Chicago's Dual Airport System: How It Works

Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. However, there is a third, lesser-known airport, Gary/Chicago International Airport, which is about 25 miles from downtown Chicago. O'Hare is one of the largest airports in North America and one of the busiest in the world, with dozens of airlines flying to and from its four terminals. Midway, on the other hand, is much smaller, with just one main terminal and three concourses. It is less busy than O'Hare, serving primarily domestic destinations.

Chicago O'Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country

Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the country and the world.

O'Hare International Airport is the largest airport in Chicago, with four or five terminals. It is located on the Northwest Side of the city, around 14 to 17 miles from the Loop business district in downtown Chicago. The airport is easily accessible by road, with direct highway access to the terminal, and is also served by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line, the Metra commuter train service, regional buses, and taxis.

O'Hare offers an extensive network of flights, with non-stop services to numerous destinations across the globe. As of 2024, the airport had non-stop flights to 249 destinations, including locations in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and the North Atlantic region. O'Hare is a hub for several major airlines, including American Airlines, United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines. It is also the headquarters for United Airlines.

The airport's busy status is reflected in its aircraft movements, with an average of 919,704 movements in 2019, the most of any airport in the world that year. This high volume is partly due to a large number of regional flights. O'Hare is also one of the world's busiest airports by passenger traffic, holding this distinction from 1963 to 1998.

O'Hare's large scale brings both advantages and disadvantages. The airport's size means travellers can find a wide range of restaurants, lounges, and stores to pass the time during layovers. Additionally, O'Hare's location in a good area of the city may provide peace of mind for anxious travellers. However, its status as one of the busiest airports in the world can make navigation challenging, with long wait times at checkpoints. The distance from downtown Chicago can also add significant travel time, especially during rush hour.

Despite the challenges, O'Hare remains a critical transportation hub for the Midwest and beyond, offering a vast array of flight options to travellers from all over the world.

Chicago Midway Airport is smaller and less busy than O'Hare

Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is one of the largest and busiest airports in North America, with five terminals and hundreds of daily flights to domestic and international destinations. By comparison, Midway is a smaller, less busy airport with a single terminal and three concourses. It offers around 220 flights each day, primarily to domestic destinations, with some flights to Mexico.

O'Hare is located 15 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, while Midway is situated on the south side of the city. The distance from O'Hare to downtown is a factor to consider when planning travel, as it can take approximately 45 minutes or even more during rush hour. In contrast, Midway is much closer to the city centre, with a travel time of just 15 to 25 minutes.

The sheer size of O'Hare means that it can be challenging to navigate, with long walks between gates and significant time spent passing through checkpoints. Midway, on the other hand, offers a smoother and easier experience, with shorter wait times for security and a more straightforward layout. With its single terminal and three concourses, getting to your gate at Midway is far quicker and less complicated than at O'Hare.

While O'Hare boasts a wide range of shopping and dining options, including a sprawling food court and a mall-like atmosphere, Midway has a more limited selection. It offers plenty of places to grab snacks or a quick bite, but it does not have the same extensive range of shops and restaurants as its larger counterpart.

Both airports are well-connected to the city, with efficient public transportation options. O'Hare is served by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line and the Metra commuter train service, as well as regional and airport shuttle buses. Midway is easily accessible via the CTA Orange Line train, CTA and Pace buses, and regional and shuttle buses.

In summary, Chicago Midway Airport is smaller and less busy than O'Hare International Airport. It offers a more streamlined travel experience with shorter wait times and easier navigation. While O'Hare may be preferable for those seeking a wider range of amenities and international flight options, Midway is a convenient choice for travellers looking for a quick and efficient airport experience, especially for domestic travel.

Gary/Chicago International Airport is Chicago's third airport

Chicago is a city with a lot of aviation history and is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. However, even most Chicago locals tend to forget that there is a third international airport, Gary/Chicago International Airport, about 25 miles from downtown Chicago.

