Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is developing into an important hub for domestic air travel in the United States. In 2010, more than 17 million passengers passed through its gates, gaining connections to hundreds of American and international destinations.
Flights to Chicago Midway International Airport are mainly provided by Dallas-based low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines, offering cheap flights to a host of American and Canadian destinations. Most other airlines fly into Chicago’s other major airport, O’Hare.
There's quite a lot to see and do in Chicago Midway, including a lovely central area known as Midway Boulevard. Full of shops, restaurants and cafes, Midway Boulevard is the perfect place to pull up a chair and people-watch.
Back to top
<div class="rxbodyfield">Chicago Midway International Airport has only one terminal building.<p>
Back to top
Airport taxis: Taxis are freely available outside the lower level of the terminal building. There is no fixed charge or prepaid fee – all taxis run on meters. It should cost $22-$28 to get downtown and the trip should take 20- 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Bus: Chicago Midway International Airport is connected to the downtown area by the CTA Orange Line public bus service. Tickets can be bought at the Midway Orange Line station, which is conveniently located right across from the airport on Cicero Avenue. The Orange Line makes stops throughout southwest Chicago and travels right into the central area known as The Loop. Buses leave frequently, cost $2-$3, and take up to 45 minutes to make the trip into town.
Train: The Chicago Transport Authority's Orange Line operates a train service between Midway Station and downtown, via the famous elevated tracks. Midway Station is easy accessed by foot from the airport (follow the signs saying ‘CTA Trains’ or ‘Trains to City’), and the trains run every day from 4am to 1am (until 11pm on Sundays). The trip should take about 25 minutes, and cost $2.25.
Back to top
There is short and long-stay, off and on-site parking available at Chicago Midway International Airport. The six-story parking garage (complete with walkway access to the terminal building) offers hourly parking on the bottom levels, and daily parking on levels 4, 5 and 6. Hourly parking is free for the first 10 minutes, and then $2 for up to 30 minutes, $4 for up to 60 minutes, $6 for up to 2 hours, $8 for up to 3 hours, $10 for up to 4 hours, and so on – reaching a fee of $51 for 24 hours. Unsurprisingly, daily parking is cheaper. Identical rates apply until you've parked for 4 hours, and then the following fees are levied: $13 for 4-8 hours, $18 for 8-12 hours, $23 for 12-16 hours, and $29 for 16-24 hours.
Back to top
Money and communications: There are numerous ATMs dotted around Chicago Midway International Airport, and a currency exchange office may be found in Concourse A. TTY Telephones are widely available.
Luggage: The lost and found office is administered by the Chicago Police Department, who have an office in Concourse C. Baggage carts are available in Concourse A.
Conference and business: Exhaustive conference facilities are offered by nearby airport hotels (such as the Chicago Marriott Midway). There are currently plans underway to install more business facilities at Chicago Midway International Airport.
Other facilities: Other facilities at Chicago Midway International Airport include baby-changing facilities, medical facilities, TVs, an interfaith chapel, and full access and facilities for disabled passengers.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is available in all passenger areas, though you will have to purchase a prepaid voucher from Boingo (located near Midway Boulevard). For $6.95, you can get a full day's Wi-Fi access.
Shopping: Head to Midway Boulevard, a triangular area separating Concourses A, B and C, for the airport's best shopping options. There you'll find a small, but good, selection of newsagents, gift stores, a music store, a toy store and a golf store.
Food and Drink: Dining is one area in which Chicago Midway International Airport really excels. Supposedly a celebration of Chicago's cultural diversity, Midway Boulevard is home to more than 20 restaurants, cafes and snack bars – all specializing in ethnic cuisine.
Back to top
