Distance from Downtown
17 miles northwest
Midway Airport: 10 miles southwest
Compare
Chicago has two major airports and choosing the right one affects your entire trip. O'Hare International (ORD) is the larger hub with more airlines and international flights. Midway (MDW) is smaller, closer to downtown, and primarily serves Southwest Airlines. Here is a factual comparison to help you decide, plus what to expect from your car service to each airport.
Choose O'Hare for international flights, more airline options, and business travel with lounge access. Choose Midway for Southwest flights, shorter commute times from downtown and the south suburbs, and lower fares on domestic routes. Royal Carriage provides flat-rate car service to both airports with identical service standards.
Distance from Downtown
17 miles northwest
Midway Airport: 10 miles southwest
Average Transfer Time
45-75 min depending on traffic
Midway Airport: 25-45 min depending on traffic
Starting Price (Sedan)
From $120
Midway Airport: From $120
Number of Terminals
4 terminals (1, 2, 3, 5)
Midway Airport: 1 terminal with 3 concourses
Royal Carriage: 50+ airlines including all major carriers. Midway Airport: Primarily Southwest, plus Volaris, Porter, Delta.
Royal Carriage: 60 min complimentary for arrivals. Midway Airport: 60 min complimentary for arrivals.
Royal Carriage: Available at all terminals with name sign. Midway Airport: Available at baggage claim with name sign.
Royal Carriage: Business travelers, international flights, connections. Midway Airport: Budget travelers, domestic flights, quick trips.
Choose O'Hare for international flights, more airline options, and business travel with lounge access. Choose Midway for Southwest flights, shorter commute times from downtown and the south suburbs, and lower fares on domestic routes. Royal Carriage provides flat-rate car service to both airports with identical service standards.
Midway is typically cheaper for domestic flights because Southwest dominates the airport. O'Hare has more competition on certain routes, so it is worth comparing both. Car service to Midway is also $10-20 less from most areas.
Midway is closer at 10 miles southwest of the Loop. O'Hare is 17 miles northwest. In normal traffic, Midway is a 25-minute drive versus 45 minutes to O'Hare. During rush hour, the difference is even more significant.
Yes. Royal Carriage operates flat-rate car service to O'Hare and Midway 24/7. Both include meet-and-greet, flight tracking, 60-minute wait time, and luggage assistance. Pricing is based on your pickup address.