Gary/Chicago International Airport (IATA: GYY, ICAO: KGYY, FAA LID: GYY) is a joint civil-military public airport in Gary, in Lake County, Indiana, United States. It is three miles northwest of the city centre of Gary and 25 miles southeast of the Chicago Loop. It is operated by the Gary/Chicago International Airport Authority, which was created by an interstate compact between Gary, Chicago, and Indiana. The airport is easily accessible from nearby highway connections, including I-90, I-80, I-94, I-65, and the Chicago Skyway.

The airport has two runways over 7,000 feet long, which can accommodate aircraft of all sizes. It serves general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users. Numerous businesses, including Boeing, Menards, and White Lodging Services, base their corporate aircraft here. The airport has excellent infrastructure, an amazing location, and reasonable fees. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology and efficient operations, making it a great choice for cargo transportation.

In terms of passenger service, Gary/Chicago International Airport has had a varied history. The airport once had scheduled passenger flights, but these were discontinued in 2013 due to low demand. Since then, there have been efforts to re-attract passenger service, with plans for the return of commercial flights in late 2023 or early 2024. However, these plans have been delayed due to pilot shortages and aircraft delivery issues.

O'Hare Airport is accessible via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line

Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is one of the largest and busiest airports in North America, with five terminals and a wide range of domestic and international flights. Midway, on the other hand, is much smaller, with just one terminal and a few concourses, and primarily serves domestic destinations.

O'Hare Airport is located about 30 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It is easily accessible via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line, which offers 24-hour service to and from the airport, the downtown Loop, and various neighbourhoods in Chicago. The Blue Line station can be reached by following the "Trains to City" signs through the pedestrian tunnels from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. From Terminal 5, passengers can take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) shuttle to the main terminal complex. The CTA Blue Line takes about 45 minutes to reach the Loop and provides connections to other parts of the city and the suburbs.

The CTA is a convenient and affordable option for travellers, with fares payable by cash, credit card, or contactless payment methods. The Blue Line station at O'Hare also offers easy connections to other public transportation options, such as the Metra commuter train service and regional buses.

In addition to public transportation, O'Hare Airport can also be accessed by taxi, rideshare, rental car, or private vehicle. The airport provides parking facilities for those who choose to drive, with rates starting at $15 per day.

Midway Airport is accessible via the CTA Orange Line train

Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is one of the largest and busiest airports in North America, with five terminals and a wide range of shopping and dining options. Midway, on the other hand, is a smaller airport with a single terminal and three concourses. It offers a more limited selection of shops and restaurants, but it is known for its smoother and easier flying experience, with shorter wait times and easier navigation.

Midway International Airport is located on the south side of Chicago and is a good choice for travellers headed to neighbourhoods south of the Loop. It can be reached via the Chicago Transit Authority's Orange Line trains, which depart from downtown Chicago. The Orange Line provides a quick and convenient way to get to and from the airport, making it an attractive option for travellers.

The Orange Line trains offer a direct connection between Midway Airport and downtown Chicago, making it easy for travellers to access the city centre. The trains run regularly, providing a reliable mode of transportation for those arriving at or departing from the airport. In addition to the convenience of the Orange Line, Midway Airport is also served by CTA buses, Pace buses, and regional and shuttle buses, ensuring that travellers have a range of transportation options to choose from.

For travellers who prefer not to drive or take a taxi, the Orange Line train provides a cost-effective and efficient way to get to and from Midway Airport. It is particularly advantageous for those travelling with luggage, as it eliminates the need to worry about parking or navigating busy roads. The train offers a comfortable and stress-free journey, allowing travellers to relax and enjoy the ride while avoiding the hassle of dealing with traffic.

Overall, the accessibility of Midway Airport via the CTA Orange Line train is a significant advantage for travellers visiting Chicago. It provides a direct and efficient transportation option, connecting the airport to the city centre and offering a seamless travel experience for those arriving or departing from Midway International Airport.

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