Midway vs. O’Hare: Choosing the Best Airport in Chicago
When planning a trip to or through Chicago, one of the first questions travelers face is which airport to use: Midway International Airport (MDW) or O’Hare International Airport (ORD). Both airports serve millions of passengers annually and offer unique advantages, making the choice dependent on location, flight availability, and amenities.
In this blog, we’ll compare the pros and cons of each airport, discuss which is closer to downtown, and explore what makes each a better fit for specific travel needs.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Chicago O’Hare International Airport
- Overview of Chicago Midway International Airport
- Distance to Downtown Chicago
- Flight Options: Domestic and International Travel
- Pros and Cons of O’Hare Airport
- Pros and Cons of Midway Airport
- Which Airport Is Better for You?
- Transportation Options to Midway and O’Hare
- Conclusion
Overview of Chicago O’Hare International Airport
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, handling over 68 million passengers annually. Located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, O’Hare offers a vast network of domestic and international flights, making it a hub for major carriers like United Airlines and American Airlines.
Key Features of O’Hare:
- Size and Capacity: O’Hare is a large airport with four terminals (Terminals 1–5) connected by the Airport Transit System (ATS).
- Flight Options: Serves over 200 destinations worldwide, making it ideal for international travelers.
- Amenities: Includes luxury lounges, diverse dining options, and extensive shopping areas.
- Business Travel-Friendly: Offers numerous business lounges and meeting spaces for professionals.
Overview of Chicago Midway International Airport
Midway International Airport (MDW) is smaller and closer to downtown Chicago, located only about 10 miles southwest of the city center. Known for its efficiency, Midway primarily handles domestic flights and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines.
Key Features of MIDWAY:
- Convenience: Its smaller size means shorter wait times and faster security screening.
- Location: Easier access to downtown, ideal for travelers visiting Chicago’s central attractions.
- Specialized Travel: Focuses primarily on domestic routes, with limited international options.
Flight Options: Domestic and International Travel
- O’Hare:
○ Offers extensive international routes to Europe, Asia, South America, and more.
○ Great for travelers connecting to global destinations or seeking non-stop international flights.
○ Hosts major airlines like United, American, and Delta.
- Midway:
○ Primarily serves domestic flights, making it ideal for short-haul trips.
○ Southwest Airlines is the dominant carrier, offering affordable and frequent domestic flights.
Pros and Cons of O’Hare Airport
Pros
- Wide Range of Flights: Serves both domestic and international destinations, making it perfect for global travel.
- Amenities: From fine dining to luxury lounges, O’Hare provides a high-end travel experience.
- Connections: As a hub for major airlines, O’Hare offers excellent connectivity for layovers.
cons
- Size: The airport’s large size can be overwhelming, with longer wait times for security and transfers between terminals.
- Distance: Located farther from downtown Chicago compared to Midway.
- Traffic Delays: Higher chances of delays due to the volume of flights and congestion.
Pros and Cons of Midway Airport
Pros
- Proximity to Downtown: Ideal for travelers who want to quickly reach central Chicago.
- Efficiency: Smaller size means faster security and shorter walking distances.
- Affordable Flights: Dominated by Southwest Airlines, known for budget-friendly fares.
cons
- Limited International Options: Best suited for domestic travel, with fewer international routes.
- Fewer Amenities: Compared to O’Hare, Midway offers limited shopping and dining options.
- Smaller Size: Less spacious and fewer lounges or high-end features.
Which Airport Is Better for You?
The choice between Midway and O’Hare depends on your travel priorities.
- Choose O’Hare if:
○ You need an international flight.
○ You value a wide range of amenities and airline options.
○ You’re comfortable in a larger airport.
- Choose Midway if:
○ You’re traveling domestically, especially on Southwest Airlines.
○ You want quick access to downtown Chicago.
○ You prefer an efficient and less crowded airport experience.
Transportation Options to Midway and O’Hare
Both airports are accessible via various transport options, but airport shuttle services like those offered by Sebe provide convenience and reliability.
- Public Transit:
○ O’Hare: Connected to downtown via the Blue Line train.
○ Midway: Accessible via the Orange Line train.
○ While economical, public transit can be time-consuming, especially with luggage.
- Rideshare Services (Uber/Lyft):
○ Available at both airports but can be expensive during peak hours.
- Private Car Services:
○ Sebe Transportation offers luxurious, on-time airport transfers with professional chauffeurs and spacious vehicles. Perfect for travelers who value comfort and punctuality.
Conclusion
Deciding between Midway and O’Hare depends on your unique travel needs. Midway’s proximity to downtown makes it ideal for quick trips, while O’Hare’s extensive network of flights is perfect for international travel. Both airports serve as critical gateways to Chicago, IL offering unique advantages for travelers.
No matter which airport you choose, Sebe Transportation Corp ensures an efficient travel experience with private, comfortable airport transfers.
Book your ride today to make your Chicago, Illinois journey as unique as possible.
