Complete Guide to Midway Airport Transportation
Your complete guide to Chicago Midway International Airport. Single-terminal simplicity, Southwest Airlines hub, and the fastest route to downtown Chicago and south suburbs.
How much does a black car from Midway to downtown Chicago cost?
A black car from Midway to downtown Chicago costs $65 flat rate for a luxury sedan or $85 for an SUV. Midway is only 10 miles from downtown, making it $10 cheaper than O'Hare transfers. All rates include curbside pickup at Door 4, flight tracking, and professional chauffeur service. Book online or call (224) 801-3090 for 24/7 service.
About Midway Airport
Chicago's conveniently located second airport with single-terminal simplicity.
Airport Facts
- • Location: 10 miles southwest of downtown Chicago
- • Layout: Single terminal with 3 concourses (A, B, C)
- • Primary Airline: Southwest Airlines (~95% of flights)
- • Annual Passengers: 23+ million
- • Daily Flights: 450+ departures
- • Nickname: "The World's Busiest Square Mile"
Why Choose Midway
- • Closer to downtown (10 mi vs 17 mi)
- • Single terminal = easy navigation
- • Shorter security lines
- • Lower ground transportation costs
- • Better for south side destinations
- • Southwest's famous low fares
Terminal & Concourse Guide
Midway has one terminal with three concourses. All are easily accessible from a central hub.
Concourse A
Primary Southwest Airlines concourse. Closest to main terminal entrance.
Airlines
Southwest Airlines (primary), Porter Airlines
Concourse B
Mixed Southwest and partner airline concourse. Good restaurant selection.
Airlines
Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines
Concourse C
Smallest concourse serving regional and international carriers.
Airlines
Volaris, Other regional carriers
Midway Flat Rate Pricing
Competitive rates to all destinations. Midway's closer location means lower prices.
Midway vs O'Hare Comparison
See why Midway might be the better choice for your trip.
Ground Transportation Options
All ways to get from Midway to your destination.
Black Car Service
From $65 (flat rate)🕑 25-35 min to downtown
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
$25-80 (variable)🕑 25-35 min to downtown
Taxi
$35-50 (metered)🕑 25-35 min to downtown
CTA Orange Line
$2.50🕑 25-30 min to Loop
Pickup & Dropoff Instructions
🛫 For Arrivals
- Land at Midway: Your driver is tracking your flight
- Collect Bags: Baggage claim is near the terminal exit
- Go to Lower Level: Follow signs for ground transportation
- Exit Door 4: Designated black car pickup zone
- Meet Your Driver: Look for name sign, load up, and go
Note: 15 minutes complimentary wait time from landing.
🛬 For Departures
- Schedule Pickup: 2 hours before departure recommended
- Curbside Collection: Driver arrives 5-10 minutes early
- Direct Route: We know the fastest way to Midway
- Upper Level Dropoff: Departures level entrance
- Luggage Assistance: Driver unloads at curb
Southwest Tip: Check in online 24 hours before for best boarding position.
Midway Parking
If you're driving yourself to Midway, here are your parking options.
Compare: 5 days economy parking = $70 vs $65 black car to downtown (door-to-door).
TSA & Security Tips
Security Checkpoints
Midway has two security checkpoints - one near Concourse A and one near Concourse C. Both provide access to all concourses after screening.
TSA PreCheck
PreCheck lanes are available at both checkpoints. Average PreCheck wait time is under 10 minutes, compared to 15-25 minutes for standard screening.
Peak Times to Avoid
Monday mornings and Friday afternoons see the longest security lines. Mid-week travel and early afternoon departures typically have shorter waits.
Southwest Tips
Southwest doesn't have assigned seating, so boarding position matters. Check in exactly 24 hours before departure for best position.
Midway Airport FAQs
Where is the black car pickup location at Midway Airport?
For arrivals, your driver will meet you at the ground transportation area on the arrivals level (lower level), outside Door 4. This is the designated rideshare and limo pickup zone. You'll receive a text with your driver's name, photo, and vehicle details 30 minutes before landing.
How much does a black car from Midway to downtown Chicago cost?
Black car service from Midway to downtown Chicago is $65 flat rate for a luxury sedan, $85 for an SUV. This is $10 less than O'Hare due to Midway's closer proximity. All rates include curbside pickup, flight tracking, and 15 minutes complimentary wait time.
Is Midway Airport easier to navigate than O'Hare?
Yes, significantly. Midway has a single terminal with three concourses, making it much easier to navigate than O'Hare's four separate terminals. You can walk from one end of Midway to the other in about 10 minutes. This simplicity extends to ground transportation - our pickup location is a short walk from any gate.
What airlines fly out of Midway Airport?
Southwest Airlines dominates Midway, accounting for about 95% of flights. Other airlines include Delta, Frontier, Porter, and Volaris. Midway primarily serves domestic destinations with limited international service to Mexico and Canada.
How early should I arrive at Midway for my flight?
For domestic flights, arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure. Midway is smaller than O'Hare, so security lines are typically shorter. During holidays or peak summer travel, arrive 2 hours early. Southwest passengers using Wanna Get Away fares should allow time for check-in.
Does Midway have a train to downtown Chicago?
Yes, the CTA Orange Line runs from Midway to downtown Chicago's Loop. The trip takes about 25-30 minutes and costs $2.50. Service runs approximately 5 AM to 11 PM (no 24-hour service like O'Hare's Blue Line). The station is connected to the terminal via a covered walkway.
What if my Southwest flight is delayed at Midway?
We track all flights in real-time. If your Southwest flight is delayed, we automatically adjust your pickup time at no extra charge. Southwest is known for quick turnarounds, so delays are often shorter than at other airlines. You'll receive an updated pickup time via text.
Can I get a black car from Midway to the suburbs?
Absolutely! We provide flat-rate service from Midway to all Chicago suburbs including Naperville ($85), Oak Brook ($75), Orland Park ($45), and many more. South suburban destinations are particularly convenient from Midway due to its southwest location.
Is Midway or O'Hare better for south side destinations?
Midway is significantly better for south side and southwest suburban destinations. For Hyde Park, Bridgeport, Oak Lawn, Orland Park, or Tinley Park, Midway is closer and cheaper. O'Hare is better for north side and northwest suburban destinations.
What ground transportation options are available at Midway?
Midway offers several ground transportation options: black car service (from $65 flat rate), rideshare pickup outside Door 4, taxis at the taxi stand, CTA Orange Line to downtown ($2.50), and rental cars in the transit center. Black car and taxi offer curbside pickup; rideshare requires walking to designated zones.
Book Your Midway Transfer
From $65 flat rate. Curbside pickup. Professional service. Skip the hassle.