Chicago Midway Airport or O'Hare International Airport or Rockford Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport

Chicago Rockford International Airport

O'Hare International Airport

    Chicago Midway International Airport Chicago Rockford International Airport O'Hare International Airport
Airport Maps Chicago Midway International Airport Map Chicago Rockford International Airport Map O'Hare International Airport Map

Options for getting the center of Chicago from the airport and vice versa

Distance to Chicago center (the Union Station, near the Loop) 18 km = 11.2 miles 140 km = 87 miles 33 km = 20.4 miles
Public transport general operating hours 24/7. CTA trains: 4 a.m.-1 a.m.; Chicago Airport Shuttle: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Limo Services: 24/7; overnight N62 Archer bus. 24/7 Airport Shuttles 24/7. CTA trains: 24/7; Chicago Airport Shuttle: 24/7; Airport Shuttle: 24/7;
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) The CTA Orange Train Line runs from the Midway Airport's Transportation Center to the Adams/Wabash Station, in the heart of downtown Chicago (within Loop); average travel time is 20, 25 minutes. Departing frequency: up to 5 minutes during rush and up to 15 minutes during off-peak hours. Fares: up to $2.25 for a single journey; from $10 (1-day) for Ventra travel passes (unlimited rides). Note: along the Orange Line's route you can catch further train connections to other parts of Chicago; overnight service is provided by the N62 Archer bus. N/A The CTA Blue Train Line runs from the O'Hare Airport's 1, 2 and 3 terminals to downtown Chicago (the Monroe Station in Loop is one of the most centrally located); travel times are around 45 minutes. Departing frequency: between 3 and 10 minutes; overnight departures are up to 15 minutes. Fares: around $5 for a single journey; from $10 (1-day) for Ventra travel passes (unlimited rides).
Chicago Airport Shuttle Go Airport Express and Omega Shuttle are the major shuttle providers from Midway Airport to most downtown hotels. Travel times are between 15 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Departing frequency: every 15 minutes. Fares: Go Airport Express - $22 single journey, $37 round trip; Omega Shuttle - $17 single journey. Note: Omega Shuttles provide transfer between Midway and O'Hare airports for a $16 price. N/A Go Airport Express and Omega Shuttle are the major shuttle providers from O'Hare Airport to most downtown hotels. Travel times range between 25 and 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Departing frequency: Go Airport Express - every 10 to 15 minutes; Omega Shuttle - every hour. Fares: Go Airport Express - $27 single journey, $49 round trip; Omega Shuttle - $30 single journey. Note: Go Airport Express shuttles depart from each terminal; Omega Shuttle shuttles depart from the Ground Transportation Center (between the 1, 2 and 3 terminals) and from Terminal 5. Omega Shuttles provide transfer between Midway and O'Hare airports for a $16 price.
Limo Services (Echo Limousine) Limo Services offer transfers from the Midway Airport to various destinations in downtown Chicago; travel times are between 20 and 40 minutes. Fares: from $65 + tips. N/A Limo Services offer transfers from the O'Hare Airport to various destinations in downtown Chicago; travel times range between 25 and 90 minutes. Fares: from $65 + tips.
Airport Shuttles Airport Shuttle limos provide transfers from Midway Airport to Chicago for $33 and over; travel times are around 30 minutes. Airport Shuttle limos can take you from Rockford Airport to Chicago in an hour and a half at the very least; transfer prices range from $290 upwards. Airport Shuttle limos provide transfer from O'Hare Airport to Chicago for $79 and over; travel times are up to 90 minutes.
Rockford Mass Transit District (RMTD) N/A RMTD bus number 7 takes passengers from the airport's terminal to the RMTD Transfer Center in Rockford. From there, you can catch further connection to Chicago. Bus transfers from Rockford cost from approximately $20 and over. N/A
METRA N/A N/A The METRA Rail system operates between the airport's transfer station and the Union Station (near the Loop); travel times are around 35 minutes. Fares: $5.75 single journey.
Taxi / Cab Services Taxis travel between the Midway Airport and downtown Chicago from 20 to 30 minutes. Fares are usually around $30 + tips. You can take taxi for transfer from the Rockford Airport to Chicago, but be prepared for high fares. Taxis travel between the Midway Airport and downtown Chicago from 25 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares are usually around $40 + tips.
On demand taxis Uber on demand; estimated fares to the Millenium Park (Loop): UberX - $20, UberXL - $35, UberBLACK - $60. Uber on demand; estimated fares to the Millenium Park (Loop): UberX - around $100. Uber on demand; estimated fares to the Millenium Park (Loop): UberX - around $30, UberXL - between $50 and $65, UberBLACK - between $78 and $103.
   

