Chicago is one of the few cities in the United States with two major airports, and if you are planning a trip here, you have likely asked yourself the question: Chicago O’Hare vs Midway – which airport should I choose?

At first glance, the choice seems simple. 

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world, packed with flights to nearly every corner of the globe. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), on the other hand, is smaller and closer to downtown, offering easy access and plenty of Southwest Airlines flights. 

But the decision is not always that straightforward. Each airport comes with trade-offs that can have a big impact on your travel experience. 

O’Hare offers unmatched global connections and premium lounges, but it also means longer commutes, busier terminals, and more construction delays. Midway is compact, efficient, and wallet-friendly, yet its flight network is far more limited.

In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know to decide between the two. We will compare location and transportation options, airlines, amenities, passenger experience, renovations, and more. 

By the end, you will not only know the pros and cons of Chicago O’Hare vs Midway but also which one is the best fit for your next trip to the Windy City.

Quick Airport Comparison At A Glance

When choosing between Chicago O’Hare vs Midway, the differences can feel overwhelming. To make things easier, here is a side-by-side comparison of the most important details travelers care about:

Traveler Takeaway

• Choose Chicago O’Hare (ORD) if you need maximum flight options, global connections, or premium lounge access.
• Choose Chicago Midway (MDW) if you are flying Southwest, want a shorter commute to downtown, or prefer a smaller, easier-to-navigate airport.

Airport Location And Transportation

One of the biggest differences between O’Hare and Midway is how easy it is to get from each airport into downtown Chicago. 

Your ground transportation costs and travel times can vary widely depending on which airport you choose, the time of day, and even whether there is a Chicago Bears football game in town.

By Car, Taxi, Or Rideshare

If you plan to drive yourself, catch a taxi, or call an Uber / Lyft, travel time and cost will vary significantly between O’Hare and Midway.

• Chicago O’Hare (ORD): Located about 18 miles northwest of downtown. In light traffic, the drive can take 40 – 45 minutes, but during rush hour, it can stretch to more than an hour. A taxi to downtown has a flat rate of about $40, while Uber and Lyft generally cost between $35 and $60.
  • One hidden factor: navigating the multiple terminal roadways at O’Hare can add 5 – 10 minutes before you even hit the highway.
• Chicago Midway (MDW): Just 10 miles southwest of The Loop, Midway is closer to the city and typically easier to reach. Expect 25 – 45 minutes by car depending on traffic. Taxi fares range from $35 – $40, and Uber / Lyft are usually around $25 – $35.
  • The main exception is Sundays during football season – traffic on I-55 near Soldier Field can create major slowdowns.

By Public Transit (CTA “L” Train)

For the most affordable and reliable option, the Chicago CTA trains connect both airports to the city center.

• Chicago O’Hare (Blue Line): The Blue Line runs directly from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, with a shuttle bus from Terminal 5. The cost is $5 from the airport, and the trip to downtown takes about 50 – 60 minutes. It is reliable but can be tricky with lots of luggage since trains lack racks and some stations downtown require stairs.
• Chicago Midway (Orange Line): The Orange Line is faster, taking about 25 – 30 minutes to reach The Loop. Fares are $2 – $5 depending on time of day. The station connects directly to the terminal, making it more convenient for travelers with bags compared to O’Hare.

Other Airport Transportation Options

If neither driving nor the train works for you, both airports have shuttle services and parking options worth considering.

• Airport Shuttles & Buses: Both airports have shared shuttle services to downtown hotels and suburbs.
• Parking: O’Hare has multiple long-term lots and an economy lot connected by shuttle; the parking at Midway is closer and generally easier to navigate, though daily rates are similar.

Traveler Takeaway

• Pick Midway if you value a short, predictable commute into the city.
• Pick O’Hare if your final destination is in the northwest suburbs (Schaumburg, Evanston, Arlington Heights), where O’Hare is actually closer.

Airlines And Flight Networks

When deciding between Chicago O’Hare vs Midway, one of the most important factors is which airlines operate at each airport and how far their route networks reach. O’Hare offers the world, while Midway focuses on Southwest and domestic travel.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines. 

