Are you wondering how to get from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago? This comprehensive guide covers all transportation options from Midway Airport with up-to-date prices, travel times, and insider tips to make your journey smooth and stress-free.
Quick Comparison: Midway to Downtown Chicago Transportation Options
| Transportation Option | Travel Time | Cost | Comfort Level | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CTA Orange Line | 20-25 minutes | $2.50 | Medium | Budget travelers, singles |
| Taxi | 20-30 minutes | $35-45 | High | Groups, travelers with luggage |
| Uber/Lyft | 20-30 minutes | $25-40 | High | Tech-savvy travelers, couples |
| Shuttle/Bus | 45-60 minutes | $15-27 | Medium-low | Groups, travelers heading to specific hotels |
| Rental Car | 20-40 minutes | $40+ per day | Very high | Travelers needing mobility |
CTA Orange Line: The Budget Champion
When considering how to get from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago on a budget, the Chicago Transit Authority’s Orange Line is both the most economical and often the fastest option, especially during rush hour.
Finding the Station
Follow the “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City” signs from the terminal. The station is connected to the airport via a covered walkway that takes about 10-12 minutes to walk.
Schedule & Fares
- Hours: Monday-Friday (4:00 AM-1:00 AM), Saturday-Sunday (4:30 AM-1:00 AM)
- Frequency: Every 8-10 minutes during peak hours; every 15 minutes otherwise
- Cost: $2.50 per ride
- Payment options: Single ticket, Ventra Card, or multi-day passes (1-day: $5.75, 3-day: $15, 7-day: $25)
Key Stops
The Orange Line travels from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago in about 20-25 minutes, stopping at stations like Roosevelt (near Museum Campus), Harold Washington Library, Adams/Wabash (near Millennium Park), and Clark/Lake (main transfer hub).
Taxi from Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago: Convenient Door-to-Door Travel
For convenient transportation, taxis provide hassle-free service straight to your destination.
Where to Find Taxis
Head to the lower level of the terminal and follow “Ground Transportation” or “Taxi” signs to the designated taxi area near baggage claim.
Cost & Travel Time
- Cab fare Midway Airport to downtown Chicago: $35-45 fixed rate
- Travel time: 20-30 minutes in normal traffic; 30-45 minutes during rush hour
- Payment: Cash or credit cards (tip of 15-20% is customary)
When to Choose a Taxi
Taxis are ideal if you have heavy luggage, are traveling in a group (cost splits among passengers), or value convenience over price. They’re available 24/7 and offer air-conditioned comfort.
Uber & Lyft: Flexible Ridesharing
Rideshare services often provide slightly lower prices than taxis with the convenience of app-based booking.
Pickup Location
After booking your ride, head to the lower level at exit 4 of the baggage claim area, cross the street to the center lane where you’ll find the rideshare pickup point.
Price Comparison
- UberX: $25-35 (standard conditions)
- Uber Comfort: $30-40
- Uber XL: $40-55 (for groups up to 6)
- Lyft Standard: $25-35
- Lyft XL: $40-50
Prices can increase significantly during peak hours, bad weather, or special events due to dynamic pricing.
Shuttle from Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago: The Group Option
Shuttle services offer a middle ground between public transit and private transportation.
Available Services
GO Airport Express:
- Pickup: Lower level, exit 3
- Cost: $27 per person (shared shuttle)
- Private service: From $75 per vehicle (up to 3 people)
- Reservation recommended
Airport Supersaver:
- Pickup: Lower level, exit 3
- Cost: From $19 per person
- Reservation required
Travel Times
Expect 45-60 minutes to downtown, depending on traffic and the number of stops. While slower than taxis or trains, shuttles are often more economical for single travelers.
Rental Cars: Maximum Flexibility
For those wanting complete freedom to explore Chicago and beyond, rental cars are available at the Midway Rental Car Facility.
Getting to the Rental Facility
Take the free shuttle bus from the lower level of the terminal (exit 2), which runs every 15 minutes. The journey takes 5-10 minutes.
Costs to Consider
- Economy/Compact: $40-70 per day
- Mid-size: $50-80 per day
- SUV/Premium: $70-120 per day
- Additional costs: Insurance ($15-30/day), airport taxes (15-20%), parking in downtown ($30-65/day)
How Close is Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago?
Midway Airport is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from downtown Chicago. This relatively close proximity is why transportation options can be so quick:
- By taxi: 20-30 minutes (in normal traffic)
- By CTA Orange Line: 20-25 minutes (consistent regardless of traffic)
This makes Midway significantly closer to downtown than O’Hare International Airport, which is about 27 kilometers (17 miles) from the city center.
Solve the Luggage Problem with Radical Storage
One of the biggest challenges when traveling from Midway Airport to Chicago is managing luggage, especially if:
- You arrive hours before hotel check-in
- You have a long layover and want to explore
- You’ve checked out but have an evening flight
How Radical Storage Works
Radical Storage offers convenient luggage storage locations near Midway Airport and throughout downtown Chicago:
- Book online via the Radical Storage website or app
- Pay a fixed fee of just $6 per bag per day (regardless of size)
- Store your luggage with our verified local partners (“Angels”)
- Explore Chicago freely without heavy bags
- Pick up your items whenever you’re ready
Each bag is covered by a $3000 guarantee for complete peace of mind.
Strategic Benefits
Storing your luggage allows you to:
- Take the economical Orange Line instead of expensive taxis
- Visit museums and attractions without baggage restrictions
- Maximize your time in Chicago, even during layovers
- Move through the city comfortably and stress-free
Must-See Attractions Near Orange Line Stops
The Orange Line provides convenient access to many of Chicago’s top attractions:
- Roosevelt Station: Museum Campus (Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium), Grant Park
- Harold Washington Library: Chicago Theatre District, historic library
- Adams/Wabash: Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago
- State/Lake: Chicago Theatre, Chicago Riverwalk
- Clark/Lake: Willis Tower Skydeck, architecture river cruises
Insider Tips for Stress-Free Travel
Best Times to Travel
Avoid:
- Weekday mornings (7:00-9:30 AM)
- Weekday afternoons (4:00-6:30 PM)
- Major event days
Recommended times:
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM-12:00 PM)
- Early afternoon (1:00-3:00 PM)
- Weekends (especially Sunday mornings)
Useful Apps
- Ventra: For CTA tickets and trip planning
- Transit or Citymapper: Real-time public transit updates
- Uber/Lyft: For rideshare services
- Radical Storage: For luggage storage booking
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the train run from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago?
Yes, the CTA Orange Line runs directly from Midway to downtown Chicago. It operates from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM on weekdays and 4:30 AM to 1:00 AM on weekends.
What is the cab fare from Midway Airport?
Cab fare is approximately $35-45 plus tip (15-20%). Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft typically range from $25-40 under normal conditions but can increase during peak hours.
What is the most economical way to get from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago?
The CTA Orange Line is the most economical option at $2.50 per ride. A 1-day unlimited pass costs $5.75 and allows unlimited rides on all CTA trains and buses.
Is there a shuttle from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago?
Yes, GO Airport Express ($27 per person) and Airport Supersaver (from $19) offer shuttle services to downtown Chicago. Many downtown hotels also offer their own shuttle services.
How close is Midway Airport to downtown Chicago?
Midway Airport is approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from downtown Chicago, making it relatively close and convenient for travelers.
Final Takeaway
For transportation from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago, prioritize the CTA Orange Line for affordability or Uber for convenience. Use Radical Storage to ditch luggage hassles and maximize your Chicago adventure. Whether you’re here for business or leisure, this guide ensures a stress-free start to your trip!