Which airport is most suitable for me?

How close to Chicago city center and main tourist attractions? Chicago Midway International airport is the closest of the three airports to downtown Chicago and the city's main tourist attractions. A couple of transportation options provide fast transfer to downtown Chicago and its points of interest in around 30 minutes. Rockford Airport is the farthest and certainly the least convenient airport for Chicago. The airport offers scarce and expensive transfer options with unpredictable travel times. In general, a journey to this airport may prove worthwhile only if you are eligible for some kind of flight promotion, travel somewhere between Rockford and Chicago or have a lot of time at your disposal. O'Hare International Airport is located further away from Chicago than the Midway Airport, but features convenient transfer options for every budget. Depending on the chosen transportation option and traffic conditions, you can reach downtown Chicago and its main tourist attractions between 40 minutes and two hours.
Cost factor Midway Airport is the closest of the three to Chicago with the most affordable transfer options to the city. As for the flight fares, these are fairly higher compared to O'Hare Airport. Hotels within the close proximity to the airport are somewhat cheaper than those around the O'Hare, in general. Car rental fares are practically the same. Rockford Airport is far off from Chicago, featuring a small number of flights and few transportation options that exert a lot of time, money or both. Flight fares from related destinations are pricier compared to other two airports. Hotel accommodation, on the other hand, is significantly cheaper. Car rentals tend to be similar or somewhat cheaper. O'Hare Airport is located farther off from Chicago than Midway Airport, but it offers convenient transfer options to the city that are reasonably priced. Although exceptions do exist, flight fares are significantly lower compared to the Midway Airport. Offered car rental fares at O'Hare Airport are the same as at the Midway Airport. Hotel deals, on the other hand, are somewhat higher.
Airport delays Delay indexes for Midway Airport are usually very low. Delay indexes for Rockford Airport tend to be very high. Delay indexes for O'Hare Airport are high, which makes this airport one of the most notorious in the U.S.A. in this regard, especially during winter.

Flight fares Prices taken for April 2018 (searched on 29.1.2018)

From $118-Minneapolis, $139-Atlanta, $142-Boston, $143-New York, $160-Denver, $161-Houston, $162-Orlando, $183-Toronto, $224-Detroit, $242-Los Angeles, $498-Hong Kong, $502-Beijing. From $288-Clearwater, $295-Punta Gorda, $362-Phoenix, $498-Hong Kong, $503-Beijing. From $72-Paris, $74-London, $80-Rome, $85-Minneapolis, $96-Madrid, $103-Atlanta, $101 Boston, $104-New York, $109-Houston, $115-Orlando, $119-Miami, $121-Los Angeles, $129-Phoenix, $204-Toronto, $209-Mexico City, $466-Hong Kong, $469-Beijing

Car hire Prices taken for the 1-4-2018 to 7-4-2018 period (searched on 29.1.2018).

Economy cars (Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Rio): $205-$527. Intermediate cars (Dodge Avenger, Toyota Corolla, Vw Jetta): $222-$580. Economy cars (Kia Rio, Chevrolet Aveo, Mazda 2): $209-$332. Intermediate cars (Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Vw Jetta): $225-$372. Economy cars (Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Rio): $205-$527. Intermediate cars (Dodge Avenger, Toyota Corolla, Vw Jetta): $222-$580.
Online car hire deals CAR HIRE CHICAGO MIDWAY AIRPORT CAR HIRE ROCKFORD AIRPORT CAR HIRE CHICAGO O'HARE AIRPORT
Car Hire companies Payless Car Rental, Hertz, Enterprise, Thrifty, National, Alamo, Budget, Avis. Enterprise, Hertz. At O'Hare Economy Lot: National, Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Alamo, Budget, Dollar.

Hotel costs per night from 1-4-2018 to 2-4-2018 (searched on 29.1.2018)

3-star Hampton Inn Chicago-Midway Airport - $101. No 4-star hotels around Midway Airport. 3-star Alpine Inn & Suites Rockford (14.4.-15.4.) - $59. No 4-star hotels within a 10-mile radius around Rockford Airport. 3-star Aloft Chicago O'Hare - $119. 4-star DoubleTree by Hilton - $125. Hotels around O'Hare Airport tend to be around 20% more expensive than hotels around Midway Airport.

