Chicago Airports Travel Guide

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Cassidy Rush is a writer with a background in careers, business, and education. She covers international finance news and stories for Remitly.

Key Highlights

Chicago has two main airports: O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW).
O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It has many flights within the country and also to other countries.
Midway International Airport is smaller. It is easy to get around, and you will find short security lines there.
When you pick which airport to use, you should think about your airline, where you want to go in Chicago, if you want more things at the airport, or if you want things to move fast.
Both major airports have good public transportation. You can use the CTA train to get to downtown Chicago from both airports.
There is also Rockford International Airport. It is in the metropolitan area and mostly handles cargo, but there are a few flights for people, too.

Introduction

Welcome to the Windy City! Before you book your flight, it is good to know a bit about the airports in Chicago. Picking the right place to land can change a lot about your trip. It can affect how long you spend getting into the city, and the food or shopping you can find when you get there. Think about why you are flying—are you coming for business, or just for fun? Do you want a big international airport with many choices, or do you like a small and easy terminal? This guide will tell you about Chicago’s airports, including the busy Chicago International Airport and the smaller airports around the city. You will get the help you need to pick the best one for your next trip.

Overview of Chicago’s Airports

When you fly into the City of Chicago, you will most likely land at one of two big airports. These are O’Hare International Airport and Chicago Midway International Airport. O’Hare International Airport sits on the northwest side of the city. Chicago Midway International Airport is on the southwest side. Each international airport has good points. Which one you pick will depend on what you need for your trip.

There are other options around the city as well. One is Rockford International Airport, and there are also some smaller airports made for city flights and business use. The parts below will tell you more about each airport choice. This will help you know what to expect when you arrive in the City of Chicago.

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is a huge international airport and a key place for many people to catch flights in and out of the country. This site was once used to make military planes during World War II. Later, people changed it into a commercial airport. Now, it is an important spot for people who want to fly to different cities and countries. If you need to go to the north side of the city of Chicago, O’Hare International Airport is a good choice.

This airport is known because it was first to try new airport ideas like letting people go straight into a terminal and building jet bridges. The large size of O’Hare International Airport means there are a lot of flight choices. You can book trips to almost everywhere. Most people look to this international airport when they want plenty of travel options, services, or connections.

Traveling to and from O’Hare International Airport is easy. The airport has really good ways to connect you to places in and around Chicago. The CTA Blue Line runs trains right into downtown and to other neighborhoods. The ride takes about 45 minutes. You can also use Metra trains at this stop to go out to the suburbs.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is not the same as O’Hare. The airport first opened in 1927 as Chicago Municipal Airport. In 1949, the name changed to honor the Battle of Midway. Now, Chicago Midway International Airport is the city’s second-largest airport. A lot of people like it for domestic flights because it feels smaller and is usually less busy and stressful.

Chicago Midway is on the southwest side of the city. The airport is the best choice if you need to go to the neighborhoods that are south of the Loop. It is only about 10 miles from downtown Chicago, which is closer than O’Hare. One good thing about flying from Midway International Airport is that it is simple. There is just one terminal and three concourses, so you can get to your gate fast without any trouble.

The airport has fewer restaurants and shops compared to O’Hare. Even so, it gives you all the basics that you need when you travel. Getting to and from Midway International Airport is easy. If you take the Orange Line, you will reach downtown Chicago in about 30 to 45 minutes.

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD)

Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is known as the third airport in the Chicago metropolitan area. The airport is about 85 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. RFD started in 1917 as a military facility. After World War II, it changed to serve as a commercial airport. Now, it has a special role in aviation for the area.

This international airport is mainly a cargo hub. UPS’s second-largest air hub in North America is right at RFD. Because most flights are for cargo, there are not as many passenger flights here when you compare it to big airports like O’Hare or Midway. But there are still some passenger flights, many from low-cost airlines. This makes Rockford International Airport a good choice for people traveling from northern Illinois and Central Illinois.

Many visitors to Chicago will not use this airport as their main international airport. Still, its flights keep growing, and this gives people another way to travel to the region. Airlines such as Denver Air Connection have flights from RFD. This helps connect travelers to other places in the U.S.

Other Regional and Executive Airports Near Chicago

Besides the three big international airports, the Chicagoland area has many other airports where people can fly general aviation planes, business jets, and private aircraft. These regional and executive airports help make the big airports less busy. They are important to local businesses and help people in the area learn how to fly.

Some of these airports are ready for big company jets and flights coming in from other countries. They have customs services right there. For example, the University of Illinois connects some of its flight programs with these smaller airports.

