Airport Tips & Quick Reference Guide to Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway Airport (MDW)

Find the most important information about Midway Airport: Flights (Departures, Arrivals and Delays), Parking, Car Rentals, Hotels near the airport and other information about Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). Plan your travel to MDW Airport with the information provided in this guide.


Chicago Midway International Airport (IATA: MDW, ICAO: KMDW, FAA LID: MDW), commonly referred to as Midway Airport, Chicago Midway or Midway, is an international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, US.


Midway Airport is located on the city’s southwest side, 8 miles (13 km) from Chicago’s Loop. 

Midway Airport is a hub base for Frontier Airlines and Southwest Airlines.

During 2025, Midway Airport registered a total of 19,4  million passengers. 

Terminal +info

Chicago Midway International Airport operates with a single passenger terminal, making it one of the most compact and easy-to-navigate major airports in the United States.

The terminal is divided into three concourses — A, B, and C — connected by central security checkpoints and shared passenger facilities. This straightforward layout allows travelers to move quickly between check-in, security, and the departure gates.

Despite its smaller size compared with O’Hare International Airport, Midway handles millions of passengers each year efficiently and comfortably.

Reviews +info

On this website, you will find valuable tips and reviews about Chicago Midway Airport, designed to help you navigate your travel experience smoothly. These reviews can help you understand what to expect in terms of service quality, cleanliness, and overall passenger experience.

-Our Review of Midway Airport

-Pros and Cons of MDW Airport

-Mini-Guide of the Airport (2’ Guide)

-Other reviews

-Some Stats

Contact

Address
5700 S Cicero Ave
Chicago, Illinois 60638
United States 


General customer service phone

+1 773-838-0600 


Official website

https://www.flychicago.com/midway 


Email:
 

aviation@flychicago.com

About Chicago

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is one of the most vibrant and architecturally impressive cities in the United States. Known for its iconic skyline, world-class museums, and lively neighborhoods, the city offers visitors a mix of culture, history, food, and entertainment. Travelers arriving at Chicago Midway International Airport will find that downtown Chicago is only about 20–30 minutes away, making it easy to start exploring soon after landing.


What to See in Chicago and Nearby
Chicago is famous for its architecture, museums, and lakefront attractions. One of the city’s most popular landmarks is Millennium Park, home to the reflective sculpture known as Cloud Gate (often called “The Bean”). Nearby, visitors can enjoy beautiful gardens, public art, and frequent outdoor concerts.

For spectacular city views, head to the observation deck at Willis Tower, one of the tallest buildings in North America. Another must-see destination is Navy Pier, where travelers will find restaurants, boat tours, a Ferris wheel, and seasonal events along the lakefront.

Architecture lovers should consider a cruise along the Chicago Riverwalk, where guided boat tours explain the history of Chicago’s famous skyscrapers. If you have extra time, nearby neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Pilsen, and Lincoln Park offer unique local culture, street art, and great restaurants.

Outside the city, destinations such as Indiana Dunes National Park provide beautiful beaches and hiking trails along Lake Michigan, just about an hour’s drive away.


Public Transportation
Chicago has one of the most extensive public transport systems in the United States. The city’s rapid transit network, known locally as the Chicago ’L’, connects major neighborhoods, tourist attractions, and both of the city’s airports.

Travelers arriving at Midway can take the Chicago ’L’ Orange Line, which provides a direct connection between the airport and downtown Chicago in about 25 minutes. Buses and commuter trains operated by Chicago Transit Authority also serve many parts of the metropolitan area.

For visitors planning multiple journeys, purchasing a CTA day pass can be a convenient and cost-effective option.


Travel Tips and Suggested Routes
First-time visitors often begin their trip with a downtown walking route that includes Millennium Park, the Chicago Riverwalk, and the Magnificent Mile shopping district. From there, travelers can continue north toward the beaches and parks along Lake Michigan.

Food lovers should not miss Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza or classic Chicago-style hot dogs. Exploring neighborhoods beyond downtown is also highly recommended, as each district offers a different atmosphere and culinary scene.

If you have two or three days in the city, a balanced itinerary might include one day for architecture and museums, one day exploring neighborhoods and local food, and another day along the lakefront or on a river cruise.


Events and Local Activities
Chicago hosts many festivals and cultural events throughout the year. The city’s most famous music festival is Lollapalooza, held every summer in Millennium Park’s surrounding grounds.

Another popular event is the Chicago Air and Water Show, which attracts large crowds to the lakefront each August. During winter, the Christkindlmarket Chicago brings a festive European-style market to downtown.

Whether visiting for architecture, food, music, or sports, Chicago offers travelers an exciting destination just minutes from Chicago Midway International Airport.