Chicago Midway International Airport
Airport Airport
Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is a single-terminal airport on the city’s southwest side and a major base for Southwest Airlines. Pre-pandemic annual passenger numbers were in the tens of millions, with the airport serving mostly domestic and near-international routes.
The terminal is arranged around a central building with multiple concourses (A-D) serving gates; the layout is compact compared with O’Hare and optimized for high-frequency short-haul operations.
Terminal Guide for Chicago Midway International Airport #
MDW operates from a single consolidated passenger terminal with multiple concourses radiating from the central building. Airline ticket counters, security checkpoints and baggage claim are located in the central terminal area; gates are reached by walking from the central hall to the concourses.
Moving between concourses is done on foot within the secure area; there is no internal shuttle required for typical connections inside the terminal.
Getting to and From Chicago Midway International Airport #
Midway is about 10 miles (16 km) from downtown Chicago; the most convenient public option is the CTA Orange Line, with taxis and ride-share also readily available. Travel times into the Loop are typically 20-35 minutes depending on traffic and time of day.
- Rail/Metro: CTA Orange Line runs between Midway and downtown Chicago; typical ride to the Loop is around 20-25 minutes (standard CTA fare applies).
- Buses: CTA and Pace buses serve the airport linking neighbourhoods across the south side.
- Taxis: Metered taxis are available at the curb; travel time to downtown varies with traffic but is commonly 20-35 minutes.
- Ride-share: Uber/Lyft operate with official pick-up points outside the terminal.
- Driving: The airport is easily reachable from interstates and city roads with on-site short- and long-term parking.
Facilities, Shopping, and Dining at Chicago Midway International Airport #
Midway provides a wide range of passenger services, from fast-food and sit-down restaurants to retail and travel essentials throughout the terminal.
- Lounges: Airline lounges and pay-per-entry lounges are available; access depends on airline status or paid entry.
- Food & drink: Numerous fast-food and casual dining options in landside and airside areas.
- Wi‑Fi: Free Wi‑Fi is provided; connect to the airport SSID and follow the terms page.
- Charging: Power outlets and charging stations are available at many gate seating areas.
- Luggage & services: Baggage services, lost-and-found and rental car desks are located landside; long-term parking and shuttle services are available.
- Accessibility: The terminal is accessible and airlines provide assistance when pre-arranged.
Hotels and Layovers at Chicago Midway International Airport #
- Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Midway (close to the airport; parent site: https://www.hilton.com)
- Hampton Inn Chicago-Midway Airport (nearby; parent site: https://www.hilton.com)
For short overnight stays consider hotels adjacent to the airport which commonly offer shuttle service to Midway. Check hotel websites for shuttle schedules and day-room availability.
Tips for Chicago Midway International Airport #
- Take the CTA Orange Line for the cheapest and usually fastest transit option to downtown Chicago - trains run frequently and go directly to the Loop.
- Midway is Southwest’s primary Chicago base; if you fly Southwest you can expect most flights to operate from Midway and straightforward connections.
- If you need cheaper food, head landside where quick-service options and convenience stores tend to be less expensive than airside concessions.
Weather & Climate near Chicago Midway International Airport #
Chicago Midway International Airport's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental - Hot-Summer Continental climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -9°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (961 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.