Chicago Midway Airport (MDW): The Complete Guide

MDW Airport Overview

Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is Southwest Airlines' single busiest airport in the United States, with 229 daily Southwest flights — more than any other US airport the airline serves. Beyond Southwest, Delta Air Lines and Volaris also operate at MDW, but make no mistake: this is Southwest's airport. It handles around 22 million passengers per year and is the second-busiest airport in the Chicago metro area after O'Hare.

Midway's defining characteristic is convenience. The CTA Orange Line light rail connects the airport directly to the Chicago Loop in about 30 minutes. The terminal is compact and walkable. Security lines are generally shorter than O'Hare. If you are flying Southwest anywhere from Chicago, Midway is almost certainly your airport.

Terminal Layout

MDW has a single terminal with three concourses — A, B, and C — arranged in a U-shape. All concourses are connected post-security and are easily walkable. Once past security, you arrive in the Central Market area, a large open space with shops, restaurants, and seating. Concourse A is to the left, Concourse B straight ahead, and Concourse C to the right.

Concourse A (17 gates)

Concourse A hosts a mix of Southwest Airlines flights along with select Frontier Airlines and Volaris international service. This concourse processes international departures and arrivals.

Concourse B (23 gates)

Concourse B is the largest concourse at MDW with 23 gates, primarily used by Southwest Airlines. The bulk of Southwest's operation — the largest airline presence at any single US airport — runs through Concourse B.

Concourse C (3 gates)

Concourse C is a small concourse with 3 gates serving Frontier Airlines.

Airlines at MDW

Southwest Airlines dominates MDW with 229 daily flights. Delta Air Lines operates a modest number of routes. Frontier Airlines serves Concourse C. Volaris operates international flights to Mexico from Concourse A. The airport handles occasional international charter service as well.

Getting To and From MDW

CTA Orange Line (Best Option)

The CTA Orange Line is one of the best airport transit connections in Chicago. The Midway station is adjacent to the airport and connects directly to the Chicago Loop (downtown) in about 30 to 35 minutes. From the Loop, you can connect to every other CTA rail line. Fare is $5 (with a transit card). This is by far the cheapest and most reliable option for downtown Chicago-bound travelers and avoids the notoriously unpredictable I-55 and I-90 traffic.

Rideshare and Taxi

Uber and Lyft pick up at the designated zones outside the terminal. Downtown Chicago (the Loop) is 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and costs $25 to $50. The South Side is 15 to 25 minutes and $20 to $35. The West Loop and River North are 25 to 40 minutes and $30 to $50. Traffic on I-55 can be extremely bad during rush hours — the CTA is more reliable in those windows.

Rental Cars

All major rental car brands operate at MDW. The consolidated rental car facility is accessible from the terminal. Chicago traffic is notoriously difficult, but a rental car is useful for suburban destinations in Oak Park, Naperville, and the broader metro area.

Parking

MDW has parking garages and economy lots. Daily garage rates run $25 to $32. Economy lots are around $16 to $20 per day. Chicago Midway parking is generally cheaper than O'Hare.

Lounges

• The Club MDW — A pay-per-use lounge open to any passenger regardless of airline or credit card. Day passes available at the door or online. Food, drinks, and Wi-Fi included. A solid option at an airport with no traditional airline club lounges.
• USO Lounge — Available free to active duty military and their families.

MDW does not have airline club lounges (no Admirals Club, Sky Club, or United Club). Southwest does not operate traditional lounges.

Dining and Shopping

The Central Market area post-security has the strongest concentration of dining and retail.

• Rick Bayless's Tortas Frontera — The renowned Chicago chef brings his Mexican food concept to Midway. Excellent tortas, tacos, and salsas made with authentic ingredients. One of the best airport food options anywhere in the US.
• Big Bowl — Asian-inspired stir-fry and noodles. A solid Midway staple.
• Wintrust Bank Club — A full bar and grill in the Central Market area.
• Garrett Popcorn — Chicago's legendary popcorn shop. The Chicago Mix (cheddar + caramel) is mandatory.
• Starbucks, Dunkin', McDonald's — Quick-service national chains available throughout all concourses.

Wi-Fi and Connectivity

MDW offers free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Connect to the Midway Wi-Fi network. TSA PreCheck lanes are available at the security checkpoint. Power outlets and USB charging stations are available at gate areas, though coverage can vary by concourse.

MDW vs. O'Hare: Which Should You Choose?

• Choose MDW if: You are flying Southwest (it is your only option). Your destination is anywhere in the Chicago South Side or western suburbs. You prioritize shorter security lines and simpler navigation. You want direct CTA Orange Line access to the Loop.
• Choose O'Hare if: You need international flights. You are flying American, United, or other non-Southwest carriers on most routes. You are going to the North Side, North Shore, or O'Hare-adjacent suburbs.

Tips for Navigating MDW

• Eat at Tortas Frontera. Rick Bayless's torta shop is genuinely excellent airport food. Get there early if you have a long wait — it is popular and can have a line.
• Take the Orange Line. For downtown Chicago, the CTA is the right call. It is fast, predictable, and avoids I-55 traffic completely.
• Southwest's boarding system at MDW. Southwest uses open seating. Check in exactly 24 hours before departure to get an early boarding position (A group ideally).
• Winter delays are real. Chicago winters mean weather delays. MDW specifically had a famous runway overrun incident in 2005 due to snow. Build buffer time into winter travel itineraries.
• Central Market is the hub. Everything happens in the Central Market area post-security. All dining, shopping, and connections radiate from here.

Nearby Hotels

The Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn is a short drive from MDW. The Hampton Inn Chicago Midway Airport and the Marriott Chicago Midway are both within a 5 to 10 minute drive with free shuttle service. Downtown Chicago hotels are 30 to 40 minutes by CTA Orange Line from the airport.