Chicago Airports: Which Offers The Best Experience?

Chicago is served by two major commercial airports: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Both airports offer excellent accessibility around Chicago, but there are several factors to consider when deciding which airport to fly into. These include the location of your destination, your preferred mode of transportation, the airline you plan to fly with, and whether you are travelling internationally or domestically.

Location and accessibility

Chicago is served by two major commercial airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). O'Hare is located 15-18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, while Midway is situated on the southwest side of the city, about 8-12.5 miles from the city centre. Both airports offer excellent accessibility to the city, with O'Hare providing 24/7 access to Downtown Chicago via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line, and Midway connecting to the CTA Orange Line.

O'Hare is the larger of the two airports, with four terminals and eight runways spanning 7,200 acres. It is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving around 80 million passengers annually. In contrast, Midway is much smaller, with a single terminal and five runways covering 840 acres. It handles about 20 million passengers each year.

In terms of transportation options, O'Hare offers several choices. In addition to the Blue Line, passengers can opt for the Metra commuter train service or regional and airport shuttle buses. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available, with a designated pick-up area outside Terminal 2. For those driving to the airport, O'Hare provides short-term, long-term, and valet parking options. Car rental services are conveniently located via the Airport Transit System.

Midway also offers a range of transportation options. Passengers can take the CTA Orange Line train, CTA buses, or regional airport shuttle buses. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and car rental options are also available. For those driving to Midway, there are daily parking garages, economy parking lots, and an hourly garage to choose from.

When it comes to accessibility and location, the choice between O'Hare and Midway may depend on your final destination and preferred mode of transportation. O'Hare's larger size and greater number of flight options may appeal to those seeking a wider range of destinations, while Midway's smaller size and proximity to downtown Chicago may be more convenient for those travelling domestically or staying in the city centre.

Transportation options

Both O'Hare and Midway offer excellent accessibility around Chicago, so your choice between the two may depend on your destination and your preferred mode of transportation. Chicago's "L" transit system provides travellers with public transportation via subway or elevated train lines by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA).

O'Hare Transportation Options

O'Hare is located 15 to 18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It offers several public transportation options, including the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line, which provides 24/7 access to Downtown Chicago, the Metra commuter train service, and regional and airport shuttle buses. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available, with a designated rideshare area outside Terminal 2.

For those driving to the airport, O'Hare offers short-term, long-term, and valet parking options. It is easily accessible from various landmarks, hotels, and attractions in Chicago.

Midway Transportation Options

Midway is situated on Chicago's South Side, about 10 to 12.5 miles from the city centre. It is the closest airport to downtown Chicago. Transportation options include the CTA Orange Line train, CTA buses, and regional airport shuttle buses. Taxi and rideshare services are also available, and parking is offered for those who drive to the airport.

Both airports have rental car services, with Midway hosting all its rental companies in one convenient location with 24/7 shuttles.

Airlines and destinations

Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

O'Hare is Chicago's main airport, with 43.7 million passengers travelling through the airport annually. It is ranked as one of the busiest airports in the world. O'Hare is a hub for United and American Airlines, with 47 airlines servicing the airport in total. The airport has four terminals, with Terminal 5 considered the international terminal.

O'Hare offers non-stop flights to more than 150 U.S. cities and over 60 international destinations. Some of the destinations include:

• New York
• Los Angeles
• Phoenix
• Paris
• Shanghai

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway is Chicago's second-largest airport, with approximately 19 million passengers flying through it annually. The airport primarily services domestic destinations, with Southwest Airlines being the dominant carrier. Seven airlines service Midway, flying non-stop to over 70 U.S. cities and more than 10 international destinations in Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Some of the destinations include:

• Washington, D.C.
• Toronto
• Mexico City

Amenities and services

Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Both offer extensive amenities and services, but there are some differences.

O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

O'Hare is Chicago's busiest airport, with four terminals and eight runways spanning 7,200 acres. It offers a wide range of dining options, including celebrity chef restaurants like Rick Bayless' Tortas Frontera, Garrett Popcorn, Chicago-style hot dogs, and pizza. O'Hare also has various shopping outlets, including luxury boutiques, electronics stores, duty-free shops, and specialty stores with Chicago-themed souvenirs.

For entertainment, O'Hare has a brachiosaurus skeleton replica in Terminal 1, art installations, and an airport yoga room. There is also a family lounge with a designated play area for children and charging stations. Nursing mothers can access lactation pods and a Mother's Room, and there are diaper vending machines. O'Hare also has eight airline lounges, including United Club, United Polaris Lounge, American/JAL/Iberia Admiral’s Club, and American Flagship Lounge.

Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway is a smaller airport with one terminal and five runways across 840 acres. It offers dining options such as BIG & little’s, Big Shoulders Coffee, Arami, Billy Goat Tavern, and Cielo Cantina​. There are also various shops, newsstands, and a toy store. Midway also has a yoga room, a kid's play area, and a USO centre for military personnel and their families. The Club MDW is a new addition, offering a lounge, bar, dining, and workstations.

Comparison

O'Hare is larger and offers more amenities, dining options, and shopping choices. It also has several airline lounges, which Midway lacks. However, Midway is praised for its efficient security checks and shorter wait times. It is also closer to downtown Chicago, making it a more convenient option for those travelling to the city centre.

Overall traveller experience

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)

O'Hare is the sixth-busiest airport in the world, serving 200,000 travellers daily and over 80 million people annually. It is Chicago's busiest airport, with four terminals and eight runways spanning 7,200 acres. O'Hare offers about five times as many domestic and international flights as Midway, with nearly 1,000 non-stop flights daily to nearly 230 destinations worldwide.

O'Hare has been voted the best airport in the US, scoring 7.1 out of 10. It offers travellers extensive services, amenities, and elevated common areas. The Airport Transit System (ATS), an automated people mover, connects all terminals, remote parking lots, and the rental car centre, ensuring seamless transit within the airport complex. O'Hare also has an innovative urban garden that uses cutting-edge agricultural techniques to grow fresh produce, showcasing its commitment to sustainability. The airport also has a pet relief area, enhanced traveller assistance services, and a yoga room.

However, O'Hare's large size means bigger crowds and more waiting. Passengers can expect longer security and check-in lines, and longer walking distances between gates than at Midway. Peak times can bring wait times of up to 40 minutes. O'Hare is also known for delays and cancellations, especially during bad weather, and is constantly undergoing construction and renovations, which can make navigation challenging.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway is the smaller of Chicago's two main airports, with one terminal and five runways across 840 acres. It offers about 220 flights daily to destinations in the US, Canada, Jamaica, and Mexico. As a smaller airport, Midway offers shorter wait times for security and easier navigation. With just one terminal and three concourses, travellers can reach their gate in 10 minutes, making it ideal for connecting flights.

Midway serves around 60,000 travellers per day, resulting in a more relaxed atmosphere. It provides a yoga room, ATMs, charging stations, free Wi-Fi, and various business centres. For travellers with children, there are lactation pods, a Mother's Room, and a kid's play area. There is also a USO centre for military personnel and their families.

Midway has a variety of dining options, including BIG & little’s, Big Shoulders Coffee, Arami, Billy Goat Tavern, Cielo Cantina, Nuts on Clark, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Dunkin Donuts, and Gold Coast Dogs. It also has an array of shops, including a toy store. The Club MDW offers an elevated experience with local cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere, including a lounge, bar, dining, and workstations.

Midway is generally less prone to traffic delays than O'Hare, and it is closer to downtown Chicago, making it a convenient option for those travelling to the city centre.

Frequently asked questions