Together, these carriers operate hundreds of daily flights, connecting Chicago to nearly every U.S. city as well as international destinations across Europe, Asia, South America, and beyond.

• Global Reach: Direct flights to cities like London, Tokyo, Frankfurt, São Paulo, and more.
• Airlines Operating At ORD: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier, and dozens of international carriers including Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, and All Nippon Airways (ANA).
• Southwest At O’Hare: Since 2021, Southwest also operates a limited schedule here, though most of its Chicago flights still run through Midway.

Best For: International travelers, business flyers, and loyalty members with United or American.

Chicago Midway (MDW)

Midway is much smaller but serves as one of the most important airports in the Southwest Airlines network, offering nonstop service to more than 70 cities across the U.S. 

It is one of the busiest bases for Southwest, with thousands of weekly departures.

• Domestic Focus: Most flights are within the United States, including key routes to Denver, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Orlando.
• International Service: Limited but growing, with flights to Mexico, Jamaica, and Canada operated by carriers such as Volaris, Porter, and Delta.
• Other Airlines: A few additional carriers like Frontier, Allegiant, and Delta provide supplemental routes.

Best For: Travelers loyal to Southwest, domestic flyers, and those who want a simpler airport experience.

Traveler Takeaway

• If you are flying internationally or on American Airlines / United Airlines, O’Hare is your only real choice.
• If you are a Southwest loyalist or sticking to domestic routes, Midway will almost always be more convenient.

Airport Size, Layout, And Navigation

Beyond flight options, the size and layout of each airport can make or break your travel day. O’Hare is massive and sprawling, while Midway is compact and far easier to navigate.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

O’Hare covers over 7,600 acres and is essentially a city within a city. With four terminals, eight runways, and more than 200 gates, it ranks among the largest airports in the world.

• Terminals:
  • Terminal 1: United Airlines hub.
  • Terminal 2: Regional flights (to be replaced by the new Global Terminal).
  • Terminal 3: American Airlines hub.
  • Terminal 5: Primarily international carriers, located separately from the domestic terminals.
• Navigation Challenges: Walking between gates can take 15 – 25 minutes, especially if you have to switch terminals. International travelers in Terminal 5 often need to exit security, take the airport people mover, and clear security again to access lounges in other terminals.

Best For: Travelers who do not mind extra walking or who need a wide variety of flight options in one place.

Chicago Midway (MDW)

Midway is far smaller, with just one terminal that splits into Concourses A and B. The compact layout makes connections easy and minimizes walking time.

• Quick Connections: Most gates are within a 5 – 10 minute walk from security.
• Simplified Structure: All check-in counters, security, and baggage claim are located in a central terminal, which means you spend less time navigating and more time getting where you need to go.
• Recent Updates: A $75 million terminal renovation improved shopping, dining, and passenger flow, making the airport feel modern despite its smaller footprint.

Best For: Families, travelers with mobility concerns, and anyone who prefers a stress-free airport experience.

Traveler Takeaway

• Choose O’Hare if you are prepared for long walks and complex terminal changes in exchange for more flights and connections.
• Choose Midway if you value a quick, no-hassle airport experience.

Lounges, Amenities, And Food At The Airport

The experience inside an airport is not just about getting to your gate. Lounges, dining, and amenities can make a big difference in how enjoyable (or stressful) your travel day feels. 

Between Chicago O’Hare vs Midway, the contrast is sharp.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

O’Hare has one of the most extensive lounge networks in the country, reflecting its role as a global hub. Travelers with premium tickets, elite status, or certain credit cards can access a variety of lounges:

• United Airlines Polaris Lounge. One of the best international lounges in the U.S., offering restaurant-style dining, quiet suites, and showers.
• United Airlines Clubs. Several across the airport, great for frequent flyers.
• American Airlines Flagship Lounge. Premium food and drink for international and elite travelers.
• American Airlines Admirals Clubs. Multiple locations, accessible with select co-branded credit cards or membership.
• Delta Sky Club. Spacious lounge with excellent views.
• Other Options. Swissport Lounge, SAS Lounge, and LOT Business Lounge.