Airport facilities

Shopping Chicago Treasures, Discover Chicago, Hallmark, George's Music Room, Kids Works, House of Blues, Hudson Book Sellers, Life is Good, Spirit of the Red Horse. N/A Terminal 1: Barbara's Bookstore, Brookstone, Duty Free Store, Erwin Pearl, InMotion Entertainment, Oakley, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Spirit of the Red Horse, Sunglass Hut, Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Terminal 2: Barbara's Bookstore, Brookstone, Duty Free Store, Hoypoloi, MAC Cosmetics, Sarah's Candies, Sunglass Hut, Tech Showcase. Terminal 3: Barbara's Bookstore, Brighton, Brooks Brothers, Chicago Sports, Duty Free Store, Erwin Pearl, Harley Davidson, InMotion Entertainment, MontBlanc, Oakley, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Spirit of the Red Horse, Sunglass Hut, Talie, Vosges Haut-Chocolat. Terminal 5: Brookstone, Dufry, Emporio Armani, I Love Chicago, Luxury Watches, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo, Swatch, Vosges Haut-Chocolat.
Eating & drinking Ben and Jerry's, Harry Carray's, Illinois Bar and Grill, King Wax Express, Lalo's Mexican Restaurant, Pegasus on the Fly, Nuts on Clark, McDonald's, Manny's, Miller's Pub, Oak Street Beach Cafe, Springs, Red Mango. Skyview Cafe Terminal 1: Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Baudevin Wine Bar, Berghoff Cafe, Brioche Doree, Cafe Zoot!, Eli's Cheesecake, Galileo's Bar & Grill, Jamba Juice, Jazz Bar, Manchu Wok, McDonald's, Salad Works, Starbucks Coffee, Uno's Pizza Express. Terminal 2: Argo Tea, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Brioche Doree, Chili's Too, Fresh Attractions, La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe, McDonald's, Nuts on Clark, Chicago Style Hot Dog, Starbucks Coffee, Uno's Pizza Express. Terminal 3: Argo Tea, Brioche Doree, Bubbles Wine Bar, Burrito Beach, Chili's Too, Dunkin' Donuts, Facades Bar, Farmers Market, Gold Coast Dogs, ICE Dishes & Drinks, La Tapenade Mediterranean Cafe, Manchu Wok, McDonald's, Nuts on Clark, Prairie Tap, Publican Tavern, Chicago Style Hot Dog, Starbucks Coffee, Skyscrapers Bar, Summer House Santa Monica. Terminal 5: Big Bowl, Hub 51, Kofe by Intelligentsia, McDonald's, R.J. Grunts Burgers, Tocco, Urban Olive, Wolfgang Puck Cafe.
Lounges USO Lounge is located in concourse C. N/A Terminal 1: United Club Lounge (Lufthansa, United and Continental). Terminal 2: Delta and United Club lounges. Terminal 3: Admiral's Club, American Flagship Lounge. Terminal 5: Air France/KLM, Korean Air, British Airways First Lounge, SAS Lounge, Swissport Lounge, Swiss International/Austrian Lounge.
Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi is available up to 30 minutes; 24-hour internet access costs $6.95. Complementary free Wi-Fi is available at the airport. Free Wi-Fi is available up to 30 minutes; 24-hour internet access costs $6.95.
Terminal information. How many? How to transfer? Minimum connection time. The Chicago Midway International Airport has one terminal divided into 3 concourses (A, B and C). The Rockford Airport has one terminal. The O'Hare Airport has 4 terminals - 1, 2, 3 and 5. ATS, a free transit light rail system, provides transfers between the terminals 24/7; travel times are 10 minutes. Transfers between the terminals usually take at least an hour.
Currency exchange & cash points ATMs are available in concourses A and B; currency exchange office is available in concourse A. N/A The nearest money exchange offices and ATMs are located in the city of Rockford. Currency exchange offices and ATMs are available throughout the airport's terminals.
Important phone numbers Customer service: +1 800 832 6352; Chicago Police: +1 773 838 3003. Lost and found: +1 815 969 4412 Lost and found: +1 773 686 2385; Police: +1 773 686 2385
Major airlines and destinations
Major operating airlines Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Porter Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Continental Airlines. Allegiant Airlines, Frontier Airlines, DirectAir, Lufthansa, United, Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines, Frontier, Iberia, Japan Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Virgin America, Air France, Air India, Alitalia, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, SAS, SWISS, Turkish Airlines.
Major destinations Atlanta, Boston, Cancun, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Manchester, Minneapolis, New York, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Tampa, Orlando, Punta Cana, Las Vegas, Cancun. Las Vegas, Honolulu, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Houston, Brussels, New York, Atlanta, Boston, Toronto, Punta Cana, Montreal, Seattle, Washington, D.C., London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Doha, Vienna, Paris, Madrid, Dubai.
Additional information
Tourist Info Centers Chicago attractions Compare Travellers Aid office is located on the terminal's upper level. Tourist Help Desk Tourist Information desks that operate 24/7 are located in terminals 1, 3 and 5.
Official airport website http://chicago-mdw.worldairportguides.com/ http://flyrfd.com/ http://www.airport-ohare.com/
See all Airport to Hotel Transfers from Chicago

