Jazmin Li
Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is the larger of the two, with four terminals and nearly 1,000 daily direct flights to destinations worldwide. It is located on the northwest side of Chicago, approximately 17 to 18 miles from the city's Loop business district. On the other hand, Midway is smaller, with one main terminal and three concourses. It serves about two million passengers per month and is located on the southwest side of Chicago, about 12 miles from the Loop.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Midway International Airport |
| IATA | MDW |
| ICAO | KMDW |
| FAA LID | MDW |
| Location | Southwest side of Chicago, Illinois |
| Distance from the Loop business district | 12 miles |
| Year established | 1927 |
| Number of passengers served in 2023 | 22,050,489 |
| Number of aircraft gates | 43 |
| Number of concourses | 3 |
| Number of runways | 4 |
| Main airline | Southwest Airlines |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago Midway International Airport is smaller than O'Hare International Airport
Chicago is served by two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. O'Hare is the larger of the two airports, and it is one of the busiest airports in the country, with dozens of airlines flying to and from its four terminals. O'Hare has non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the world and is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport globally. It is also the fourth busiest airport in the world.
Chicago Midway International Airport, on the other hand, is much smaller, with just one main terminal and three concourses. It covers just over one square mile (650 acres or 260 hectares) and has four runways. Midway is also one of the busiest airports in the nation, serving 22,050,489 passengers in 2023. It is a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers.
O'Hare offers a wider range of amenities and services, including spas, lounges, play areas, and a greater variety of dining options. It is also more prone to traffic delays than Midway, which is generally a shorter commute. Midway, however, has the advantage of offering more convenient access to the city and is less crowded, creating a more pleasant airport experience.
Both airports serve as busy gateways to Chicago, and the choice between the two depends on timing, pricing, and personal preference. O'Hare is ideal for those who enjoy the buzz of a large, busy airport, while Midway offers a quieter and more low-key experience.
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O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world
O'Hare International Airport in Chicago is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is the fourth busiest airport in the world and the second busiest in the United States, serving 80 million passengers annually. O'Hare is a major hub for American Airlines and United Airlines, and it offers non-stop flights to 249 destinations across the globe.
The airport's history as a busy transport hub dates back to World War II when it served as a manufacturing plant for Douglas C-54 Skymasters. It was originally known as Orchard Place, situated in a small German-American farming community. The site was chosen for its easy access to Chicago's large workforce, railroads, and distance from enemy threats. During the Jet Age, O'Hare became even more prominent, holding the title of the world's busiest airport by passenger traffic from 1963 to 1998.
The introduction of jet airliners like the American 707 was a significant factor in O'Hare's rise. In 1959, the first scheduled jet flight from New York to Chicago and then on to San Francisco landed at O'Hare. Airlines were initially reluctant to move their operations from Midway Airport, but the larger space and longer runways at O'Hare, which covered 7,627 acres, soon attracted them.
O'Hare's vast size has allowed for the development of various amenities to cater to the high volume of passengers. The airport offers spas, play areas for children, and private lounges with WiFi for business travellers. It also boasts a wide variety of culinary options, with numerous restaurants, bars, and fast-food outlets.
Despite its impressive size and passenger volume, O'Hare has faced challenges with delays due to its inefficient runway layout. The airfield has six angled runways designed to allow takeoffs into the wind, but this configuration has been problematic, leading to dangerous and inefficient operations. To address these issues, the Chicago Department of Aviation committed to the O'Hare Modernization Plan in 2001, aiming to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
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Midway has fewer flights and less traffic
Chicago has two major airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. O'Hare is one of the busiest airports in the country, with dozens of airlines flying to and from its four terminals. By comparison, Midway is much smaller, with just one main terminal and three concourses. It has about a fifth of the flights and serves about two million passengers per month through 43 aircraft gates. O'Hare, on the other hand, sees about seven million passengers passing through its 189 aircraft gates each month.
Midway is located on the southwest side of Chicago, approximately 12 miles from the city's Loop business district. It is divided between the Clearing and Garfield Ridge communities. The airport covers just over one square mile and has four active runways. Midway is a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers.
