Chicago O’Hare vs Midway: Which Airport is Better for Your Travel Needs?
When traveling to or from Chicago, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing between O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Both airports serve millions of passengers every year and are gateways to the Windy City and beyond. However, each has its unique strengths, depending on where you’re coming from, your destination, and your travel preferences. If you’re planning your next trip, Elite Ride Chicago can make your airport transfer experience smooth and stress-free, no matter which airport you choose.
Overview of Chicago’s Two Major Airports
Chicago is one of the few U.S. cities with two major airports: O’Hare International Airport, located on the city's northwest side, and Midway International Airport, situated southwest of downtown. O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international flights. Midway, on the other hand, is smaller but more convenient for travelers who prefer quick access to downtown Chicago and domestic destinations.
O’Hare covers about 7,200 acres of land, while Midway occupies roughly 1 square mile. Despite its smaller size, Midway has made a strong reputation for being efficient and traveler-friendly. The choice between the two often depends on your specific needs — whether that’s international connections, flight options, or travel convenience.
Location and Accessibility
One of the first factors travelers consider is how easily they can reach the airport.
O’Hare International Airport is about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It’s connected by the CTA Blue Line, which offers a direct route from the Loop. However, because of its distance and frequent traffic congestion on highways like I-90 and I-294, travel time can vary greatly — anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour.
Midway International Airport, in contrast, is only about 10 miles southwest of downtown. The CTA Orange Line connects Midway directly to the Loop, typically taking around 25 minutes. This makes Midway a favorite among locals who want to minimize travel time to and from the airport.
When you factor in airport transfers, Elite Ride Chicago provides a reliable way to get to either airport without the stress of parking, traffic, or navigating public transit with luggage in tow.
Flight Options and Destinations
When it comes to flight volume and destination variety, O’Hare clearly has the upper hand. It’s a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, offering nonstop flights to over 200 destinations worldwide. O’Hare serves as a key connection point for international travel, including Europe, Asia, and South America.
Midway, on the other hand, primarily focuses on domestic flights and is a major hub for Southwest Airlines. It offers nonstop service to more than 70 U.S. cities, including popular destinations like Denver, Orlando, and Las Vegas. While it doesn’t match O’Hare in terms of global reach, Midway’s strong domestic network and lower airfares make it an attractive option for U.S. travelers.
If you’re flying internationally, O’Hare is usually the better choice. If you’re planning a short trip within the U.S. or prefer the efficiency of a smaller airport, Midway might be ideal.
Airport Size and Facilities
O’Hare is massive — featuring four terminals and nine concourses. Its sheer size can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it offers countless amenities such as restaurants, lounges, and shopping options. On the other hand, navigating between terminals can be time-consuming, especially during peak hours.
Midway, with just one main terminal and three concourses, is much easier to navigate. Lines for check-in and security are often shorter, and it takes only minutes to get from the gate to ground transportation. While it lacks some of the luxury amenities found at O’Hare, Midway offers convenience and speed that many travelers value.
O’Hare’s facilities cater to business travelers and international tourists who appreciate variety and comfort. Midway is better suited for leisure travelers and families who prefer a quicker, simpler airport experience.
Parking and Ground Transportation
Parking can be a major concern at both airports. O’Hare offers multiple parking options, including long-term lots, valet services, and economy parking. However, parking rates can be quite high, and shuttle rides to terminals may take up to 20 minutes.
Midway’s parking is generally more affordable and more conveniently located. Economy lots and garages are closer to the terminal, and shuttle times are shorter.
Regardless of where you land or depart, getting to your destination doesn’t have to be complicated. Elite Ride Chicago provides premium airport transfer services to both O’Hare and Midway. Whether you’re traveling alone, with family, or on a business trip, their professional chauffeurs ensure a smooth and timely ride in comfort and style.
Flight Delays and On-Time Performance
If punctuality is a top concern, Midway generally performs better in terms of on-time arrivals and departures. Because it’s smaller and handles fewer flights, Midway experiences fewer weather-related and air-traffic delays compared to O’Hare.
O’Hare, being one of the world’s busiest airports, faces frequent delays, especially during Chicago’s unpredictable winter months. However, its modernized runways and advanced traffic management systems have improved its efficiency in recent years.
Still, if you’re looking to minimize travel stress, choosing Midway — or booking an early flight from O’Hare — can improve your chances of an on-time journey.
Cost and Airlines
In general, flights from Midway tend to be cheaper due to the dominance of low-cost carriers like Southwest Airlines. O’Hare’s ticket prices are often higher, especially for international and business-class routes. However, the difference in fare may be offset by O’Hare’s wider range of flight times and airlines.
Frequent travelers often choose O’Hare for its global connections and loyalty programs, while budget-conscious travelers favor Midway for affordable fares and quick check-ins.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
Your choice between O’Hare and Midway largely depends on your priorities:
Choose O’Hare if you’re traveling internationally, need flexible flight times, or prefer premium airline options.
Choose Midway if you value convenience, affordability, and faster airport experiences.
Both airports are well-connected to downtown Chicago, and with a professional car service like Elite Ride Chicago, your airport transfer becomes seamless and comfortable, no matter where you fly.
Final Thoughts
Chicago O’Hare and Midway each offer distinct advantages. O’Hare excels in global connectivity and facilities, while Midway stands out for its accessibility and efficiency. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, understanding these differences can help you make the best choice for your travel plans.
And when it comes to getting to or from either airport, you don’t have to worry about directions, traffic, or timing — just book your ride with Elite Ride Chicago for a smooth, reliable, and stress-free airport transfer experience every time.
