal means faster navigation
- Going to South/Southwest Suburbs: Closer to Oak Lawn, Orland Park
- Hate Walking: Midway is compact and efficient
Detailed Airport Comparison
Airlines & Destinations
O'Hare: United (hub), American (hub), Delta, Spirit, Frontier, and 40+ international carriers. 200+ domestic and international destinations.
Midway: Southwest (hub), Delta, Porter, Volaris. 70+ domestic destinations, limited international (Mexico, Caribbean).
Navigation & Experience
O'Hare: Large, can be confusing. Allow 20-40 minutes from gate to curbside. Inter-terminal train connects T1-T2-T3-T5.
Midway: Compact, easy to navigate. 10-20 minutes from gate to curbside. Single terminal with straightforward layout.
Ground Transportation
O'Hare: Remote rideshare pickup lots require shuttle. Black car pickup at terminal doors. CTA Blue Line to downtown (45 min).
Midway: Closer rideshare pickup. Black car at terminal door. CTA Orange Line to downtown (25 min).
Cost Comparison: Ground Transportation
| Service | O'Hare to Downtown | Midway to Downtown |
|---|---|---|
| Black Car | $65 | $55 |
| Rideshare | $35-100+ | $25-75+ |
| Taxi | $45-65 | $30-45 |
| CTA Train | $5 | $5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Midway or O'Hare closer to downtown Chicago?
Midway is closer—just 10 miles from downtown compared to O'Hare's 17 miles. Travel time to downtown is typically 20-40 minutes from Midway versus 35-60 minutes from O'Hare.
Is Midway easier than O'Hare?
Yes, Midway is significantly easier to navigate. With one terminal and a compact layout, most travelers can get from gate to curbside in 10-20 minutes. O'Hare's four terminals and larger footprint can take 20-40 minutes.
Which Chicago airport is cheaper?
Midway often has lower fares, especially on Southwest. Ground transportation is also cheaper—our black car rate from Midway is $55 compared to $65 from O'Hare.
Book Transportation from Either Airport
We serve both O'Hare and Midway with flat-rate pricing.
- 📞 Call: (224) 801-3090
- 📧 Email: info@royalcarriagelimo.com
- ✈️ O'Hare: From $65 / Midway: From $55
Same great service at both Chicago airports!
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