Chicago has two major airports, and they're genuinely different experiences — not just two doors to the same city. Here's how they actually compare.
O'Hare vs Midway at a Glance
| Factor | O'Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 4 terminals, ~84.8 million passengers/year | 1 terminal, 3 concourses, ~22 million passengers/year |
| Main airlines | United and American (dual hub), most international carriers | Southwest (~95% of flights), some Delta and Frontier |
| International flights | Yes — dedicated Terminal 5 | Very limited |
| Distance from downtown | ~17 miles northwest | ~11 miles southwest |
| Drive time to downtown | 25–90 min depending on traffic | 20–40 min depending on traffic |
| Layout | Sprawling; some terminals require the ATS train to connect | Compact — all concourses connect after security, no train needed |
| Security wait (typical) | 25–35 min, up to 45+ during 5–8am / 4–7pm peaks | Generally shorter, but peaks on weekday mornings and holidays |
| Best for | International trips, business travel, northwest/north suburbs | Domestic Southwest flights, south/southwest suburbs, simpler layout |
When O'Hare Makes More Sense
O'Hare is the better choice if you're flying internationally, since nearly all international departures use Terminal 5. It's also the stronger pick if you're flying United or American, since both airlines hub there with the most frequent schedules and connection options. If you live in the northwest or north suburbs — Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Elgin, Crystal Lake — O'Hare is also usually the shorter drive.
The trade-off is size and complexity. Four terminals, a free ATS train to move between some of them, and average security waits that can hit 45 minutes during peak morning and evening banks mean O'Hare requires more buffer time, especially at Terminals 1 and 3.
When Midway Makes More Sense
Midway is dramatically simpler: one terminal, three concourses (A, B, C), all connected after security with no shuttle or train required. If you're flying Southwest, Midway is effectively your only option in Chicago, since Southwest runs about 95% of Midway's flights. It's also the shorter drive if you're coming from the south side or southwest suburbs — Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Naperville is often comparable to O'Hare depending on route.
The trade-off is fewer options: limited international service, fewer airlines, and fewer nonstop destinations than O'Hare offers.
Distance and Traffic Comparison
O'Hare is about 17 miles from the Loop; Midway is closer at roughly 11 miles. In light traffic, that puts Midway at a slight time advantage (20–30 minutes versus O'Hare's 25–35). During rush hour, both airports see significant slowdowns, but O'Hare's routes — particularly the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/I-190) — tend to see heavier and more prolonged congestion than Midway's I-55 approach.
Which Airport for Which Suburb
- Northwest suburbs (Schaumburg, Arlington Heights, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Huntley): O'Hare is almost always closer.
- North suburbs (Waukegan, Lake Villa, Antioch): O'Hare is closer.
- Western suburbs (Naperville): Distances are comparable; airline and flight schedule usually decide it.
- South and southwest suburbs (Orland Park, Tinley Park, Joliet, Oak Lawn): Midway is typically closer and faster.
Booking a Taxi to Either Airport
Whichever airport you're flying from, the same booking principles apply — share your flight number, airline, and terminal so dispatch can route you correctly, especially at O'Hare where the wrong terminal means a longer walk or an ATS transfer. Midway's single-terminal layout makes pickup and drop-off considerably more straightforward, which is worth factoring in if you're traveling with young kids, heavy luggage, or limited mobility.
O'Hare vs Midway FAQs
Which Chicago airport is bigger, O'Hare or Midway? O'Hare is significantly larger, with about 84.8 million passengers a year across four terminals, compared to Midway's roughly 22 million passengers through one terminal.
Which airport is closer to downtown Chicago? Midway, at about 11 miles versus O'Hare's roughly 17 miles.
Does Midway have international flights? Very few. Midway is primarily a domestic airport, dominated by Southwest Airlines. O'Hare's Terminal 5 handles nearly all of Chicago's international departures.
Which airport has shorter security lines? Midway's security waits are generally shorter and more predictable, since it's smaller overall. O'Hare can see waits of 45 minutes or more at Terminals 1 and 3 during peak hours.
Is Midway easier to navigate than O'Hare? Yes. Midway's single terminal and three connected concourses require no inter-terminal train. O'Hare's four terminals sometimes require the ATS people mover, especially to and from Terminal 5.
Related Airport Taxi Pages
Airport Taxi Rates · Midway Airport Taxi Pickup Guide · O'Hare Airport Taxi Pickup Guide · More Airport Taxi Tips
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