About Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

The smaller of the two major airports serving Chicago, Chicago Midway International Airport is located to the southwest of the city centre and is a base for low-cost and regional airlines. Our Chicago Midway International Airport guide includes information on terminal facilities, transport options and local accommodation.

Information:

Information booths are located on the upper level (ticketing) and lower level (baggage) areas of the terminal building. There are also numerous volunteer service assistants to be found throughout the airport.

Website:

Driving directions:

From central Chicago, head southwest on Interstate 55 (Stevenson Expressway) for 8km (5 miles), take the Route 50 exit (exit 286), and head south to Chicago Midway International Airport.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus:The Chicago Transit Authority (tel: +1 312 836 7000; www.transitchicago.com) operates a number of bus routes between Chicago Midway International Airport and the city (journey time: 55 minutes; fare: US$2.25).

Shuttle:Go Airport Express (tel: +1 888 284 3826; www.airportexpress.com) runs daily shared-ride shuttle services between Chicago Midway International Airport, central Chicago and south suburban locations (journey time: 30/40 minutes; fare: US$27).

Coach:There are a number of long-distance coach services operating from the airport to other states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin.

Taxi:Taxi pick-up areas are located in front of the terminal building, on the lower level. There are no flat rates; all taxicabs run on meters. Shared ride services and taxi vans are available at a lower price. Taxi fares to central Chicago are generally between US$25-30, and the journey time is 20 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

Public transport rail:

Rail:The Chicago Transit Authority (tel: +1 312 836 7000; www.transitchicago.com) Orange Line serves the southwest side of Chicago and connects Chicago Midway International Airport with central Chicago (journey time: 25 minutes; fare: US$2.25).

Terminal facilities

Money:

ATMs are located throughout the terminal. Currency exchange is available in concourse A.

Food:

The Midway Boulevard, located directly after security, offers a selection of cuisines representing Chicago's rich cultural diversity. There are more than 20 different cafés, snack bars, bars and restaurants in this area and in concourses A and B.

Shopping:

There are numerous shops at Chicago Midway International Airport, including news-stands, gift shops, a music shop and a toy shop.

Luggage:

Items lost in the public areas of the airport are handled by the Midway Communication Center (tel: +1 773 838 0656).

Other:

An interfaith chapel is located on the mezzanine level of concourse C. Defibrillators (AEDs) are housed throughout the airport in cabinets linked to emergency medical services – to find these, follow the heart symbol on overhead signs. Baby changing facilities are available in most toilet areas throughout the terminal.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

Extensive conference and meeting facilities are available at the nearby Chicago Marriott Midway Hotel (tel: +1 708 594 5500; www.marriott.com), and at other accommodations in the vicinity. The large McCormick Place Convention Centre (tel: +1 312 791 7000; www.mccormickplace.com), near central Chicago, offers a range of business facilities.

Communication Facilities:

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout Chicago Midway International Airport, the first 30 minutes of use is free of charge. Coin- and credit-card-operated telephones can also be found throughout the terminal and concourse buildings.

Disabled facilities:

Chicago Midway International Airport is equipped with a range of features for those with disabilities. Lifts are located throughout the passenger terminal and parking complex, all restaurant and restroom entrances are accessible to wheelchair users, and TTY telephones are available for hearing-impaired travellers.

There is designated pick-up and drop-off areas on the upper and lower levels of the terminal for disabled travellers, and designated parking spaces are near each lift in the multistorey car park – passengers should use the lifts to access the pedestrian bridge to the terminal building on the third floor. Disabled parking spaces in the economy car parks are near the entrance of each area. Free shuttle buses, equipped with wheelchair lifts, provide transportation between the economy car parks and the terminal.

Any passengers who may require additional assistance are advised to contact their airline in advance of travel.

Car parking:

Hourly parking is available on level 1 of the multistorey car park, while daily parking is available on levels 2, 4, 5 and 6. A free 'cell phone lot' for motorists meeting arriving passengers is a short drive from the terminal, near concourse A.

Economy car parks are located on 55th Street, and a remote parking area can be found on the corner of 72nd Street and Cicero Street. A free 24-hour shuttle service is available to/from all economy and remote parking areas – shuttle stops are identified by numbered signs. Additional information is available from the Parking Garage Office (tel: +1 773 838 0756).

Car rental:

Car hire companies are located at a dedicated centre on 55th Street – a free shuttle bus operates to this facility from the lower level of the terminal building. The following hire car companies are represented here: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Payless and Thrifty.