Chicago Airports

Which Chicago airport is closest to central Chicago?

Chicago Midway International airport is the closest to the city centre, just 11.2 miles from central Chicago, using the fast public transport will get you to the city in 20-25 minutes by CTA Orange Train Line. O'Hare International is the second closest airport to the city located 20.4 miles away and the fastest public transport (CTA Blue Train Line) takes 45 minutes. The furthest from the city centre is Chicago Rockford airport which is located 87 miles away from central Chicago and its fastest means of public transfer is the RMTD bus line 7 which takes passengers to the Rockford station where they can get buses to central Chicago. This is not a convenient way to travel for passengers with a lot of luggage and plenty young children.
Compare airport distances and transfer times to the center of Chicago by public transport below.

Distance to Central Chicago:
Midway Airport: 11.2 miles / 18 km
O'Hare Airport: 20.4 miles / 33 km
Rockford Airport:87 miles / 140 km

Midway Airport to the Central Chicago Journey Times:
By Train (CTA Orange Line): 20-25 minutes
By Bus (Airport Shuttle): 15-40 minutes
By Taxi: 20-30 minutes

O'Hare Airport to Central Chicago Journey Times:
By Train ( METRA Rail & CTA Bkue Line): 35-45 minutes
By Bus (Airport Shuttle): 25-90 minutes
By Taxi: 25-90 minutes

Rockford Airport to Central Chicago Journey Times:
By Bus (RMTD Line 7): 90 minutes
By Taxi: 90 minutes


What is the best airport to fly into in Chicago?

Deciding which airport is best to fly greatly depends on the destination you are departing from, the airport and airline also determines which airport you will arrive into in Chicago.
Chicago Midway is the second air-hub and also the closest airport serving Chicago city. It is easy to get to central Chicago from this airport and also to see the top attractions in the city such as Millennium Park, Art Institute of Chicago, Cloud Gate, Buckingham Fountain, Willis Tower, Grant Park, Chicago Theatre, Shedd Aquarium, Chicago Riverwalk, Rookery Building, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Chicago Water Tower and many more. The airport is served by a limited number of airlines with domestic flights within America and some international flights to South America the Caribbean islands. Airlines include Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Porter Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Continental Airlines. Chicago Midway airport benefits from its fast direct public transport links to the city such as the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) train lines and airport shuttle buses. It will take you 20-25 minutes by train and 40 minutes by bus depending on traffic conditions from the airport to central Chicago. Based on the fact this airport is closer to the city centre makes it the best choice for business travellers coming into Chicago through this hub. It has shorter passenger transfer, less crowd compared to the primary O'Hare international airport.
O'Hare airport is the main airport in Chicago, it is the second closest to the city centre and most major airlines operate from this air hub with long and short haul flights to most major cities in the world. Some these airlines include Lufthansa, United, Air Canada, Delta, American Airlines, Frontier, Iberia, Japan Airlines, JetBlue Airlines, Virgin America, Air France, Air India, Alitalia, British Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, SAS, SWISS, Turkish Airlines and many more. This the best airport if you are flying into Chicago from far destinations like Asia, Africa, Europe and son on, the airport is served by fast public transport services such as direct CTA train lines, Chicago airport shuttles and buses to the city centre. As the primary airport, it handles more flights giving travellers more options for airlines and other travel options, it is not too far from the city centre at 20.4 km and it takes 35-45 minutes by train, 25-90 minutes by bus to central Chicago. O'Hare airport is also very convenient for travellers with a lot of luggage and a bit of time to spare on transfers.
Rockford Airport is the furthest from the city centre at 140 km. This is a smaller airport compared to Midway and O'Hare airports, so it handles less flights and is served by very few airlines such as Allegiant Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and DirectAir with flights to a limited number of destinations. Rockford airport lacks shopping and lounges for passengers, only one dining is available at the airport. It is a cheap airport but very inconvenient for travellers with a lot of luggage andor travelling with young children as you have to transfer to Rockford centre to get a bus or train to central Chicago. Alternatively, taxis are a better means of transfer from the airport but cost a lot and transfer journey time takes up to 2 hours. Use this airport only if you are travelling on a budget and if you have a lot of time to spare for the long transfers. It is most suitable for backpack travellers and tourists and students.

