Midway vs O'Hare: Which Chicago Airport?
Quick Answer
Choose O'Hare (ORD) for international flights, more airline options, and connections. Choose Midway (MDW) for Southwest Airlines, closer proximity to downtown Chicago (shorter transfer times), and lower costs. Both airports offer professional black car service with 24/7 availability.
Location & Accessibility
Distance from Downtown Chicago
| Airport | Distance | Transfer Time |
|---|---|---|
| O'Hare (ORD) | 18 miles | 30-50 minutes |
| Midway (MDW) | 11 miles | 20-35 minutes |
Winner: Midway - 7 miles closer to downtown, resulting in shorter and less expensive ground transportation. See our Midway to Downtown transfer guide for detailed pricing.
Airlines & Destinations
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Major Hub: United Airlines, American Airlines
- International Routes: Extensive, 200+ destinations worldwide
- Domestic Routes: Comprehensive coverage
- Total Airlines: 45+ carriers
Midway International Airport (MDW)
- Major Hub: Southwest Airlines
- International Routes: Limited (Mexico, Caribbean)
- Domestic Routes: Strong coverage via Southwest
- Total Airlines: 8-10 carriers
Winner: O'Hare - More airlines, more destinations, essential for international travel.
Size & Navigation
O'Hare: 4 terminals, 191 gates - can take 20+ minutes to walk between some terminals
Midway: 1 terminal, 43 gates - walk from security to any gate in under 10 minutes
Winner: Midway - Significantly easier to navigate, shorter connection times.
Ground Transportation Options
Both airports offer luxury black car service, but there are key differences:
O'Hare Ground Transportation
- Pickup: Lower level, Zones 2E (T1-3) and 5E (T5)
- Typical downtown transfer: $75-95
- CTA Blue Line available ($5)
Midway Ground Transportation
- Pickup: Lower level, outside baggage claim
- Typical downtown transfer: $55-75
- CTA Orange Line available ($2.50)
Decision Matrix
Choose O'Hare If:
- Flying internationally
- Need specific airline (United, American, etc.)
- Connecting to another flight
- More flight time options matter
Choose Midway If:
- Flying Southwest Airlines
- Want faster downtown access
- Prefer smaller, easier airport
- Cost-conscious travel
Professional Black Car Service for Both Airports
We serve both O'Hare and Midway with 24/7 availability, flight tracking, and meet-and-greet service.