Here are some regional and executive airports in the area:

Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)
Waukegan National Airport (UGN)
DuPage Airport (DPA)
Kenosha Regional Airport (ENW)

Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Detail

O’Hare International Airport is the main international airport for Chicago and much of the Midwest. It is so big that it feels like its own small city. There are many flights in and out, so people get a lot of choices when traveling.

If you fly through o’hare international airport, you get great connections to many places around the world. You also find lots of things for travelers, like food and shops.

Here, you’ll find what you need to know about hare international airport. This includes info about where things are in the terminals, which airlines are here, what places to eat and shop at, and how to get around once you arrive.

Terminals and Layout

Getting around O’Hare can seem like an adventure. The terminal complex has four passenger terminals—1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are mainly used for flights within the country. Terminal 5 is the international terminal, where people arrive or leave for trips outside the country. The airport was one of the first to use concourses and jet bridges, so you might need to walk a long way from one gate to the next.

This airport is very big, and that means you need to plan ahead. You may have to go through the underground tunnel between concourse B and concourse C in Terminal 1. People often notice its bright moving neon lights. The airport has this large design to help handle all the people coming in and out each day.

Check your terminal and gate before your flight. With all the changes and upgrades, you could see new concourses or updated spots that help make things better for travelers through the terminal complex.

Airlines and Destinations (Domestic & International)

O’Hare serves as a major hub for both United Airlines and American Airlines, providing an incredible number of domestic routes. You can fly to nearly every major city in the United States, from New York and San Francisco to smaller regional destinations. This extensive network makes ORD a great choice if you have a connecting flight.

The airport truly shines with its international flights. A wide range of global carriers operates out of Terminal 5, connecting Chicago to cities across the globe. You can find flights on everything from Air Canada and Aer Lingus to Air France, Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and Qatar Airways. Delta Air Lines also maintains a significant presence here.

Whether you’re flying across the country or around the world, O’Hare offers an unmatched selection of carriers.

Major Airlines at O’Hare	Type of Service
United Airlines	Domestic & International Hub
American Airlines	Domestic & International Hub
Delta Air Lines	Domestic & International
British Airways	International
Turkish Airlines	International

Dining, Shopping, and Lounges at O’Hare

O’Hare has so many things to do that it can feel like a shopping mall, not just an airport. The place is busy with lots of passenger traffic moving each day. There is a lot you can pick for dining, shopping, or just relaxing. You can grab a quick snack or sit down at a nice restaurant. Some places were even started by well-known chefs.

Shopping here has many choices too. The concourses have shops for luxury goods, tech things, souvenirs, and more. If you want a new book, a good set of headphones, or want to taste Chicago-style popcorn, you can find it. There are often new gates, and with those come newer stores and places to eat.

If you want a calm place to relax or get your work done, there are airline lounges in every terminal. In these lounges, you get food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and seats in a quiet area, away from big crowds.

Dining: There is a wide mix, from food courts up to fine dining.
Shopping: You can shop at luxury stores, tech shops, and find things made in Chicago.
Lounges: Many lounges for airlines and some independent ones are there.
Terminals: You find all these things around the terminals and in areas B, C, and D inside Terminal 1.

Ground Transportation Options at O’Hare

Getting from O’Hare to downtown Chicago or to the suburbs is easy. You have more than one way to travel. The most common and best-value choice is the CTA Blue Line train. The station for the Blue Line is on the lower level of Terminal 2. You can take the train any time because it runs 24 hours. It gets you to the downtown Loop in around 45 minutes.

If you want to drive instead, the airport has more than one parking garage for short-term or long-term. These options may cost a lot. There is a place to get a rental car too. You just need a quick shuttle ride to get there. Taxis, as well as Uber and Lyft rideshare services, are also easy to find. There are special pickup spots for these services outside each terminal.

The Chicago Transit Authority has some bus routes that go right to the airport. Some regional buses and hotel shuttles also come to the airport. This covers more parts of the metropolitan area. No matter what you choose, you will have a good way to go wherever you need to be.

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) in Detail

While O’Hare may get more talk, Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is also loved by many. This international airport is known for being calm and easy to use. Many people like to fly from Chicago Midway International Airport, especially when going within the United States or when going to the south side of Chicago. The smaller size at Chicago Midway is a big plus.

Now, let’s see why Chicago Midway International Airport is good for so many. The airport is simple to use, with easy-to-find terminal spaces and airlines you know. It also has quick ways for you to get in and out of the city, so you can spend less time traveling and more time doing what you need to do in Chicago.

Terminal Facilities and Services

The main thing people like about Midway is how simple it is. The whole airport is in one building. This new terminal makes it very easy to get around. After you go past security, you can reach any gate in about 10 minutes. The terminal has three main parts: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C.

