The best ways to get from Midway International Airport to downtown Chicago

If you are flying into Chicago, you may not be familiar with the city's smaller airport on Cicero, in Chicago's South Side neighborhood. It's home to Midway International Airport (MDW), the smaller of the Windy City's airports.

Despite "international" being in its name, MDW only services 10 direct daily flights to 11 international destinations, serving as one of the largest hubs for Southwest Airlines.

If you are flying into MDW, likely on Southwest or Frontier, here are the fastest ways to get from Midway to downtown.

The L train

The Chicago Transit Authority's elevated train, known as the L, provides service directly to and from MDW via the Orange Line. Travelers checking luggage should note that trains do not have luggage racks, and some of the stations are only accessible via stairs.

Depart from: The Midway Station is east of the airport terminal building, and you can access it via an enclosed walkway next to the terminal. Look for the signs that read "CTA Trains" or "Train to the City."

Possible destinations: From MDW, you can take the Orange Line to and through downtown en route to Adams/Wabash.

Hours of operation: The L runs nearly 24 hours a day — from 3:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. Monday through Friday, from 4 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. on Saturdays, and from 4:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. Alternate overnight service is available via the N62 Archer bus.

Transit time: Getting downtown via the Orange Line will take roughly 20 to 25 minutes. All trains from MDW go to the Loop.

Estimated cost: A single-trip Ventra Card pass from MDW costs $2.50 and is valid for up to three rides within two hours of use; you can purchase one at the Midway station. Three-day passes that include unlimited rides are available for $15.

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Note that you can use contactless payment (contactless bank cards and Google, Apple or Samsung Pay), cash or a credit card to pay for your pass. Reduced rates from Midway for students younger than 12 are available for 75 cents during designated student fare hours and $1.25 at all other times.

Taxi

Taxis are available from MDW and may be the cheapest option for groups or families with excess luggage.

Depart from: A taxi line is available outside the main terminal.

Possible destinations: You can use taxis to reach downtown Chicago and its suburbs.

Hours of operation: Taxis are available 24 hours a day.

Transit time: When using a taxi, expect the trip to take between 15 and 40 minutes, depending on your destination and traffic. Trips to downtown neighborhoods — including Streeterville, River North and Gold Coast — take roughly 20 to 30 minutes.

Estimated cost: Cab companies offer a flat rate for rides from MDW to downtown, which costs approximately $35 to $45. Tipping cab drivers in Chicago is standard, and we advise you to factor in an additional 20% tip on top of the cost of your ride.

Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft are available for those who prefer ride-hailing services to cabs. The wait spots are on the arrivals level near the baggage claim area.

Depart from: Depart baggage claim through door 4 and cross the street to the center lane, where there will be signs for pickup from ride-hailing services.

Possible destinations: You can use Uber and Lyft to go downtown and north to the suburbs.

Hours of operation: Ubers and Lyfts are available 24 hours a day.

Transit time: Depending on traffic, ride-hailing services should mimic taxi rides and take approximately 15 to 40 minutes in length, depending on your final destination. Trips downtown — including to Streeterville, River North and Gold Coast — take around 20 to 30 minutes.

Estimated cost: Ride-hailing services generally charge between $30 and $45, though surge pricing during rush hour or inclement weather can reach $100.

Shuttles and buses

Several shuttle and bus companies operate from Midway. They are also accessible on the arrivals level, near the ride-hailing and taxi pickup areas. Pricing varies by company, but rides start at approximately $50 per hour.

Bottom line

If you are flying domestically, I highly recommend prioritizing flying into Midway if possible and avoiding the headache of commuting farther to O'Hare International Airport (ORD).

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