O’Hare or Midway – Which Airport is the best in Chicago?

Many people from around the world visit the city of Chicago in the United States. The suburb area is well-known for its iconic architecture, including the Willis Tower and its unique food culture. To reach the city, there are two major airports: Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. Both airfields offer a good connection to the area and are among the top choices for passengers.

However, numerous travelers find it difficult to choose between the two major airports for traveling to the “Windy City.” As a result, we have created this extensive guidebook on ‘O’Hare or Midway’, which aims to equip you with a complete understanding of the best airport for your journey to Chicago. Please ensure you read it in its entirety to discover the essential considerations for choosing the right airport for your travels.

Basic Information of O’Hare Airport and Midway Airport

Before we discuss further details on O’Hare vs. Midway, let’s review some fundamentals of both airports. Having crucial insights about these important pieces of information is essential before you depart for the flight or upon arrival at the destination after completing the journey. Get familiar with the address, contact number, and other details.

	Chicago O’Hare International Airport	Chicago Midway International Airport
Airport Type	Public	Public
Address of the Airport	10000 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago, IL 60666, United States	5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638, United States
IATA Code	ORD	MDW
Contact Details	+1 800-832-6352	+1 773-838-0600
Official Website	https://flychicago.com/ohare	https://flychicago.com/midway
Number of Runways	8	4

Which Chicago Airport has the Shortest Distance to Downtown?

One of the major factors that passengers often consider when selecting an airport in Chicago is its distance from downtown. The city extends to the north, south, and west, approximately divided into three sections by the Chicago River. O’Hare Airport is located in the extreme northwest of the suburb and is approximately 17 miles away from downtown. Furthermore, Chicago Midway is situated deep on the Southwest Side and is located 10 miles away from downtown. Here is a further breakdown.

Traveling to Downtown	ORD Airport	MDW Airport
Travel Distance by Car	17 miles	10 miles
Travel Time by Car	40-60 minutes	20 minutes
Projected Uber Fare	$45	$30
Public Transportation	CTA Blue Line	CTA Orange Line

The best way to reach downtown from Midway International Airport is to take the Orange Line of the Chicago Transit Authority, which offers a pleasant experience. This public transport enables passengers to arrive at the location in around 25 minutes, without much traffic. Similarly, the Blue Line of CTA provides a direct connection from ORD Airport to downtown, with a travel time of around 50 minutes.

Therefore, when considering distance, Chicago Midway International Airport is a better choice due to its proximity to the downtown area, resulting in reduced travel durations.

ORD vs MDW – Operating Airlines

One of the significant differences between the two airports is the number of operating airlines and their routes. In this aspect, Chicago O’Hare wins the crown. It is the tenth busiest airport worldwide, with nearly 735,881 planes departing in 2024, and more than 90 million passengers boarded flights at the airport. Moreover, it serves as a primary airfield for United Airlines, offering numerous domestic and international routes. Here are all the airlines that fly to and from the ORD airport.

Aer Lingus	Aeroméxico	Air Canada	Air Canada Express
Air France	Air India	Air Serbia	Alaska Airlines
All Nippon Airways	Austrian Airlines	Avelo Airlines	Avianca
Avianca Costa Rica	Avianca El Salvador	British Airways	Cathay Pacific
Contour Airlines	Copa Airlines	Delta Air Lines	Delta Connection
Denver Air Connection	Emirates	Ethiopian Airlines	Etihad Airways
EVA Air	Finnair	Frontier Airlines	Iberia
Icelandair	ITA Airways	Japan Airlines	JetBlue
KLM	Korean Air	LOT Polish Airlines	Lufthansa
Qatar Airways	Royal Jordanian	Scandinavian Airlines	Southern Airways Express
Southwest Airlines	Spirit Airlines	Sun Country Airlines	Swiss International Air Lines
TAP Air Portugal	Turkish Airlines	United Airlines	United Express
Viva	Volaris	WestJet

While Midway International Airport is classified as an international airport, it primarily caters to domestic routes and serves as a hub for Southwest Airlines, making it the busiest airport in its network. It also accommodates a limited number of flights from other full-service airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, alongside budget options like Allegiant Air and Volaris. Other air carriers that operate from MDW Airport are Frontier Airlines, Delta Connection, and Porter Airlines.

