Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is an international airport located eight miles (13 km) from the Loop, which is the central business district of the city and the main part of its downtown. In 2019, 19, 573,000 passengers enplaned and deplaned at the airport.
On-Time Performance Summary
- 70 percent of the departure flights were on time in 2019
- Average delay minutes of the departure flights were 52 minutes
- 80 percent of the arrival flights were on time in 2019
- Average delay minutes of the arrival flights were 59 minutes
Ground Transportation: Getting To and from the Airport
The most economical public transit system is facilitated by the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). It operates bus and train services to and from the airport.
CTA Trains
The CTA trains in Chicago are well known as the “L,” and the Orange Line trains are the easiest and most affordable way to get to Midway from downtown via public transit. The service starts as early as 4:00 to 4:30 am and continues until 1.00 am every day. On weekday and evening rush hours the frequency is higher to cope with the demands. The normal travel time from Midway to downtown is 20-25 minutes.
CTA Buses
The CTA offers nine bus routes that serve Midway. Several Pace buses also operate to and from the airport. Midway Transportation Center, the same location as the Midway CTA station serves as the drop off and pickup points.
Taxis, Limousines, and Rideshare
Taxi stands are located on the lower level curbfront of the terminals, and taxis are available on a first come, first serve basis. Limousineshas its stand at the Ground Transportation Information Booth located on the Baggage Claim level near carousel #4. You can pre-arrange the ride or meet the driver in in the Baggage Claim area.
| Route Name | Route | Route Length |
| Route 47 | 47th | Between Cicero/Archer and 47th/Lake Park |
| Route 54B | South Cicero | Between Ford City Mall and Cermak/Kenton |
| Route 55 | Garfield | Between the Museum of Science & Industry and Midway |
| Route 55A | South Cicero | Between Austin/65th and Midway |
| Route 55N | 55th/Austin | Between Austin/65th and Midway |
| Route 62N | Archer | Between State/Washington and Midway via State, Roosevelt, Halsted, Archer and Cicero |
| Route 62H | Archer/Harlem | Between 63rd/Archer and Midway |
| Route 63 | 63rd | Between 63rd Street/Stony Island and Midway |
| Route 63W | West 63rd | Between Archer and Midway |
Airlines by Passenger Traffic Share
| Airlines | No. of Passengers | Passenger Share % |
| Southwest | 18,758 | 95.84 |
| Delta | 432 | 2.21 |
| SkyWest | 332 | 1.70 |
| Endeavor | 0.98 | 0.01 |
| Other | 49.22 | 0.25 |
Top 10 Destination Airports, Airlines, Nonstop Flight Time
| Destinations | Airlines | No. of stops | Flight Time |
| Atlanta (CA), ATL | Delta, Southwest | Nonstop | 1 hour 50 minutes |
| Las Vegas (NV), LAS | Southwest | Nonstop | 3 hour 55 minutes |
| Denver (CO), DEN | Southwest | Nonstop | 2 hour 35 minutes |
| Orlando (FL), MCO | Southwest | Nonstop | 2 hour 35 minutes |
| Minneapolis (MN), MSP | Delta, Southwest, Virgin Atlantic | Nonstop | 1 hour 41 minute |
| Phoenix (AZ), PHX | Southwest | Nonstop | 3 hours 50 minutes |
| Dallas (TX), DAL | Southwest | Nonstop | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Los Angeles (CA), LAX | Southwest | Nonstop | 4 hours 35 minutes |
| Houston (TX), HOU | Southwest | Nonstop | 2 hour 50 minutes |
| Baltimore (MD), BWI | Southwest | Nonstop | 1 hour 45 minutes |
