Chicago Midway International Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is the second-busiest airport in the Chicago metropolitan area, located approximately 11 miles southwest of the Loop business district. Once the world's busiest airport during the 1930s-50s, Midway experienced a revival after deregulation and is now a major base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of passengers.

The airport has a single terminal with three concourses arranged in a straightforward layout:

• Concourse A: 17 gates, primarily Delta Air Lines
• Concourse B: 23 gates, Southwest Airlines hub operations
• Concourse C: 3 gates, Delta, Porter Airlines, Volaris

All concourses connect through the Central Market, a renovated food and retail hub at the intersection of Concourses A, B, and C. Once through security, passengers can freely walk between all concourses without re-screening.

Midway's compact size and excellent CTA Orange Line connection to downtown make it a convenient alternative to O'Hare for travelers focused on central Chicago.

Midway is located 11 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, making it closer to the Loop than O'Hare (17 miles). The CTA Orange Line provides direct rail access to downtown.

Typical travel times:

• The Loop by train: 25-30 minutes via CTA Orange Line
• The Loop by taxi/rideshare: 20-35 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Magnificent Mile by taxi/rideshare: 25-40 minutes
• O'Hare Airport: 45-75 minutes by car (no direct transit link)

The airport has ground transportation options on the lower level (arrivals) including taxis, rideshare, and the covered walkway to the CTA station.

Uber & Lyft

Rideshare services operate at Midway with a designated pickup area.

• Pickup location: Lower level (arrivals), exit Door 4, cross to center lane
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber XL, Lyft, Lyft XL
• Wait times: 5-15 minutes typical, longer during peak hours

Destination	Fare Range	Time
The Loop	$25-40	20-30 min
Magnificent Mile	$30-45	25-35 min
Wrigley Field	$35-50	30-45 min
O'Hare Airport	$50-75	45-75 min

Fares vary with demand. Rush hour and event surges can significantly increase prices.

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue on the lower level near baggage claim. All Chicago taxis are metered and accept credit cards.

Destination	Fare	Time
The Loop (downtown)	$35-45	20-30 min
Magnificent Mile	$40-50	25-35 min
McCormick Place	$35-45	20-30 min

A $1 airport departure fee applies to all taxi trips from Midway. Tips of 15-20% are customary.

CTA Orange Line

The CTA Orange Line connects Midway directly to downtown Chicago's Loop. This is the most reliable and economical option for reaching central Chicago.

To The Loop (Adams/Wabash):

1. Follow signs to "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City" from the terminal
2. Walk the covered pedestrian bridge to the Midway station (10-12 minutes)
3. Board any Orange Line train (all go to downtown)
4. Exit at Adams/Wabash, Harold Washington Library, or other Loop stations

Ticket Type	Price
Single ride (Ventra card or tap-to-pay)	$2.50
Single ride (disposable Ventra ticket)	$3.00
1-Day Pass	$5.00
7-Day Pass	$20.00

Frequency: Every 8-15 minutes depending on time of day Operating hours: Approximately 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM

Key downtown stops:

• Adams/Wabash: Art Institute, Millennium Park
• Harold Washington Library: South Loop, Printers Row
• State/Lake: Theater District, Macy's on State Street
• Clark/Lake: Transfer to Blue Line (O'Hare), other CTA lines

Tip: Purchase a Ventra card from machines at the station or use contactless payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, tap-to-pay credit cards) directly at turnstiles.

Midway offers multiple parking options with online booking discounts.

On-Site Parking

Facility	Location	Daily Rate
Terminal Garage (Hourly)	Adjacent to terminal, Level 1	$4/hour, max $64/day
Terminal Garage (Daily)	Levels 2-6	$40/day
Daily Lot	55th St & Kilpatrick Ave	$30/day
Economy Garage/Lot	5050 W. 55th St	$15/day

Hourly Rates (Terminal Garage)

Duration	Price
1 hour	$4
2-3 hours	$8
3-4 hours	$12
4+ hours	Up to $64/day

Tips:

• Economy parking includes free shuttle service to the terminal
• EV charging available on Level 1 of Economy Garage
• For stays over 30 days, call the Parking Garage Office at (773) 838-0756

Off-Site Alternatives

Off-site lots near Midway offer rates starting around $5-12/day with free shuttle service. Midway Park Saver on 59th Street is directly across from the terminal with a 7-minute walk via the skywalk.

