Chicago Midway International Airport is located approximately 10 to 12 miles (16 to 19 kilometers). It takes 20 to 60 minutes to get from the MDW airport to Downtown, based on the mode of transportation. Other factors, such as traffic conditions, destination within the city, weather, and time of day, can also influence the travel time from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago. Therefore, whether taking the train, a taxi, or a rideshare service to access MDW Airport, planning ahead can help ensure a smoother trip.
How to Get to Midway Airport from Downtown Chicago?
There are several convenient modes of transportation to access Downtown Chicago from Midway Airport.
Train
The train connects Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago directly.
Route: Travelers can board the train at any downtown Loop station, such as Harold Washington Library, Adams/Wabash, or Clark/Lake, and ride directly to Midway Station, which is adjacent to the airport terminal.
Travel Time: 20 to 25 Minutes
Cost: Around $2.50
Operating Hours: 24 hours a day
Taxi or Ride Sharing
Travelers can book a taxi outside the terminal.
Route: One can travel via I-55 South (Stevenson Expressway) or use local roads like Archer Avenue to avoid heavy traffic.
Travel Time: 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the destination and traffic conditions
Cost: $30 to $50
Operating Hours: 24 hours
Buses
Buses are the most reliable option for frequent travellers and passengers coming from neighborhoods along Archer Avenue. However, buses take more time.
Route: The buses run between the loop area and Chicago Midway Airport.
Travel Time: Around 45 to 60 minutes (Depending on traffic)
Cost: Around $2.25
Operating Hours: 24 hours, but they are not frequent at night.
Rental Car
Passengers can rent a car with a driver or drive personally to reach Chicago Midway Airport from Downtown. Short-term and long-term parking options are available at MDW airport, with shuttle services connecting remote parking lots to the terminal.
Route: Take I-55 South (Stevenson Expressway) toward Cicero Avenue, then follow the marked signs directing to Chicago Midway Airport.
Travel Time: Approximately 25 to 40 minutes
Cost: Approximately $1.65 one-way or $3.29 round trip (It can vary depending on the price of gas and fuel efficiency of the vehicle)
Operating Hours: Travellers can rent the car anytime
Shuttle Services
Some shared or private airport shuttle companies operate from Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago.
Route: The pickup and drop-off points of shuttle services typically include hotels, residences, and major landmarks.
Travel Time: 40 to 60 minutes, based on the number of stops
Cost: $25 to $35 per person
Operating hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Conclusion!
Chicago Midway International Airport is situated approximately 10 to 12 miles (16 to 19 kilometers) away from Downtown Chicago. With multiple transportation options, such as rental car services, train, bus, and taxi, the travel time from Midway airport to Downtown Chicago is reduced (from 20 to 60 minutes). However, several factors like traffic, weather conditions, and time of day can affect the transit time.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Midway Airport is approximately 12 miles (19 kilometers) away from Downtown Chicago.
It takes around 20 to 60 minutes to get to MDW airport from Downtown, depending on route, mode of transportation, traffic conditions, and weather conditions.
You can take the CTA Orange Line (Train or bus), shuttle service, or book a taxi or rent a car to get to MDW airport from Downtown Chicago.
Yes, the CTA Orange Line train directly connects Midway Airport to Downtown.
Yes, the MDW airport offers short-term and long-term parking options.
The CTA Orange Line is often faster than driving, as it avoids traffic congestion during rush hours.
Midway Airport is the closest airport to downtown Chicago, situated nearly 8 miles southwest of the city center. However, O’Hare International Airport lies about 17 miles to the northwest of downtown.
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