Chicago has two commercial airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Knowing which one to use before you book can save you time, money, and a genuinely confusing transfer.
O’Hare handled over 77 million passengers in 2023, making it one of the busiest airports in the United States. Midway is smaller but sits closer to the South Loop and serves a completely different set of airlines.
This guide covers both airports in full: airline assignments, terminal layouts, ground transfer options, lounge access, and an honest breakdown of which airport fits which traveler. Read this before you book.
How Many Airports Does Chicago Have?
Chicago has two commercial airports serving scheduled passenger flights. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) are both operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation.
Both airports are located within the city limits of Chicago. That said, they sit in very different parts of the city and serve different airline networks.
Some sources list additional aviation facilities in the greater Chicago metro area. Those are general aviation airports, not commercial passenger airports. Travelers booking commercial flights will use ORD or MDW.
Budget travelers should note this immediately: your airline will often make the airport decision for you. Southwest Airlines operates almost exclusively from MDW. United Airlines and American Airlines hub at ORD.
| Fact | O’Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| IATA Code | ORD | MDW |
| Operator | Chicago Department of Aviation | Chicago Department of Aviation |
| Type | International hub | Domestic-focused |
| Annual Passengers (approx.) | 77+ million | 20+ million |
| Best For | International, business, major airlines | Southwest, budget, domestic |
The Two Main Airports in Chicago: ORD and MDW
The two airports in Chicago used for commercial flights are O’Hare and Midway. These are the only options for travelers booking scheduled airline service into the city.
O’Hare is the larger of the two by every measure. It operates more terminals, more airlines, and the only significant international service from the Chicago area.
Midway is a single-terminal airport that is compact, efficient, and dominated by Southwest Airlines. It handles a fraction of O’Hare’s traffic but consistently earns higher marks for ease of navigation.
First-time international travelers should plan to use ORD by default. International customs and immigration processing happens at O’Hare’s Terminal 5. Midway has limited international service and no dedicated international arrivals facility of comparable scale.
Insider Tip:
Both airports connect to downtown Chicago via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) rail system. O’Hare uses the Blue Line. Midway uses the Orange Line. Both lines run 24 hours, which matters for early morning and late-night arrivals.
Chicago Airports Locations: Where Each Airport Sits
O’Hare International Airport sits in the northwest corner of Chicago, near the suburb of Rosemont, approximately 17 miles from the downtown Loop. Chicago Midway Airport sits on the southwest side of the city, roughly 10 miles from the Loop.
The geographic difference matters more than most travelers expect. A traveler staying near Navy Pier will find the CTA Orange Line from Midway slower than expected. A traveler staying in Wicker Park may find O’Hare’s Blue Line surprisingly direct.
| Airport | Location | Distance from Loop | Nearest Neighborhood |
|---|---|---|---|
| O’Hare (ORD) | Northwest Chicago | ~17 miles | Rosemont / O’Hare area |
| Midway (MDW) | Southwest Chicago | ~10 miles | Marquette Park / Clearing |
Families with children should factor hotel location into the airport decision before booking. A hotel on the Magnificent Mile (North Michigan Avenue) is accessible from both airports but the Blue Line from ORD involves fewer transfers for most North Side hotel addresses.
The Points Guy notes that O’Hare’s distance from downtown is partially offset by the direct and frequent Blue Line service, which runs the full route in roughly 45 minutes without transfers for most downtown destinations.
O’Hare International Airport (ORD): Everything You Need to Know
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is Chicago’s primary international gateway and one of the most important aviation hubs in North America. It is home to two major airline hubs: United Airlines and American Airlines.
ORD operates four domestic terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and a consolidated international terminal) and is in the middle of a multi-billion dollar expansion program that will add new gates and consolidated facilities through the late 2020s.
International flights arrive and depart from Terminal 5, which handles U.S. Customs and Border Protection processing. Travelers connecting from an international flight to a domestic connection at ORD should budget significant time for the customs and re-check process.
Business and frequent flyers will find the full range of major airline lounges at ORD. The United Club, Admirals Club (American Airlines), and Delta Sky Club all operate at O’Hare. Priority Pass members have access to select lounges as well.
The honest limitation at O’Hare: it is one of the most congestion-prone airports in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Air Travel Consumer Report, ORD consistently ranks among the top airports for weather-related and ground-delay delays. Winter travel through ORD, particularly between November and March, carries a meaningfully higher delay risk than summer travel.
