Service to/from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) offers both train and bus service in the City of Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. The CTA trains in Chicago are well known as the "L," and the Orange Line trains are the easiest and most affordable way to get to Midway from downtown via public transit.

The Orange Line train service operates from approximately 4:00 to 4:30 am to approximately 1:00 am every day with more frequent service during weekday morning and evening rush hours. Alternate overnight ("owl") service is available via the N62 Archer bus. Orange Line trains operate from Midway to downtown via elevated tracks. Once reaching downtown, trains travel clockwise around the Loop and make all stops back to Midway. The Orange Line connects to most other CTA train lines.

The normal travel time from Midway to downtown is 20-25 minutes.

Location

The fully-accessible station is located just east of the airport terminal building at the Midway Transportation Center and is connected to the airport via an enclosed walkway. Follow the signs in the airport that read "CTA Trains" or "Trains to City."

Transfers

You can transfer to buses but you will need a Transit Card or an unlimited ride pass. Using a stored-value Transit Card, you can make up to two transfers within two hours for just 25 cents.

Payment

You can purchase fare with cash or credit. There are vending machines located outside the station

We recommend you download the Ventra app to add CTA fare before you commit to this mode of transportation. It costs about $5.00 per person to ride any CTA line.

Taking a Ride Share from MDW to Chicago

While it may be the more direct route from MDW to wherever you choose to stay in Chicago, it is more expensive.

Normal price of an Uber/Lyft to Chicago is around $25-$40, but can reach surge prices of up to $100. It will also take anywhere between 15-40 minutes to get to your destination depending on the time of day and the day of the week.

Other Options

There are taxis available at the airport and may cost less than an Uber/Lyft as they do not do surge pricing, but the meter will run up depending on how much time it takes to get to your destination.

Car rentals could be a good option if you choose to explore outside of Chicago city limits. However, you likely won't use your car much when you are in Chicago as there is plenty of public transit and lots of Ubers/Lyfts to get you from place to place. Plus, overnight parking can get costly so make sure you check the rates when you book your hotel.

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