Midway's Central Market is the main dining hub, located at the intersection of Concourses A and B. The $400 million Midway Modernization Program expanded concessions from 44,000 to 70,000 square feet, bringing over 70 dining and retail options.

Central Market Highlights

• Connie's Pizza: Chicago-style pizza, local favorite
• Garrett Popcorn Shop: Iconic Chicago caramel and cheese popcorn
• America's Dog & Burger: Chicago-style hot dogs
• Beecher's Handmade Cheese: Artisan cheese and sandwiches
• White Sox Bar & Grill: Sports bar with Chicago flair
• Big Bowl: Asian cuisine
• Reilly's Daughter: Irish pub, central gathering spot
• Dunkin': Coffee and donuts, open 24/7

Concourse Options

• Concourse A: Food Hall with additional quick-service options
• Concourse B: BIG & little's (fish tacos), Billy Goat Tavern (burgers), Big Shoulders Coffee
• Concourse C: Limited options, use Central Market

Budget tip: Farmer's Fridge automated kiosks offer fresh salads and snacks 24/7 throughout the terminal. Order ahead at GoEatMDW.com without downloading an app.

Free WiFi is available throughout Chicago Midway Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	Free_MDW_Wi-Fi or Boingo Hotspot
Registration	Watch a short ad to connect
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Streaming quality, adequate for video calls

The free WiFi is provided by Boingo Wireless with ads displayed approximately every 45 minutes. Faster connections are available in The Club MDW lounge.

SIM card options at Midway Airport are limited compared to larger airports. Consider these alternatives:

At the Airport

• Convenience stores: Basic prepaid SIM options may be available at Hudson News or similar shops
• Check for InMotion Entertainment or electronics kiosks in the terminal

Better Alternatives

• eSIM: Purchase and activate online before travel (T-Mobile, AT&T, or third-party providers like Airalo)
• Nearby stores: T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon stores are located within a few miles of the airport
• Drugstores: Walgreens and CVS in the Chicago area carry prepaid SIM cards from TracFone, Boost Mobile, and Metro by T-Mobile ($10-50 range)

Typical Prepaid Pricing

Provider	Price Range	Data
T-Mobile Prepaid	$30-50	10GB+
AT&T Prepaid	$30-50	5-15GB
TracFone	$10-30	Budget option

Tip: Major US carriers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile) all have coverage in Chicago. T-Mobile and AT&T SIM cards work with most international unlocked phones.

ATMs are available throughout the terminal in both pre-security and post-security areas.

ATM Locations

• Landside: Near ticketing counters and baggage claim
• Airside: Central Market area and throughout concourses
• Major bank networks include Chase, Bank of America, and others

Currency

• Currency: US Dollar (USD)
• Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per bag for porters

Currency Exchange

Currency exchange services are limited at Midway. Better alternatives:

• ATM withdrawal: Use a debit card with no foreign transaction fees
• Credit cards: Widely accepted everywhere in Chicago
• Wise or Revolut: Pre-load USD before arrival for best rates

Tip: Chicago is highly card-friendly. You can navigate the entire city without cash, though tipping in cash is appreciated.

Midway's shopping options expanded significantly with the Midway Modernization Program.

Central Market Retail

• Chicago Sports Depot: Cubs, Bears, White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks gear
• Nuts on Clark: Chicago-themed gifts and snacks
• Hudson News: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• InMotion Entertainment: Electronics and accessories

Concourse Shopping

• Concourse A & B: Mix of convenience stores, newsstands, and gift shops
• Chicago-themed souvenirs: Available at multiple locations

Duty-Free

Midway has limited international flights (primarily Mexico), so duty-free shopping is minimal compared to O'Hare.

Tip: For serious shopping, downtown Chicago's Magnificent Mile is 30 minutes away by CTA.

Midway historically had no lounges due to Southwest's dominance (Southwest does not operate lounges). This changed in September 2024 with the opening of The Club MDW.

