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Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) opened in 1927 and served as Chicago's primary commercial airport until O'Hare took over in 1955. Located about 10 miles southwest of the Loop, it is known for its compact, close-in layout and short runways, making it a convenient alternative to O'Hare, especially for Southwest Airlines travelers.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know the CTA Orange Line is often faster than a taxi during rush hour; load a Ventra card on your phone before landing to skip the station ticket machines.
🚖 Getting There
Take the CTA Orange Line for a traffic-free ride to the Loop; the station is a short indoor walk from baggage claim. Taxis and rideshares pick up on the lower level, but allow extra time during rush hour. If driving, Midway is near I-55 and Cicero Avenue, and the economy parking lots require a shuttle to the terminal.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How far is Midway from downtown Chicago?
A: Midway is roughly 10 miles (16 km) southwest of the Loop; the CTA Orange Line train takes about 25–30 minutes to reach downtown.
Q: Which airlines operate at Midway?
A: Southwest Airlines is the largest carrier at Midway, with additional service from Delta, American, and others; it primarily handles domestic routes.
Q: Is there public transportation from Midway to downtown?
A: Yes, the CTA Orange Line 'L' station is connected to the terminal via an enclosed walkway and provides direct service to the Loop.
Q: How early should I arrive at Midway?
A: For domestic flights, arrive at least 90 minutes before departure; early mornings and holidays can have longer security lines, so 2 hours is safer.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 27, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash