How To Get From Chicago Midway Airport To Downtown

by Vandvoyage

2 min read

Chicago! One of America’s windiest cities (not literally). Home to stunning architecture and academic trail blazers. Chicago is an amazing city to get lost in and explore. But before you do, take some time to learn how to get from Midway to downtown Chicago.

Here at Vandvoyage we take pride in breaking down all of the options. From the fastest and the cheapest, to the most adventurous. So before you grab that ‘L’ train take a look at the best ways to get from Chicago Midway Airport to downtown Chicago.

Note: Chicago is home to two major passenger airports: Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). ORD handles international and domestic flights while MDW handles national and cross border flights to Canada and Mexico.

This article focuses on how to get from Chicago Midway International Airport to downtown.

Read this article about how to get from Chicago O'Hare International Airport here.

Cheapest: CTA ‘L’ Orange Line Train

Easily the most straightforward ride to downtown Chicago. (What makes Chicago great are the direct rapid transit (subway/metro) rides from Midway and O’Hare to downtown Chicago. No transfer. Just hop on and ride.

The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)’s Orange Line starts right at Midway Station,**** a short walk through the terminal and parking structure to the station. Look for signs indicating “CTA Trains” or “Train to City”. Travel time is approximately 20-25 minutes to The Loop - the circuit loop where all ‘L’ (metro) trains converge in the downtown core of Chicago. Giving you multiple stations to transfer at if your final destination is beyond downtown. If you’re going from MDW to ORD transfer from the Orange Line to the Blue Line at the Loop to continue towards O’Hare airport.

Fare is $2.50 to take the Orange Line. You can purchase Chicagoland’s fare card - Ventra for $5.00 to explore the entire region.

Read information about the CTA Orange Line here.

Semi Private: Shuttle Bus

Go Airport Express Chicago offers shuttle, taxi and limo service from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago. WIth multiple options depending on the size of your travel group or budget Go Airport Express is a good option if you’re in a group.

Expect to pay at least $20.00 for a 20-30 minute ride.

Most Private: Taxi / Ride Share

Undoubtedly, the most expensive option from our list but the most private. In addition to taxis, Uber and Lyft offer private rideshare services from the airport. Travel time is approximately 20-30 minutes. If you arrive at rush hour expect to sit in traffic. Expect to pay about $30-40 for a ride.

Note:

Prices are accurate as of October 2024.