Verify your specific terminal and gate assignment directly with your airline before departure, as the ongoing O’Hare expansion program has caused terminal assignments to shift.
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW): Everything You Need to Know
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a single-terminal airport on Chicago’s southwest side. It is the primary home base for Southwest Airlines in the Chicago market, and Southwest accounts for the majority of MDW’s passenger traffic.
Midway is compact by design. The single-terminal layout means passengers rarely walk more than 10 minutes between check-in, security, and gates. This is a meaningful advantage for travelers who find O’Hare’s multi-terminal layout disorienting.
International service at Midway is limited. Some airlines do operate international routes from MDW, but the selection is far narrower than at ORD. Travelers seeking nonstop international flights to Europe, Asia, or the Middle East will almost always need to use O’Hare.
Budget travelers should treat Midway as their default Chicago airport if Southwest Airlines serves their origin city. Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program offers different baggage rules than most other U.S. carriers, so verify the current allowance directly with Southwest before flying.
The honest limitation at Midway: the airport has fewer amenity options than O’Hare. Lounge access is limited. The single terminal, while easy to navigate, can feel cramped during peak travel periods. Parking at MDW fills quickly during holidays and summer peak weeks.
| Feature | O’Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Terminals | 4 (including Terminal 5 International) | 1 |
| Primary Airlines | United, American, Delta | Southwest |
| International Service | Extensive | Limited |
| Lounge Options | United Club, Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass | Limited |
| Navigation Ease | Complex, multi-terminal | Simple, single-terminal |
| Delay Risk | Higher (weather, congestion) | Lower on average |
O’Hare vs Midway: Which Airport Is Right for You?
The right Chicago airport depends almost entirely on which airline you are flying. For most travelers, the airline makes the decision automatically.
If you are flying United Airlines or American Airlines, you will use O’Hare. If you are flying Southwest Airlines, you will use Midway. This covers the majority of Chicago’s domestic passenger traffic.
Travelers with a genuine choice (such as those using Google Flights and seeing results for both airports) should apply this framework:
- Choose ORD if: you are flying internationally, you are connecting to or from a long-haul international route, or you are flying on United, American, Delta, British Airways, Lufthansa, or Air Canada.
- Choose MDW if: you are flying Southwest, your hotel is on the South or West Side of Chicago, or you want a simpler airport experience with faster ground navigation.
Solo travelers tend to prefer Midway for short domestic trips because the single-terminal layout reduces transit stress. Business and frequent flyers with lounge access will find a stronger product at O’Hare.
Key Takeaway: Your airline determines your Chicago airport in most cases. Only book the airport you can actually fly your chosen airline from.
Airlines at O’Hare Airport
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is served by more than 80 airlines, making it one of the most connected airports in the western hemisphere. The two dominant carriers are United Airlines and American Airlines, which each operate a hub at ORD.
Other major airlines operating at O’Hare include:
- Delta Air Lines (domestic and select international routes)
- British Airways (London Heathrow nonstop)
- Lufthansa (Frankfurt nonstop)
- Air Canada (Toronto, Vancouver, and other Canadian cities)
- Alaska Airlines (West Coast routes)
- Spirit Airlines (budget domestic routes)
- Frontier Airlines (select domestic routes)
United Airlines operates from Terminal 1 at O’Hare. American Airlines operates from Terminals 2 and 3. International carriers and international departures are handled primarily from Terminal 5.
First-time international travelers should confirm which terminal their specific flight departs from by checking directly with their airline. A codeshare or interline flight may depart from a different terminal than the operating carrier’s primary hub at ORD.
Always verify airline terminal assignments with the Chicago Department of Aviation or your specific airline before departure, as terminal assignments can shift during the ongoing ORD expansion program.
Airlines at Midway Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is dominated by Southwest Airlines, which operates the majority of gates and flights at MDW. Southwest’s point-to-point network makes Midway a strong option for travelers flying to or from secondary U.S. cities not well-served by O’Hare’s hub-and-spoke network.
Other airlines at Midway include:
- Spirit Airlines (select budget domestic routes)
- Frontier Airlines (select budget domestic routes)
- Delta Air Lines (limited domestic service on some routes)
- Sun Country Airlines (select leisure routes)
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program accrues points on a revenue-based model, which differs significantly from distance-based mileage programs at United and American. Verify current earning rates directly with Southwest before your trip.
Budget travelers should compare Spirit at ORD vs. Southwest at MDW carefully before booking. Spirit’s base fares may appear lower, but carry-on and checked bag fees can eliminate the savings. Southwest’s current baggage policy should be verified directly with the airline before travel.
Midway’s airline roster is significantly smaller than O’Hare’s. If your destination requires a connecting hub or is only served by a carrier not listed above, O’Hare is your airport.
Key Takeaway: Southwest Airlines is the reason most travelers use Midway. If Southwest doesn’t serve your route, O’Hare is almost certainly the correct choice.
How to Get from O’Hare to Downtown Chicago
The fastest and most cost-effective way to get from O’Hare to downtown Chicago is the CTA Blue Line train. The Blue Line runs directly from the ORD station, located inside the airport’s Terminal 2/3 complex, to downtown stops including Clark/Lake and Washington/Dearborn.
The CTA Blue Line from O’Hare to downtown takes approximately 45 minutes under normal conditions. The train operates 24 hours a day, which makes it a reliable option for early morning or overnight arrivals.
Ground transfer options from ORD to downtown Chicago:
- CTA Blue Line: Board at the ORD station inside the terminal complex. Follow signs from baggage claim. The journey takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes to the Loop. Verify current CTA fares at the official CTA website before travel, as fares are subject to change.
- Rideshare (Uber, Lyft): Rideshare pickup is designated in specific zones at ORD. Cost varies by time of day and demand. During peak periods, surge pricing can make rideshare comparable in cost to a taxi.
- Taxi: Taxis are available at designated stands outside baggage claim. Cost from ORD to downtown Chicago has historically ranged from approximately $35 to $55 depending on traffic and time of day. Verify current fare estimates before departure.
- Hotel shuttle: Many airport-adjacent hotels and some downtown hotels offer shuttle service. Confirm availability directly with your hotel before arrival.
Families with children traveling with strollers and large luggage may find rideshare or taxi more practical than the Blue Line. The CTA Blue Line can be crowded during peak hours, and stroller navigation through the train is manageable but requires planning.
Business and frequent flyers staying at properties with direct O’Hare connections (such as the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport, which connects directly to Terminal 2 via an indoor walkway) may not need ground transfer at all.
How to Get from Midway to Downtown Chicago
The CTA Orange Line is the direct rail connection from Chicago Midway Airport to downtown Chicago. The Orange Line station is located inside the MDW terminal and connects to the Loop in approximately 30 minutes under normal conditions.
Ground transfer options from Midway to downtown:
- CTA Orange Line: Board inside the terminal. The journey to the Loop (Adams/Wabash or Harold Washington Library stops) takes approximately 25 to 35 minutes. The Orange Line does not run 24 hours; service ends in the early morning and resumes later than the Blue Line. Check the CTA schedule directly if arriving late at night.
- Rideshare (Uber, Lyft): Pickup zones are designated outside the terminal. Travel time to downtown varies from 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.
- Taxi: Available at designated stands. Fare to downtown has historically been lower than from ORD due to shorter distance. Verify current estimates before departure.
Solo travelers arriving at Midway late at night should verify the last Orange Line departure time in advance. The Orange Line’s reduced overnight service is a genuine limitation compared to the Blue Line’s 24-hour operation from O’Hare.
According to the Chicago Department of Aviation, both ORD and MDW are connected to Chicago’s public transit system, making them among the most transit-accessible major airports in the United States.
Key Takeaway: The CTA Blue Line (from ORD) runs 24 hours; the Orange Line (from MDW) does not. Late-night arrivals at Midway should plan for rideshare or taxi.
Chicago Airport Lounges: What’s Available at ORD and MDW
O’Hare International Airport offers the most extensive lounge selection of any Chicago airport, with multiple airline-owned lounges and Priority Pass access options across its terminals. Midway has very limited lounge facilities by comparison.
Lounges at O’Hare (ORD):
- United Club: Located in Terminal 1. Accessible to United Club members, eligible MileagePlus elite members, and travelers in United Polaris business class. Standard amenities include hot food, showers (at select locations), and beverage service.
- Admirals Club: Located in Terminals 3. Accessible to American Airlines AAdvantage elite members, Admirals Club members, and travelers in eligible Flagship cabins.
- Delta Sky Club: Accessible to Delta SkyMiles Medallion members and travelers in qualifying Delta fare classes.
