Which airport is closer to downtown Chicago: Midway or O’Hare?

Air Travel

By Kristy Tolley

The Two Major Airports in Chicago

Chicago is a bustling city with two major airports, Midway and O’Hare. Midway International Airport is located on the southwest side of Chicago, while O’Hare International Airport is located on the northwest side of the city. Both airports offer a variety of flights to domestic and international destinations, making it easy for travelers to get in and out of the city.

Location Comparison: Midway and O’Hare

Midway and O’Hare airports are located on opposite sides of Chicago, with Midway being closer to the city’s downtown area. Midway is situated in the neighborhood of Garfield Ridge, while O’Hare is located in the suburbs of Rosemont and Des Plaines. Despite their distance, both airports are easily accessible and offer a range of transportation options for travelers.

Distance to Downtown Chicago: Midway

Midway Airport is located approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago, making it the closer of the two airports to the city center. Travelers can expect a drive time of around 20-25 minutes to get to downtown Chicago, depending on traffic. Public transportation options are also available and can get you to downtown Chicago in under 30 minutes.

Distance to Downtown Chicago: O’Hare

O’Hare Airport is located approximately 18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, making it a bit further from the city center than Midway. The average drive time from O’Hare to downtown Chicago is around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Public transportation options are available and can get you to downtown Chicago in around 45 minutes.

Public Transportation Options: Midway

Midway Airport offers a variety of public transportation options, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Orange Line train, which runs directly to downtown Chicago. The train takes around 25 minutes to get to the Loop, the city’s central business district. Additionally, several bus routes also run to and from Midway.

Public Transportation Options: O’Hare

O’Hare Airport also offers a range of public transportation options, including the CTA Blue Line train, which runs directly to downtown Chicago. The train takes around 45 minutes to get to the Loop. Several bus routes also run to and from O’Hare.

Taxi and Rideshare Options: Midway

Taxis and rideshare services are readily available at Midway Airport. Depending on traffic, travelers can expect a ride to downtown Chicago to take around 20-30 minutes. Fares vary depending on the time of day and demand.

Taxi and Rideshare Options: O’Hare

Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available at O’Hare Airport. Depending on traffic, travelers can expect a ride to downtown Chicago to take around 30-40 minutes. Fares vary depending on the time of day and demand.

Parking Options: Midway

Midway Airport offers several parking options, including hourly, daily, and economy parking. Hourly parking is available in the terminal garage, while daily parking is available in the main parking garage. Economy parking is available in a remote lot and offers a lower daily rate.

Parking Options: O’Hare

O’Hare Airport also offers several parking options, including hourly, daily, and economy parking. Hourly parking is available in the terminal garages, while daily parking is available in the main parking garage. Economy parking is available in a remote lot and offers a lower daily rate.

Flight Options: Midway

Midway Airport offers a range of domestic and international flights, with several major airlines operating out of the airport. Popular destinations include New York, Los Angeles, and Mexico City.

Flight Options: O’Hare

O’Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. Several major airlines operate out of O’Hare, including American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. Popular destinations include London, Paris, and Tokyo.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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