Midway may look small, but you still get all you need for a good trip. There is lots of seating by the gates. You also have plenty of charging spots for your phone or laptop. If you have questions, information desks are easy to find. The airport staff and layout are set up to move you along fast and with little trouble.

If you want something extra, check out Club MDW. Anyone can pay to use this lounge, no matter which airline you fly. Here, you can relax in a quiet place away from Concourse B and Concourse C. You get free drinks, snacks, and nice seats to help make your wait easier.

Airlines and Available Routes

Midway International Airport is mostly used by one airline, Southwest Airlines. The airline has a big base at this international airport. It flies to many cities in the United States, and also to Mexico and the Caribbean. If you fly with Southwest Airlines, you will almost always use Midway International Airport.

Besides Southwest Airlines, there are a few other airlines at Midway International Airport. These also focus on flights within the United States. These extra airlines give people more choices for travel and help this airport in Chicago reach more places. The Official Airline Guide says these airlines offer both low-cost and regional flights.

Key airlines at Midway International Airport are:

Southwest Airlines: This is the main airline here and connects you to many places in the United States.
Frontier Airlines: This airline has cheap flights to many U.S. cities.
Denver Air Connection: You can use this airline for regional flights to a small number of cities.

Dining, Retail, and Lounges at Midway

Midway may not be as big or fancy as O’Hare, but there are plenty of places to eat and shop before your flight. You can pick from local Chicago restaurants or well-known spots from all over the country. It is easy to get a quick sandwich or enjoy a full meal if you have more time. The food court sits in the middle of the concourses and is a popular place to grab something to eat.

Most stores here sell things you might need for travel. There are newsstands, bookstores, and a few small shops with souvenirs and snacks. You will not find high-end or luxury stores like at bigger airports. The airport wants you to get what you need rather than go on a long shopping trip.

When it comes to airport lounges, Club MDW is your main choice. This lounge can be used by all travelers, which is good for an airport of this size. If you want to know about any new dining spots or lounges, a press release from the airport authority would share that news.

Ground Transportation Options at Midway

Midway is close to the city center. This means you can get to your last stop fast. The most simple way to use public transportation is the CTA Orange Line. There is a station that goes right into the terminal. The train can take you to downtown Chicago in about 30 minutes. You will see nice views as you get closer to the Loop.

You can also drive. There is a big parking garage next to the terminal. It is good for both short and long stays. The daily price to park your car is about the same as it is at O’Hare. Taxis and rideshare cars pick people up just outside baggage claim. This helps you move fast from the terminal to your ride.

The Chicago Transit Authority runs more than just the Orange Line train. There are several bus routes from the airport. These buses go to other parts of the city. There are also shuttle buses that help you reach your hotel or travel to other areas. These give you more ways to get where you need to go.

Comparing O’Hare, Midway, and Rockford Airports

Now that we have seen what each airport is like, how can you pick the best one for your trip? Choosing between O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport, and Rockford International Airport is about a few big things. You need to think about what is most easy for you. You should look at what flights they have. Your own travel style also matters.

O’Hare and Midway are the main airports for most people coming to Chicago. Both are different from each other. O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It gives you the most choices for flights. Midway Airport is simple and easy to get around. Here, we will look at how they compare, side by side.

Accessibility and Travel Time from Downtown Chicago

When it comes to getting to downtown Chicago, both O’Hare and Midway are exceptionally well-connected. Your choice may simply depend on which is closer to your final destination. Midway is geographically closer to the Loop, located about 10 miles away, while O’Hare is roughly 18 miles from the city center.

However, travel time on the CTA train system is surprisingly similar. The Blue Line from O’Hare and the Orange Line from Midway both take approximately 30-45 minutes to reach downtown. This makes either international airport a convenient option if you plan to rely on public transit.

If you are driving, be sure to account for Chicago’s notorious traffic, which can significantly impact your travel time to either airport. Both offer an attached parking garage, but Midway’s smaller size can make the parking and rental car process slightly quicker.

Airport	Distance from Downtown	Public Transit	Approx. Transit Time
O’Hare (ORD)	~18 miles	CTA Blue Line	45 minutes
Midway (MDW)	~10 miles	CTA Orange Line	30-45 minutes

Domestic vs International Flight Options

Your choice of international airport can depend on where you want to go. If you plan to take international flights, O’Hare is the best pick. This airport is a big hub for United Airlines. You can find direct flights from O’Hare to many places in Europe, Asia, and South America. But Midway doesn’t have as many options. It has just a few international flights, mostly to places nearby in Mexico and the Caribbean.

For flights inside the U.S., things are a bit different. O’Hare lets you fly to a lot more cities, which helps if you need to go to a small airport in the country. You will also see more flight times and more airline choices.