Terminal Overview of MDW Airport and ORD Airport

Due to the higher volume of both international and domestic flights, Chicago O’Hare International Airport features more terminals than Midway International Airport (MDW). Let us delve into the terminal configurations of these two airports.

Chicago Midway vs O’Hare
MDW Airport	ORD Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) features a singular terminal that is segmented into three distinct concourses: A, B, and C. Presented below is a detailed overview: Concourse A – This area primarily serves airlines like Delta, Southwest, and Volaris. It features 17 gates and provides multiple dining and shopping options. Concourse B – Concourse B primarily handles operations for Southwest Airlines and features 23 gates, along with numerous amenities. Concourse C – This lobby is smaller than the above two and has three gates. It handles flights of Avelo Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and more.	Chicago O’Hare International Airport has four terminals numbered Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. Terminal 1 – The station features 52 gates on two concourses, designated as B and C. Passengers will enjoy dining, shopping, and lounges. Terminal 2 – The facility features 41 gates, distributed between two concourses, labeled E and F. It offers a range of services, including dining and retail options. Terminal 3 – This location comprises 80 gates and four concourses, labeled G, H, K, and L, offering a comprehensive selection of amenities, including lounges and restaurants. Terminal 5 – This terminal serves solely international flights and comprises 35 non-sequential gates located on a single concourse. It also includes customs and immigration services.

Airport Facilities and Amenities – Enjoy your Journey

Chicago O’Hare International Airport spans 7,627 acres, making it one of the largest airports in the United States. The airfield has four passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. On the other hand, Chicago Midway International Airport has one main passenger terminal and spans an area of 775.4 acres. For passengers, navigating the MDW Airport will be easier than navigating the ORD Airport due to its larger space and numerous amenities. However, when it comes to services offered, O’Hare takes the win.

One of the most significant advantages of O’Hare Airport is that it is located in the same city that has United Airlines‘ headquarters. There are four United Clubs at the airport and the nation’s inaugural renovated Polaris Lounge. The four United Clubs share similar characteristics, with only slight differences in size, design, and modernity.

The Polaris lounge offers a luxurious experience, featuring private, shaded daybed rentals, as well as showers and warm towels provided to passengers during check-in. Moreover, it is the only Polaris lounge in the country that has a chandelier, where each ball signifies a street in Chicago. The waiting area is situated directly across from the duty-free store and is easily accessible to international passengers traveling in United Polaris and premium Star Alliance classes.

The holders of the United Club Card, which has an annual fee of $695, are entitled to unlimited complimentary access to the United Club lounge. The airport also has a Delta Sky Club, which features showers, fantastic views, and a full-service bar.

Meanwhile, Midway Airport has also inaugurated its first lounge after 96 years of operation. The Club MDW, located in Concourse B, welcomes travelers daily from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. It is affiliated with the Priority Pass network, allowing non-members to access the lounge for a daily fee of $50.

How to Travel to and from the Airports?

Both airports, ORD and MDW, offer plenty of ground transportation options for passengers. These can be used to travel to and from the airport before departure and after the flight’s landing. So, have a look at the multiple choices you have. Additionally, please visit the airport’s official website for more information.

O’Hare Airport

Midway Airport

Shuttles – The airport offers several shuttles and regional buses for seamless transportation. Taxis – Traveling to and from the ORD Airport using a taxi is a convenient option. The expected fare is around $50. Rideshare – Rideshare services, including Uber and Lyft, offer scheduled transportation. Rental Cars – Car rental agencies are located within the Multi-Modal Facility (MMF). Public Transit – Several public transportation options are readily available, including the CTA Blue Line, Metra, and Pace. Transportation to Midway – To travel to MDW Airport, passengers can use the CTA service or a taxi.

