How much is a taxi from MDW to the Loop, downtown Chicago?

Taxi fares: about $35–$45. The ride takes 20–40 min depending on traffic.

Which airlines fly from MDW?

Airlines at MDW include Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines. It's not a complete list: smaller and seasonal airlines come and go, so check the airport's flight board for your route.

Can I leave MDW on a layover?

Yes, if you have at least 3 h: that covers getting out of the airport, the round trip to the Loop, downtown Chicago, an hour there and getting back through security.

How long do I need to connect at MDW?

We recommend at least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal, and more for a terminal change or after an international arrival. Our MDW connection guide breaks it down step by step.

Where is the cheapest parking at MDW?

Economy lot with shuttles, the cheapest. Rates change with demand, so check and book ahead on the airport's site.

Where do international flights arrive at MDW?

Arriving from abroad, you clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), collect your checked bags, drop them at the recheck belt and go through TSA security again before your connection.

How do I find cheap flights from Chicago?

Add MDW as a home airport on Good Flight Deals and we'll email you when fares from Chicago drop well below normal. You book directly with the airline.

Chicago · airport guide

MDW Airport guide

Chicago Midway International Airport has one terminal with Concourses A, B and C. The quickest way from MDW to the Loop, downtown Chicago is the CTA Orange Line (about 25 minutes, about $2.50).

Verified Oct 17, 2026By Steven MoHow we check Report a correction

Transit to the Loop, downtown Chicago

25 min

CTA Orange Line, about $2.50

Taxi

20–40 min

about $35–$45

Connecting here

45 min

Domestic to domestic, same terminal

Leave on a layover

3 h+

Layover you need to visit the city

Quick answer

The quickest way from MDW to the Loop, downtown Chicago is the CTA Orange Line (about 25 minutes, about $2.50). Connecting here, allow at least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal. Airlines here include Southwest and Delta.

Terminals: One terminal with Concourses A, B and C
Taxi: 20–40 min, about $35–$45
Connecting: At least 45 min for a domestic connection in the same terminal

Getting from MDW to the Loop, downtown Chicago

Fares are one way and approximate; check the operator before you travel.

CTA Orange Lineto the Loopabout 25 minabout $2.50
Taxi or rideshare20–40 minabout $35–$45

Inside MDW

Terminals and connections

All concourses connect inside security, so connections are walks between gates.

How long a layover you need at MDW

Lounges

•No airline clubs; Midway is mostly Southwest

Sleep, showers and hotels

•No hotel inside the terminal

Parking at MDW

•Economy lot with shuttles, the cheapest
•Daily garage next to the terminal

Rates change with demand and booking ahead is usually cheaper: check MDW's official site.

MDW tips

•Southwest operates most flights here.

Can you leave MDW on a layover?

With at least 3 h between flights, yes. Here's where the time goes.

Off the plane and out of the airport20 min
To the Loop, downtown Chicago and back, the fastest way40 min
Time in town worth the trip1 h
Back through security to your gate1 h
Layover you need3 h

Keep your bags checked through and carry your boarding pass for the next flight. On a long layover, a hotel day room or lounge can be a better use of the time than a rushed trip into town.

Airlines at MDW

Major airlines that fly from MDW (not a complete list). Check the bag rules before you pack.

Southwest Airlines Carry-on 24 × 16 × 10 in Bag fees
Delta Air Lines Carry-on 22 × 14 × 9 in Bag fees

MDW airport FAQ

The quickest option is the CTA Orange Line to the Loop: about 25 minutes for about $2.50. A taxi takes 20–40 min (about $35–$45).

Cheap flights from Chicago (MDW)The latest fare drops we've found from MDW.

Sources

Last verified Oct 17, 2026. Fares, lounges, airlines and parking change; check with the operator or airport before you travel.

Read how we collect and check this data, or tell us if something's out of date.

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