O'Hare International Airport, located on the northwest side of Chicago, is about 17-18 miles from the Loop business district. It covers 7,627 acres and has six runways. O'Hare has nonstop flights to 249 destinations across the world and is considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport globally. It is a hub for American Airlines, United Airlines, and other major international airlines.
While O'Hare is larger and has more flights and passenger traffic, Midway offers more convenient access to the city and is generally less prone to traffic delays. It takes about 25 minutes to travel between Midway and the city via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Orange Line train. The ride to O'Hare via the CTA Blue Line train takes about the same time, but traffic delays are more likely, especially during rush hours.
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O'Hare has multiple terminals and more culinary options
O'Hare International Airport is the larger of Chicago's two major airports, with around seven million passengers passing through its 189 aircraft gates each month. In comparison, Midway International Airport, the smaller and quieter option, serves about two million passengers per month through 43 aircraft gates. O'Hare's vast size means it offers a wide variety of dining options, catering to different tastes, dietary needs, and schedules.
O'Hare has four numbered terminals, each with its own unique culinary offerings. Terminal 1, for example, features local favorites like Tortas Frontera, Wicker Park Sushi, and Berghoff Café, which serves up classic dishes such as Reuben sandwiches and gluten-free options. Terminal 2, while having limited seating, offers quick bites from Manchu Wok and Mediterranean choices at La Tapenade. Terminal 5 is home to a 24/7 Dunkin' Donuts, perfect for early birds and night owls.
The variety of food options at O'Hare is a notable advantage for travellers with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. In addition to the aforementioned restaurants, there are gourmet markets, CIBO Express, and familiar fast-food chains. For those with a sweet tooth, there's also a Great American Bagel Co. outlet, although reviews for their bagel consistency are mixed.
O'Hare's multiple terminals provide a diverse range of culinary experiences, ensuring that travellers can find something to suit their tastes and preferences. Whether it's a quick bite between flights or a more leisurely dining experience, O'Hare's extensive options cater to a variety of schedules. The airport's size and variety of dining establishments reflect its status as one of the busiest airports in the world, accommodating a large number of regional flights and serving as a hub for several major airlines.
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Midway is more convenient for access to the city
Midway International Airport (MDW) is located on the southwest side of Chicago, approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the city's Loop business district. It is connected by a walkway to Midway station, which serves as a major local bus station for Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses and is the western terminus of the Chicago "L" Orange Line. The Orange Line train between Midway and the city is affordable, and the ride takes about 25 minutes.
In comparison, O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is located on the northwest side of Chicago, approximately 17-18 miles (27-30 km) from the Loop business district. O'Hare is accessible via the CTA Blue Line train, regional and airport shuttle buses, taxis, or rideshare services. However, due to its greater distance from the city and the need to navigate multiple terminals, getting to and from O'Hare can take significantly longer, especially during rush hour.
Midway is also a base for Southwest Airlines, which carries over 90% of the airport's passengers. This means that travellers flying with Southwest will likely find more convenient connections through Midway. Additionally, Midway has been praised for its culinary offerings, including authentic Chicago deli food and classic city restaurants and bars in the food court.
While O'Hare offers more flights and international connections, Midway's smaller size and proximity to the city make it a more convenient option for many travellers. It provides easier navigation, shorter commute times, and reduced traffic delays compared to O'Hare. Therefore, for those seeking a quicker and potentially more relaxed airport experience, Midway is the preferred choice for access to Chicago.
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Frequently asked questions
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is much smaller than Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Midway has just one main terminal with three concourses, while O'Hare has four terminals. O'Hare is also one of the busiest airports in the country, with nearly 1,000 daily direct flights, while Midway serves about two million passengers per month.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Orange Line train between Midway and the city is an affordable option and takes about 25 minutes. The ride costs around $30-40 for Ubers and Lyfts, and $35-40 for cabs.
Midway has a redeveloped central food court with new concession options, including a food court in Concourse A. Manny's Deli in Concourse A, Gate A5, serves classic Chicago deli food like Reuben sandwiches, matzo soup, and potato pancakes.
