The best ways to get from Midway International Airport to downtown Chicago
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
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.
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).
Related reading:
- Sky-high luxury: A review of the new St. Regis Chicago
- Chicago's Midway Airport to get its first lounge next year
- What it's like staying at the historic Chicago Athletic Association, part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection
- High-speed rail in Chicago; Amtrak making travel in the Midwest faster and easier
- The 17 best Chicago hotels
- Ferris Bueller's Chicago: Reliving the '80s in a city that never stands still
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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$325Recommended Credit
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.