Shuttles – Several shuttles and regional buses operate at MDW Airport, facilitating convenient travel for passengers. Taxi – Taxi stands can be found at the curb front on the lower level of the airport terminals. Rideshare – The designated loading area for rideshare services is located on the Lower Level, outside of Baggage Claim. Rental Cars – Midway’s Rental Car Facility accommodates all rental companies in a single, convenient location. Public Transit – The airport offers multiple public vehicles, including, CTA Orange Line​, CTA buses, and Pace buses. Transportation to O’Hare – Passengers can access CTA, which is the most economical option; otherwise, a taxi is also a convenient option.

Parking Services for Vehicle Safety

Many passengers choose to travel to their operating airport using their vehicles. However, they face problems with parking their automobiles. So, whether you decide to commence the expedition from Chicago O’Hare or Midway, we have shared essential information for parking facilities below.

O’Hare Airport Parking

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) provides a range of parking solutions to accommodate various requirements:

1. Main Garage – The Main Garage at ORD offers both hourly and daily parking options. Hourly parking, situated on level 1, is perfect for brief visits or passenger pickups. Daily parking is available on Levels 2-6 and in Lots B and C, located adjacent to the domestic terminals.

2. Economy Lots– The airport offers economy parking in various lots. The Lot F has enclosed parking facilities with complimentary access to the Airport Transit System (ATS) for terminal transportation. Lot G is an open-air parking lot, and Lot H is a budget-friendly parking facility near the terminals.

3. Valet Parking & Cell Phone Lot– The airport also features Valet Parking and offers assistance for people with disabilities. Moreover, people who want to pick up a passenger can utilize the cell phone lot at the airport.

Midway Airport Parking

The MDW airport also provides multiple parking areas, ensuring travelers face no difficulties. Here is a complete list.

1. Terminal Garage – The hourly parking is located on level 1 and is the best choice for short stays. Passengers can also utilize daily parking, located at levels 2-6, which is an ideal place for extended stays.

2. Economy Parking – The Economy Garage and Economy Lot offer long-term parking services, along with complimentary shuttle buses to the terminal.

3. Daily Lot – Positioned on 55th Street and Kilpatrick Avenue, this area is ideal for short-term parking, although it is not recommended for overnight use.

4. Reserved Parking – Located on Level 4 of the Main Terminal Garage, a supplementary reservation fee of $10 per space per day is required.

Note: Passengers must visit the official website of the specific airport to learn about the fees and any additional applicable charges. Moreover, individuals can book their parking spaces in advance of the journey.

Where can Travelers Stay before Departure or after Arrival?

Air travel is often fascinating, as it ensures passengers travel from one place to another easily. At the same time, it proves to be tiring, causing travelers to wish for a period of relaxation before their travels or after they have reached their destination. Therefore, it is always a better idea to stay at one of the hotels near the airports.

Hotels	Address	Contact Number	Star Rating
Hotels near Chicago O’Hare International Airport
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago O’Hare Airport – Rosemont	5460 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018	(847) 292-9100	4
Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O’Hare Airport	10249 W Irving Park Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176	(847) 671-6000	3
Holiday Inn Chicago-Elk Grove, an IHG Hotel	1000 Busse Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007	(847) 437-6010	3
Comfort Suites Chicago O’Hare Airport	4200 N River Rd, Schiller Park, IL 60176	(847) 233-9000	3
Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare Area by IHG	5615 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60631	(773) 693-5800	3
Hotels near Chicago Midway International Airport
Courtyard Chicago Midway Airport	6610 S Cicero Ave, Bedford Park, IL 60638	(708) 563-0200	3
Hyatt Place Chicago/Midway Airport	6550 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638	(708) 594-1400	3
Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Midway Airport	6530 S Cicero Ave, Bedford Park, IL 60638	(708) 496-2700	3
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago-Midway Airport by IHG	6500 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638	(708) 458-0202	3
Hampton Inn Chicago-Midway Airport	6540 S Cicero Ave, Bedford Park, IL 60638	(708) 496-1900	3

Concluding

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the two major airports in Chicago, as outlined in the manual regarding Chicago Midway Airport vs O’Hare. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and choose the one that suits your travel needs. Book your flight tickets as soon as possible and be ready to explore the beautiful place with your naked eyes.

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