The Club MDW

• Location: Central Market, at intersection of Concourses A and B, opposite the Food Court
• Hours: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
• Size: 3,300 square feet, 76 seats

Access Methods:

• Priority Pass: Included with membership
• LoungeKey: Included with membership
• Day pass: $50, available to all passengers
• Access limit: 3 hours before departure

Amenities:

• Hot and cold food (locally sourced)
• Full bar with local craft beers (Revolution Brewing, Two Brothers) and KOVAL Distillery spirits
• Floor-to-ceiling windows with airfield views
• Work areas and power outlets
• Chicago-themed decor celebrating local architecture and culture

Note: The lounge is small and can get crowded. A waitlist system via QR code is available when capacity is reached. This is the only lounge at Midway.

Airline Lounges

Southwest Airlines does not operate airport lounges at any location, including Midway. Delta Sky Club is not present at MDW despite Delta's operations here.

Several hotels near Midway offer free airport shuttles.

Hotels with Free Shuttle

Chicago Marriott Midway

• 24/7 shuttle departing every 20 minutes
• On-site dining, Starbucks, concierge lounge
• From $150/night

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago-Midway Airport

• 24/7 free shuttle
• 0.2 miles from airport
• Complimentary breakfast
• From $120/night

Hampton Inn Chicago-Midway Airport

• Free shuttle, less than 2 miles from airport
• Free hot breakfast, renovated rooms
• From $130/night

Hyatt Place Chicago Midway

• Free airport shuttle
• Pet-friendly, on-site dining
• 148 rooms with modern amenities
• From $140/night

Residence Inn Chicago Midway Airport

• 1 mile from airport, shuttle service
• Suite-style rooms with kitchens
• Indoor pool
• From $150/night

Shuttle Pickup

Hotel shuttles pick up at the upper level (Departures) near Door 2. Call your hotel from the courtesy phones in baggage claim.

Transit Connection

Most Midway hotels offer shuttle service to the CTA Orange Line station, providing easy access to downtown Chicago without needing a rental car.

Chicago is a world-class city known for architecture, deep-dish pizza, blues music, and passionate sports fans. The CTA Orange Line puts downtown attractions within 30 minutes of Midway.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Millennium Park (The Bean)	30-35 min	Orange Line to Adams/Wabash, walk east
Magnificent Mile	35-40 min	Orange Line to State/Lake, transfer to Red Line
Willis Tower Skydeck	25-30 min	Orange Line to Quincy
Art Institute of Chicago	30-35 min	Orange Line to Adams/Wabash
Navy Pier	40-45 min	Orange Line + bus or rideshare
Wrigley Field	45-50 min	Orange Line to Fullerton, transfer to Red Line

Must-See Attractions

Millennium Park

• Cloud Gate (The Bean): Iconic reflective sculpture, free admission
• Jay Pritzker Pavilion: Frank Gehry-designed bandshell with free summer concerts
• Crown Fountain: Interactive video sculpture and water feature
• Park hours: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily, free admission

Architecture Tours

• Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise: 90-minute boat tour of famous buildings, departs from Michigan Avenue Bridge
• Wendella Boats: Family-owned since 1935, covers all three river branches
• Tours run approximately $50-60 per person, March-November

The Loop & Magnificent Mile

• 360 Chicago: Observation deck on 94th floor of former John Hancock Center
• Willis Tower Skydeck: 103rd floor views, glass Ledge extending over the street
• Magnificent Mile: Upscale shopping on North Michigan Avenue

Chicago Food Essentials

• Deep-dish pizza: Lou Malnati's, Giordano's, Pequod's
• Chicago-style hot dogs: Portillo's, Gene & Jude's (never ketchup!)
• Italian beef: Al's Beef, Mr. Beef
• Garrett Popcorn: Chicago Mix (caramel and cheese)

Layover Recommendations

• 3-4 hour layover: Stay at airport, explore Central Market dining
• 5-6 hour layover: CTA to Millennium Park, see The Bean, return
• 8+ hour layover: Add the Art Institute or an architecture river cruise

Practical Tips

• Ventra card: Load a day pass ($5) for unlimited CTA rides
• Weather: Chicago winters are harsh (Dec-Feb). Dress warmly. Summers can be hot and humid.
• Tipping: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars
• Sports: Cubs (Wrigley Field), White Sox (Guaranteed Rate Field), Bears, Bulls, Blackhawks