- The Centurion Lounge: American Express Centurion Lounge at ORD is accessible to eligible American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Verify current access policies with American Express directly, as guest policies and access rules have changed multiple times in recent years.
- Priority Pass lounges: Several Priority Pass-eligible lounges operate at ORD. Confirm specific locations via the Priority Pass app before your trip.
Lounge situation at Midway (MDW): Midway has no major airline club lounges. Priority Pass members may find limited lounge options. The overall lounge infrastructure at MDW is substantially thinner than at ORD.
Business and frequent flyers who rely on lounge access for productivity or rest on long travel days should factor Midway’s limited lounge options into their airport choice. If lounge access is a priority, ORD is the better airport regardless of airline.
Verify current lounge access policies directly with your airline, credit card issuer, or lounge network before arriving. Access policies, guest fees, and hours change without broad public announcement.
O’Hare Airport Terminals: The Layout Explained
O’Hare International Airport operates four passenger terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2, Terminal 3, and Terminal 5. There is no Terminal 4 for passenger use. Understanding which terminal your airline uses at ORD is one of the most practically important things you can do before arriving.
Terminal assignments at O’Hare, as of recent reporting from the Chicago Department of Aviation:
- Terminal 1: United Airlines domestic and international departures. Home to the United Club.
- Terminal 2: American Airlines domestic operations and select partner airlines.
- Terminal 3: American Airlines domestic and international, along with select OneWorld alliance partners.
- Terminal 5: International arrivals and departures for non-United and non-American international carriers. This is where U.S. Customs and Border Protection processes international arrivals.
Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected airside (after security) via the underground pedestrian tunnel and ATS (Airport Transit System) train. Terminal 5 requires a departure from the secure area to reach Terminals 1, 2, or 3.
First-time international travelers connecting from an international flight to a domestic connection at ORD should budget at least 2 to 3 hours for the customs process, baggage re-check, re-security, and transit between Terminal 5 and their domestic departure terminal.
The O’Hare renovation program is ongoing through the late 2020s. Verify your specific terminal assignment directly with your airline before departure. Terminal configurations are subject to change during construction phases.
Key Takeaway: Terminal 5 is ORD’s international terminal. Connecting from an international to domestic flight at O’Hare requires clearing customs and moving between terminals. Plan for at least 2.5 hours.
Which Chicago Airport Is Closer to Downtown?
Midway Airport (MDW) is closer to downtown Chicago than O’Hare (ORD) by both distance and average travel time. MDW sits approximately 10 miles from the Loop; ORD sits approximately 17 miles away.
By CTA rail, Midway is typically faster to reach downtown. The Orange Line from MDW to the Loop runs approximately 30 minutes. The Blue Line from ORD runs approximately 45 minutes.
That said, distance and travel time are not the only factors. The relevant question is not “which airport is closer to downtown” but “which airport is closer to where you’re actually staying in Chicago.”
Travelers staying in Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, or Wicker Park may find the Blue Line from ORD more convenient than the Orange Line from MDW, which terminates at different downtown stops. Travelers staying near the South Loop, Bronzeville, or Hyde Park may find Midway more practical.
Families with children should map their hotel location against both CTA lines before deciding. The CTA route planner at the official CTA website can show door-to-door transit time from each airport to your specific hotel address.
| Factor | O’Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Loop | ~17 miles | ~10 miles |
| CTA Rail Line | Blue Line | Orange Line |
| Approx. CTA Time to Loop | 40 to 50 minutes | 25 to 35 minutes |
| 24-Hour Rail Service | Yes | No |
| CTA Line Coverage | North and West Chicago | Southwest Chicago to Loop |
Alternative Airports Near Chicago Worth Knowing About
Three airports outside Chicago proper serve as potential alternatives for travelers willing to drive or take a bus to the metro area: Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY), Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD), and Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE).
None of these alternatives rival ORD or MDW for route selection or frequency. They exist primarily as options for budget travelers seeking lower-cost flights on carriers that operate from secondary markets.
- Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY): Located in Gary, Indiana, approximately 30 miles southeast of downtown Chicago. GYY has seen limited commercial service in recent years. Verify current scheduled airline service before considering this option, as service offerings change frequently.
- Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD): Located approximately 90 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. Allegiant Air has historically served RFD with seasonal leisure routes to sun-belt destinations. Verify current service before booking. Ground transfer to downtown Chicago requires a car or bus.
- Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE): Located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, approximately 90 miles north of downtown Chicago. MKE is served by Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Frontier Airlines, among others. The Badger Bus and FlixBus offer coach connections between MKE and downtown Chicago.
Budget travelers should compare total trip cost including ground transfer when considering RFD or MKE. A $40 savings on an airfare can be eliminated by a $35 Badger Bus ticket from Milwaukee.
According to The Points Guy, Milwaukee Mitchell is the most viable Chicago-area alternative airport for travelers whose origin city has direct MKE service, particularly on Southwest’s Rapid Rewards network.
Which Chicago Airport Should You Fly Into?
The Chicago airport you should fly into depends on your airline, your destination within the city, and whether your trip is domestic or international. The decision is rarely complicated once you know these three facts.
Use this framework:
- Fly into ORD if: You are on United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa, or any major international carrier. You are arriving from or connecting to an international flight. You need lounge access and the best airport hotel options.
- Fly into MDW if: You are flying Southwest Airlines. Your hotel or destination is on Chicago’s South or West Side. You want a simpler, smaller airport experience with faster navigation.
- Consider MKE if: You are a budget traveler who found a meaningfully lower fare on a carrier that serves Milwaukee, and you are comfortable with a 90-minute bus transfer to Chicago.
Business and frequent flyers should default to ORD in almost all cases. The hub connectivity, lounge access, and international route options at O’Hare make it the stronger airport for high-frequency travelers.
First-time international travelers have essentially no choice: international arrivals process through ORD Terminal 5. Plan your itinerary around this.
Verify your specific flight’s departure airport directly with your booking confirmation and your airline before heading to the airport. Some codeshare and interline itineraries may route through the less expected of the two airports.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicago Airports
How many airports does Chicago have?
Chicago has two commercial airports serving scheduled passenger flights: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).
Both are operated by the Chicago Department of Aviation and are located within the city limits of Chicago.
Additional aviation facilities in the greater metro area serve general aviation only and are not options for booking commercial flights.
Which Chicago airport is closest to downtown?
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is closer to downtown Chicago, sitting approximately 10 miles from the Loop compared to O’Hare’s 17 miles.
The CTA Orange Line from Midway reaches the Loop in approximately 25 to 35 minutes.
The CTA Blue Line from O’Hare takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes to reach downtown, though the Blue Line runs 24 hours and the Orange Line does not.
Does Chicago Midway have international flights?
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) offers limited international service. The selection is far narrower than at O’Hare, which is Chicago’s primary international gateway.
Travelers seeking nonstop international flights to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or most international destinations should plan to use O’Hare (ORD) and specifically Terminal 5.
Verify current international route availability at MDW directly with the airline you’re considering, as international service at Midway changes seasonally.
What airlines fly out of O’Hare International Airport?
O’Hare (ORD) is served by more than 80 airlines, including United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, British Airways, Lufthansa, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.
United Airlines and American Airlines each operate a hub at ORD, making it one of the most connected airports in the country for domestic and international routes.
Verify current airline assignments and terminal locations directly with your carrier before departure, particularly during the ongoing ORD expansion program.
How long does it take to get from O’Hare to downtown Chicago?
By CTA Blue Line, the journey from O’Hare to downtown Chicago takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes under normal conditions.
By rideshare or taxi, travel time varies from 25 minutes in light traffic to over an hour during peak congestion, particularly during rush hour.
Verify current CTA schedules and fares at the official CTA website before travel.
Is it better to fly into O’Hare or Midway for a Chicago trip?
For most travelers, the airline determines the airport. Southwest passengers use Midway; United, American, and international travelers use O’Hare.
If you have a genuine choice, Midway is closer to downtown and easier to navigate, but O’Hare offers far more airline options, international routes, and lounge access.
Confirm your specific flight’s departure airport with your booking confirmation before traveling.
Chicago has two commercial airports, and the right one for your trip is almost always determined by the airline you fly. O’Hare is the international hub and the home of United and American Airlines. Midway is Southwest’s Chicago base and a simpler, more compact airport for domestic travel.
Book your flight first, then plan your ground transfer. Use the CTA Blue Line from ORD or the CTA Orange Line from MDW for the most predictable and cost-effective transfer to downtown. Verify current rail fares, rideshare pickup zones, and terminal assignments with the Chicago Department of Aviation and your airline before departure, as these details change.