But Midway is the main base for Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines is one of the biggest in the U.S. If you like to fly with them, this Chicago international airport is a great pick. If you are going to a large city that Southwest serves, Midway could be the best and most simple choice for your next domestic trip.

Benefits for Leisure and Business Travelers

Choosing between O’Hare and Midway is really about what you want as a traveler. The two airports focus on different things, so you can pick the one that fits you best. You might be coming in for a work trip or just for a quick getaway. Both airports are working on new projects because the City Council wants to help with all the passenger traffic. This means the airports keep getting better over time.

O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world. Many business travelers like it best. If you are one of the international passengers or want the most flight choices, O’Hare is a good pick. There are a lot of airline lounges for you to sit and work. There are so many things to eat, shop for, and do, which is nice if you have a long wait before your flight.

Midway is more popular with people just going on vacation or if you need things to be quick. If you are flying with Southwest Airlines or want less waiting, Midway is easier. There is less walking to your gate and you are likely to move through the airport fast. You can spend less time standing in lines.

O’Hare: Best when you want to fly out of the country or you want a lot of flight times to choose from.
Midway: Great for flights inside the country, mainly on Southwest Airlines.
O’Hare: You get a lot of dining spots, places to shop, and good lounges.
**

Tips for Flying In and Out of Chicago Airports

Now that you know more about O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport, you are almost ready to book your trip. But picking between the two airports can still feel hard. The right choice will depend on the details of your plan and what you like.

To help you make your plans, here are some simple tips you can use when picking the right airport. These steps can help you get through O’Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport without much trouble. They can make your travel day better and easier.

Choosing the Best Airport for Your Trip

Choosing between the Chicago airports does not need to be hard. You can pick between O’Hare International Airport, Midway Airport, or Rockford International Airport by answering a few easy questions. You just need to think about what is good for you, the cost, and how easy your trip is.

First, see where you will be staying. If you are on the north side of Chicago or in the northern suburbs, O’Hare International Airport will be easy to get to. If you will be downtown or on the south side, it may be better for you to fly in or out of Midway Airport. You should also check which airlines fly to each international airport from your city. Your favorite airline may only use one airport.

Think about how you like to travel. Do you want the many things offered at a big busy hub like O’Hare International Airport, or do you like a fast and easy trip in a smaller place like Midway Airport?

Check your airline: Your chosen airline may only serve O’Hare International Airport or Midway Airport.
Consider your destination: North side often works best for O’Hare International Airport; south side for Midway Airport.
Factor in your preference: Pick O’Hare International Airport if you like more options, or go with Midway Airport if you want it fast.
Look at flight prices: Prices can be very different for each international airport.

Navigating Security and Peak Travel Times

One big thing you will see when you go to O’Hare or Midway is the line for things like check-in and security. O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world. The passenger traffic there is very heavy, so people often wait in long lines. This is true at check-in, when you drop your bags, and at airport security. If you use this international airport, be sure to get there early before your flight, especially if you fly outside the country.

Midway is different. At this airport, things usually go faster. It is smaller and does not have as much passenger traffic. You will often spend less time waiting in line for security. This can be good if you want to move quickly or not feel stress at the airport.

No matter which international airport you fly from, always look up the latest TSA wait times online before you leave home. During busy times like holidays or early and late in the day, both airports can still get busy. Give yourself extra time so you do not miss your flight.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting around Chicago’s airports can be easy if you know what to expect. The busy O’Hare International Airport and the more laid-back Midway each give you different things depending on what you need. If you know about the different terminals, places to eat, and ways to get around, your trip will go much better. It doesn’t matter if you come here for business or for fun—you will do well if you have the right information. If you want tips that fit what you need, reach out to us for a free talk. Safe travels!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago Rockford International Airport considered part of Chicago’s airport system?

Yes, the Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is called Chicago’s third international airport. The airport is in Rockford. But it does serve people who live in the larger Chicago metropolitan area. Many cargo flights go in and out of this international airport. There is also some passenger service. Denver Air Connection is one airline that works here, which gives people another way to fly instead of using the bigger city airports.

Which airport is easier to access from downtown Chicago?

Midway Airport is closer to downtown Chicago, so taking a taxi or rideshare from there can be faster and cost less if it is not rush hour. But both airports let you get to downtown Chicago by train on the CTA. You can take the Orange Line from Midway or the Blue Line from O’Hare. Both train rides take about 30 to 45 minutes to get you to the Loop.

Who manages and oversees Chicago airports?

The Chicago Department of Aviation takes care of the major airports in the City of Chicago, like O’Hare and Midway. This agency in the city runs, maintains, and looks after all the work at these major airports. The city council needs to approve big projects and budgets before anything happens. All of this is done to help every international airport passenger.