Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

Chicago Midway International Airport (IATA: MDW) is about 19 kilometers (12 miles) on the Southwest side of Chicago, Illinois. It's been serving the area since 1927 and was its primary Airport until O'Hare became operational in 1955.

Midway is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving millions of passengers to different international and domestic destinations.

In 2021, official data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics of the US Department of Transportation showed an enplanement record of 6,350,793 passengers at MDW.

Midway International Airport covers more than 260 hectares with five runways.

The current terminal complex was completed in 2001 and contained 43 gates with three concourses and facilities for international passengers.

• Concourse A has 19 gates.
• Concourse B has 26 gates.
• Concourse C has 3 gates.

Some of its busiest domestic routes in 2021 include Orlando, Florida, Las Vegas, Nevada, Phoenix–Sky Harbor, Arizona, Atlanta, Georgia, Denver, Colorado, Dallas–Love, Texas, Tampa, Florida, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, Houston–Hobby, Texas, and Fort Myers, Florida.

Among the international routes, it served Toronto–Billy Bishop, Canada, Cancún, Mexico, Morelia, Mexico, Guadalajara, Mexico, Montego Bay, Jamaica, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, León/Del Bajío, Mexico, Zacatecas, Mexico, Durango, Mexico, and Querétaro, Mexico.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rapid transit Orange Line provides transit to Downtown Chicago where it connects with other subways/elevated fast transit lines.

Wi-Fi at Midway International Airport

Midway International Airport provides free wireless internet access throughout the Airport.

Passengers wishing to access the free service should look for "Free_MDW_Wi-Fi" in their device's available wireless networks list and sign in.

Transfer Services at Midway International Airport

Transfer services to/from MDW, including rental cars, taxis, rideshares, shuttles, trains, taxis, and bus transfers, are available at the Airport's CTA Midway Transportation Center and the airport terminal grounds.

Planning your transfer options before hitting the road will give you peace of mind in Chicago.

Before leaving your home, know what items are allowed in your carry-on bag, what you can pack in your checked baggage, and what items are prohibited.

For the convenience and direction of the riding public, passengers may approach the Airport Information Desk for transport assistance anytime.

Finally, travelers should only transact at the airport counters and other legitimate establishments for their safety.

Rental Car Services at Midway International Airport

All the Rental Car Services at MDW are located at Lower Level, Door No. 2.

Generally, the rental facility is open 24/7, but you can also inquire about specific service hours and return procedures at your service provider.

To speed up the process when picking up your vehicle at the facility, please have your valid driving license, passport, and credit card ready to present at the counter.

As soon as you have submitted any necessary paperwork, someone will bring you your car key and lead you to where your vehicle is stored.

Plan and book your rental car as soon as possible ahead of your trip. Also, check with your rental car company to confirm your reservation ahead of your trip.

When ready to return your vehicle to the car rental center, remove all personal items before turning over the rented vehicle to the designated facility.

Allow plenty of time for your drive when returning the vehicle. If you're not sure where to go, give the rental company a call. See and compare all rental car companies at Midway International Airport.

When renting a vehicle, customers must abide by the Terms and Conditions of the rental company at all times.

Don't hesitate to contact the rental car company directly for item(s) lost and found inside the vehicle.

Report to the Airport Lost and Found Section for item(s) left in a rental car center area at +1 773-838-0656.

Ideally, they will keep the item in the Lost Property Office for 30 days.

Ride Shares at Midway International Airport

Rideshares pick up passengers on the Lower Level Outside of Baggage Claim, Door No. 4.

Passengers can reserve rideshare by downloading the company's app on their smartphone and coordinating directly with their driver. They can also request a ride a few days before their flight to avoid the inconvenience.

For added safety, ridesharing apps should let users verify the identity of drivers by checking out their faces, license plates, and colors.

Taxis at Midway International Airport

Proceed to the Ground Transportation Center and wait for your turn for the next available taxi from the Baggage Claim area.

One-way fare to Downtown is about $40.00. See more information about taxis at Midway International Airport.

If you need to travel outside the city area, please consult your driver for rates. It is customary to give the driver a tip (15-20% of the fare) for good service.

Keep a record of the cab company, vehicle number, and the driver's name when traveling to and from the airport, just in case you leave something behind.

Trains at Midway International Airport

CTA's Orange Line trains operate from Midway Airport to Downtown via elevated tracks.

The train station is connected to the Airport via an enclosed walkway at the Midway Transportation Center. More information about train services at Midway International Airport.

Look for the "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City" in the area.

Buses at Midway International Airport

Buses drop off and pick up passengers at the Midway Transportation Center, the exact location of the Midway CTA train station. Look for the walkway that connects the airport terminal to the ground transport center. More information about buses to and from Midway International Airport.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Midway International Airport

Many hotels in downtown Chicago provide shuttle services. Passengers are advised to confirm if this is available at their accommodation with their respective hotel.

Shuttles pick up and drop passengers at the Ground Transportation Center in front of the terminal.

Parking at Midway International Airport

The Airport provides safe and comfortable parking spaces for its customers. Reserved parking is also available at the facility 24/7.

Cash and credit card payments are accepted. See more information about short and long term parking at Midway International Airport.

Hotels

Whether you are visiting the city for business or pleasure, our Chicago, Illinois hotel and accommodation listings include all the information you need to book the ideal room for your trip.

Attractions

Chicago, Illinois, can offer something for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, golfing, and many more. Those who prefer a more urban environment can enjoy the city's parks, museums, restaurants, shops, nightlife, etc. See a selection of tourist attractions in and around Chicago, Illinois.