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Chicago Midway International Airport
Address
Phone+1 773-838-0600
Chicago Midway International Airport, also known as Midway Airport, Chicago Midway, or Midway, is a major commercial airport, located on the south side of Chicago, just 8 miles from downtown. Chicago O’Hare International Airport is Chicago’s largest airport, however Midway is another great option because of its proximity to the city, frequent flight times, and low ticket prices with Southwest Airlines—Southwest controls 34 of the 43 gates at Midway. The airport can be hectic serving over 22 million flyers each year.
Chicago Midway International Airport Code, Location, and Contact Information
- Airport Code: MDW
- Location: 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638
- Flight Tracker: Visit the website’s flight tracker for arrival and departure information, based on departure city, airline, date, and time.
- Airport Map: Midway Airport’s map
- Phone Number: 773-838-0600
Know Before You Go
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) monitors security checkpoints at each terminal at Midway Airport. Global Entry allows international passengers to have expedited accommodations. Be mindful of what you’re packing into your carry-on—aerosols, some liquid adhesives, liquids over 3.4 ounces, and more are not allowed. Midway Airport suggests that if you’re in doubt, leave it out.
Midway Airport operates with three concourses: A, B, and C. Each of these concourses has restaurants, newsstands, convenience stores, and ATMs. Concourse A serves Frontier Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Porter Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Air Tran; Concourse B serves Southwest Airlines for gates; Concourse C serves Continental Airlines.
If you find that you need to stay the night close to the airport, the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Midway Airport, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Chicago Midway Airport, and Hampton Inn Chicago Midway Airport are all located nearby and have shuttle services to and from the airport.
Chicago Midway International Airport Parking
There is a free shuttle, that operates every day, 24-hours a day, that will transport you to and from the economy parking lots for each terminal. You can reach the Parking Garage Office directly at 773-838-0756.
Hourly, daily, and long-term economy parking is available and there are over 11,000 parking spaces available for travelers. The terminal garage, located adjacent to the terminal at 5701 S. Cicero Avenue for hourly parkers, is situated on Level One. The daily parking is positioned on levels 2 through 6. Additionally, there is a daily lot located one block east of Cicero at the northwest corner of 55th Street and Kilpatrick Avenue. For long-term parking, leave your car at the economy lot at 5050 West 55th Street a quarter-mile west of Cicero Avenue. Parking rates, based on time in the lot, can be paid when exiting via credit card or cash.
Public Transportation and Taxis
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), also known as the “L,” is the best and most affordable option for public transportation. Take the Orange Line to get from downtown Chicago to the airport. The train, located just east of the terminal building, will take between 20 to 25 minutes and will operate between 4 a.m. and 1 a.m. There’s an enclosed walkway from the terminal building to the Midway station. You can purchase train tickets at a vending machine in the terminal, with cash or credit card.
Buses are another option and the CTA operates nine routes that serve Midway Airport. Buses drop off and pick up at the Midway Transportation Center, the same location as the Midway CTA station.
You can also take a ride share or taxi. Taxi stands are positioned outside on the lower level of the terminal, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Average fares from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago are around $40. The phone number for American United Cab Association, recommended by Midway Airport, is 737-327-6161.
Should you need totravel between Chicago’s two airports, Midway Airport and O’Hare Airport, there are a couple of workable options. You can travel on the CTA from Midway’s Orange Line to O’Hare’s Blue Line, transferring half-way downtown. The transfer is free of charge. You’ll need to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time if you take this route, which will be about 90 minutes. Rideshares and taxis are also available. The distance is 18 miles between the two airports, which will take you about 30 minutes.
Where to Eat and Drink
Many options exist for dining and drinking at Midway Airport—there are 33 different food and beverage concessions. At Concourse A, Arami, Fuel Bar, True Burger, Billy Goat Tavern, Midway Pour House, Reilly’s Daughter, and Woodgrain Neapolitan Pizza are fan-favorites. Also, Nuts on Clark is a great place to either buy snacks for your flight or for gifts to bring home. At Concourse B, Hubbard Inn, The Market, Homerun Inn, and Pork Chop BBQ are popular. There are no dining options available in Concourse C.
Midway Airport has several options perfect for families, offering special kid menus with discounted prices. For full-service options in Concourse A, dine at Midway Pour House or Reilly’s Daughter or HVAC in Concourse B.
Where to Shop
Midway Airport, as of 2020, has 24 different retail shops and stands. In Concourse A, you can pick up goods at Chicago Sports, iStore, and Ink by Hudson. Discover Chicago is located in Concourse B. Aeromart is located at Concourse C.
How to Spend Your Layover
Midway Airport has an interesting Public Art Program. If you find that you have time to burn on a layover, you may want to stretch your legs and walk around while enjoying the art pieces. If you visit Concourse C, you can pop in the Yoga Room, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. Nursing mothers can also take advantage of the Mother’s Room, located at Concourse C. At Concourse A, you can get your shoes shined or repaired at the Shoe Hospital. There’s also a chapel, located on the mezzanine level at Concourse C.
Airport Lounges
Midway Airport doesn't have any pay-to-enter or airline lounges. For active members of the military, and their families, there’s an USO Lounge, free of charge, located at concourse C.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
There are various work stations and seats with power outlets for charging your devices throughout the airport. Unlimited free Wi-Fi is available, pre- and post-security, throughout the airport.
Chicago Midway International Airport Tips & Facts
- Midway airport was originally named Chicago Air Park in 1923, utilized primarily for airmail services.
- The airport was built on land originally owned by the Board of Education.
- The entire airport footprint spans 840 acres.
- Midway Airport has a total of five active runways, situated in an “X” design.
- There are two service animal relief areas, one located near gate A4 and one situated outside of security by baggage claim, at door number 4.
- For Lost and Found, you’ll have to contact specific locations, near where you may have misplaced an item. Contact the airline directly if you lost something near ticketing, gate areas, or on the airplane; if you lost an item in the public spaces near the terminal, contact the Midway Communication Center at 773-838-0656; and if you lost something at a restaurant or store, contact Guest Services at 888-813-4568.
- From now and until 2021, Midway Airport is revitalizing concessions and the terminal garage and expanding the security checkpoints as part of their Midway Modernization Program. These improvements are thought to help the flow of traffic as well as offer more amenities and better overall security for passengers.