One drawback: O’Hare does not have an Amex Centurion Lounge, and Priority Pass options are limited.

O’Hare offers one of the most diverse dining scenes of any U.S. airport, with options ranging from Chicago favorites like Tortas Frontera, known for its Mexican sandwiches, to a wide selection of global cuisine.

Best For: Business travelers, international flyers, and anyone with lounge access who wants to relax before a flight.

Chicago Midway (MDW)

Midway has traditionally lagged behind in premium amenities, but that is starting to change.

• The Club MDW. Opened in 2024, this is the first true airport lounge. It is part of Priority Pass and also available for $50 per visit. It offers snacks, drinks, and a quiet space, though early reviews mention it can get crowded.

The recent $75 million terminal renovation at Midway added new restaurants and stores, creating a more enjoyable experience than in the past, with fast-casual spots and Chicago staples rather than high-end dining.

Best For: Travelers looking for quick dining and convenience; Southwest loyalists who do not rely on lounges.

Traveler Takeaway

• If premium lounges and diverse dining are important to you, O’Hare wins by a mile. 
• If you just need a quick meal and a straightforward airport experience, Midway will do the job.

Passenger Experience And Flight Delays

The passenger experience at an airport depends on more than flight options. Security wait times, delays, walking distances, and baggage claim speed all affect how smooth your trip feels. 

Chicago O’Hare vs Midway offer very different experiences.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

O’Hare delivers global reach and extensive amenities, but its size and traffic often create a more hectic and time-consuming passenger experience.

• Delays: As one of the busiest airports in the world, O’Hare regularly experiences flight delays, especially during winter weather and peak travel seasons. Long taxi times on the runway are common.
• Security: O’Hare has TSA PreCheck and Clear in multiple terminals, but wait times can still be long during rush periods. Using the TSA app, travelers often report average waits of 15 – 30 minutes at standard lanes and under 10 minutes with PreCheck.
• Connections: Terminal changes are one of the biggest pain points. International arrivals at Terminal 5 may require leaving security, taking the airport people mover, and clearing security again to connect.
• Baggage Claim: Bags can take longer to arrive than at Midway due to the airport size and passenger volume.

Overall Experience: O’Hare offers incredible global connectivity but can feel overwhelming, with long walks, frequent delays, and more time spent waiting.

Chicago Midway (MDW)

Midway offers a smaller, easier-to-manage airport experience, with shorter lines and quicker transitions that make travel feel less stressful.

• Delays: Midway is less busy than O’Hare, so delays are less frequent. However, because Southwest dominates the airport, system-wide disruptions (like weather or crew shortages) can still ripple through.
• Security: Like O’Hare, Midway has TSA PreCheck and Clear, but smaller passenger volume often means faster security lines. Average wait times are typically 10 – 20 minutes, with PreCheck under 5 minutes.
• Connections: With just one terminal, connecting flights are far easier. Most gates are a short walk from security, reducing stress for families and those in a hurry.
• Baggage Claim: Bags usually arrive faster compared to O’Hare, thanks to the smaller footprint of Midway.

Overall Experience: Midway feels more manageable, with quicker transitions and fewer delays, but it lacks the amenities and flight flexibility of O’Hare.

Traveler Takeaway

• If you value predictability and ease of movement, Midway usually offers a smoother passenger experience. 
• If you prioritize flight options and global reach, O’Hare delivers – but expect more waiting along the way.

Airport Renovations And What Is Coming

Chicago is investing heavily in its airports, with major projects underway at both O’Hare and Midway. These upgrades aim to improve passenger flow, modernize terminals, and expand capacity.

Chicago O’Hare (ORD)

O’Hare is in the middle of its O’Hare 21 project, one of the largest airport redevelopment efforts in the country. The $8.5 billion plan is set to transform the airport by 2028.

