Which Chicago Airport Should You Fly Into? – Planning a trip to the Windy City? Choosing the right Chicago airport can make or break your travel experience. Chicago is served by two major airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). This comprehensive guide compares them head-to-head to help US travelers decide based on flights, location, convenience, and more.
Overview of Chicago’s Airports
Chicago O’Hare is one of the world’s busiest airports by flight volume, handling the majority of international and long-haul domestic traffic. Midway is smaller, more convenient for many domestic routes, and often praised for its ease of navigation. Your choice largely depends on your airline, destination within Chicago, and whether you’re flying internationally.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
O’Hare, located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, is a massive hub with four terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) and nearly 200 gates. It serves as a primary hub for United Airlines and American Airlines, offering extensive international and domestic connections.
Visit the official O’Hare website
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
Midway, situated just 11 miles southwest of downtown, features a single terminal with three concourses (A, B, C) and about 43 gates. It’s a major base for Southwest Airlines and appeals to travelers seeking a less hectic experience.
Visit the official Midway website
O’Hare vs Midway: Location and Distance to Downtown
Midway is significantly closer to downtown Chicago (the Loop), making it ideal for tourists staying in central areas. Travel times vary with traffic, but here’s a quick comparison:
| Aspect | O’Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to Downtown | ~17 miles | ~11 miles |
| Typical Drive Time | 45-90 minutes | 15-40 minutes |
Airlines and Flight Options
O’Hare offers far more flight choices, including numerous international routes and connections. Major carriers include United, American, Delta, and many international airlines. Midway focuses on domestic and short-haul flights, dominated by Southwest Airlines, with others like Frontier and Delta.
Choose O’Hare for international travel or maximum scheduling flexibility. Opt for Midway if flying Southwest or seeking lower fares on domestic routes.
Transportation from Chicago Airports to Downtown
Both airports offer excellent public transit via the CTA ‘L’ trains:
- O’Hare: Blue Line (about 45 minutes, ~$5).
- Midway: Orange Line (about 25 minutes, ~$2.50-$5).
Taxis, rideshares (Uber/Lyft), and shuttles are available at both. Rides from Midway are generally cheaper and faster.
Amenities and Passenger Experience
O’Hare provides more dining, shopping, and lounge options but can feel overwhelming due to its size and crowds. Midway is compact, with shorter security lines and easier navigation—often preferred by frequent travelers for its efficiency.
O’Hare is undergoing major upgrades, including new concourses, to improve the experience.
When to Fly Into O’Hare (ORD)?
- International flights or connections
- Traveling to north or northwest Chicago suburbs
- Need the widest selection of airlines and flight times
- Visiting during peak seasons with more capacity
When to Fly Into Midway (MDW)?
- Domestic flights, especially on Southwest Airlines
- Staying downtown or on the south side
- Prefer a smaller, quicker airport
- Looking for potentially lower fares and less hassle
Practical Tips for US Travelers to Chicago
Book flights based on your airline loyalty and final destination in the city. Check real-time traffic and CTA schedules. Allow extra time at O’Hare due to its size and occasional delays. Download the Ventra app for easy transit payments. Always verify terminal and gate info in advance.
Conclusion: Which Chicago Airport Is Best for You?
For most leisure travelers from the USA heading downtown, Midway offers convenience and simplicity. However, O’Hare’s vast network makes it essential for international trips or complex itineraries. Compare specific flight options on your preferred dates and weigh them against ground transportation. Safe travels to Chicago!