Chicago has two major commercial airports, and picking the wrong one can add time, stress, and cost to a trip. If you’ve been comparing Midway vs ORD, here’s a practical breakdown of how they differ.

Which Chicago Airport Is Closer to Downtown?

If distance is your main concern, Midway wins. It sits roughly 10 miles southwest of the Loop, while O’Hare is around 17 miles northwest. In light traffic the Midway drive can take 20 to 25 minutes, but expect much longer during rush hour on either route. O’Hare’s trip is more likely to be stretched by congestion on the Kennedy Expressway.

ORD vs Midway: Size and Layout

O’Hare (ORD) is one of the largest airports in the country, with four terminals spread across a big campus. Walking between gates or changing terminals can take real time. Midway is far more compact, with a single terminal, which makes it easier to navigate and usually faster to get through security.

Airlines and Destinations

The airline you fly often decides the airport for you. O’Hare is a major hub for United and American, and it offers the widest range of international flights. Midway is a key base for Southwest and focuses mostly on domestic routes. Travelers flying overseas will almost always end up at ORD, while many U.S. leisure trips are simpler through Midway.

Chicago O’Hare vs Midway: Getting There by Transit

Both airports connect directly to the CTA “L.” The Orange Line serves Midway and takes about 25 to 30 minutes to reach downtown. The Blue Line serves O’Hare and generally takes 40 to 45 minutes. The Blue Line runs around the clock, which helps with very late arrivals or early departures, while the Orange Line does not.

Which Airport in Chicago Is Better?

There isn’t one answer for everyone. Midway tends to suit travelers who value shorter walks, quicker security, and a shorter ride to downtown. O’Hare suits those who need international routes, more flight times, or a specific airline. If you’re weighing ground transportation as part of the decision, this comparison of which airport in Chicago is better goes deeper on travel times and getting to each airport.

A Simple Way to Decide

Ask yourself two questions: which airline am I flying, and where am I starting from? A northwest suburb is usually closer to O’Hare, while a south or southwest address is easier to reach from Midway.

The Bottom Line

Both airports do their job well, but they suit different trips. Check your airline, starting point, and flight times, and the right choice is usually clear.