Key improvements include:

• New O’Hare Global Terminal. Replacing Terminal 2, this facility will be larger, more modern, and better integrated with international and domestic flights.
• Two New Satellite Concourses. Adding 19 gates, increasing overall capacity.
• Improved Passenger Flow. Wider concourses, better amenities, and upgraded baggage systems.
• People Mover Upgrades. To make connections between terminals faster and more reliable.

Impact Today: Travelers may encounter construction zones, closed areas, and longer walking routes. Delays and congestion are common, especially near Terminal 5.

Impact In The Future: Once complete, O’Hare will be one of the most advanced airports in the U.S., with smoother connections and a much-improved passenger experience.

Chicago Midway (MDW)

Midway completed a $75 million modernization project in recent years, giving the airport a noticeable upgrade.

Key improvements include:

• Expanded Terminal Space. More room for passenger check-in and security.
• Upgraded Dining and Retail. A wider mix of restaurants and shops, making the airport more enjoyable for layovers.
• New Lounge. The Club MDW, the airport’s first, offering Priority Pass access and pay-per-visit entry.

Impact Today: Midway feels refreshed and easier to navigate, with better dining options and more seating.

Traveler Takeaway

• If you want the benefits of new airport facilities immediately, Midway is the winner today. 
• If you are thinking long term, O’Hare’s massive investment will eventually make it one of the most modern airports in the world.

Which Airport Is Best for You

There is no single “best” airport in Chicago. The right choice depends on your airline, destination, budget, and even your personality as a traveler. 

Here is how Chicago O’Hare vs Midway stacks up for different types of flyers:

Business Travelers

• Best Choice: Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
• Why: With premium lounges, global connections, and frequent flights on United Airlines and American Airlines, O’Hare is the go-to airport for business flyers. The United Polaris Lounge and American Flagship Lounge are ideal for productivity and comfort before long flights.

International Travelers

• Best Choice: Chicago O’Hare (ORD)
• Why: Midway has very limited international routes. If you are heading overseas – to Europe, Asia, or South America – O’Hare is the only practical option.

Southwest Loyalists

• Best Choice: Chicago Midway (MDW)
• Why: Midway is the Southwest Chicago stronghold, with non-stop flights to dozens of U.S. cities. If you have Rapid Rewards points or a Companion Pass, Midway is the obvious winner.

Families and Leisure Travelers

• Best Choice: Chicago Midway (MDW)
• Why: Smaller size, shorter walks, and quicker baggage claim make Midway less stressful with kids. The compact layout is easier to manage with strollers and luggage.

Budget-Conscious Travelers

• Best Choice: Chicago Midway (MDW)
• Why: Ground transportation is cheaper, flights on Southwest are often lower-cost, and you will spend less time in transit to the city.

Chicago Suburban Travelers

• Best Choice: Depends on location
  • Northwest suburbs (Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Evanston): Chicago O’Hare (ORD) is closer.
  • Southwest suburbs (Oak Lawn, Naperville, Tinley Park): Chicago Midway (MDW) is more convenient.

Final Thoughts

Deciding between Chicago O’Hare vs Midway comes down to understanding your own travel priorities. 

O’Hare is a sprawling global hub with unmatched international connections, major airline partnerships, and premium lounges that cater to business and long-haul travelers. 

It offers nearly endless flight options but also demands more patience, with longer commutes, heavier crowds, and ongoing construction that can slow things down.

Midway, by contrast, feels approachable and efficient. Its smaller size makes it easier to navigate, its proximity to downtown shortens your ground travel time, and its role as a Southwest stronghold makes it ideal for domestic trips and budget-conscious flyers. 

The recent upgrades to dining, shopping, and the addition of its first lounge have only improved the experience for travelers who value convenience.

There is no single best answer in the Chicago O’Hare vs Midway debate. 

Instead, the right choice depends on the type of trip you are taking, the airline you prefer, and how much you value either global reach or ease of use. 

The key is to match the airport to your needs so your journey through Chicago begins smoothly and ends without unnecessary stress.

Kevin Zanes