Is Midway airportbetter than O'Hare and Rockford?

The distance from any airport to its city centre, transfer journey times, and good transport links determines greatly which airport is better than the other. All three airports serving Chicago handle both domestic and international flights, but Chicago Midway is to some extent better than O'Hare and Rockford airports. Its good transport link makes it possible for passengers to be in central Chicago in just 25 minutes by train and 40 minutes by bus. It handles less passengers than the main airport O'Hare meaning fewer delays and queues at the airport. This is a better airport if you are travelling into Chicago from nearby destinations like South America and the Caribbean Islands. For travellers who would also like to see sights during their free time, Midway airport is a better option.

Which airport is closest to the Cloud Gate in Chicago?

Cloud Gate is a silver sculpture made of stainless steel by the Indian-born British artist Sir Anish Kapoor. It is located in front of the AT&T Plaza at the Millennium Park in Chicago, it is just 20.2 km from the airport using the CTA train (Orange line) which takes 36 minutes for a $2-$4 fare. Taxi and Uber are the fastest means of transport and cost $40-$50 by taxi and $16-$23 by Uber. Other attractions in the city includes Willis Tower, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, John Hancock Center, The Art Institute of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Grant Park, Magnificent Mile, The Field Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Adler Planetarium, Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Wrigley Field, Willis Tower Skydeck, Buckingham Fountain, 360 CHICAGO, Chicago Water Tower, Crown Fountain, Chicago Architecture Center, Chicago Riverwalk, Brookfield Zoo, The Chicago Theatre, Jay Pritzker Pavilion, Chinatown, Chicago Cultural Center, Soldier Field, Chicago Children's Museum, Garfield Park Conservatory, Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio, Maggie Daley Park, Lincoln Park Conservatory, and many more.

How much does it cost from Midway, O'Hare and Rockford airports to Central Chicago?

From Chicago Midway Airport by:
Train (CTA Orange line):$2.25 single - https://www.transitchicago.com/schedules/ Train runs every 10 minutes from 4 a.m.-1 a.m daily.
Bus (Chicago Airport Shuttle):$17-$22 single -http://www.chicago-airport-shuttle.com/Bus runs every 15 minutes from 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m daily.
Taxi: $35-$45-http://303taxi.com/Available 24/7.
Uber:$15-$21 - https://www.uber.com/global/en/price-estimate//Available on demand.
But Private taxes are cheaper than Airport taxis, here to Book at

From O'Hare Airport by:
Train (CTA Blue Line):$5 single - https://www.transitchicago.com/blueline/ Train runs every 3-15 minutes 24/7.
Bus (Chicago Airport Shuttle):$27-$30
single-http://www.chicago-airport-shuttle.com/Bus runs every 10-15 minutes from 24/7.
Taxi: $55-$70 -http://303taxi.com/Available 24/7.
Uber:$23-$35 - https://www.uber.com/global/en/price-estimate// Available on demand.
But Private taxes are cheaper than Airport taxis, here to Book at

From Rockford Airport by:
Limo (Airport Shuttle Limo):$290 -https://rockfordlimo.com/ Available on demand.
Bus (RMTD Line 7 + Line 11): $20-$30 https://rmtd.org/ Bus runs daily.
Taxi: $150-$200 -http://www.303taxi.com/local/rockford.htmlAvailable 24/7.
Uber:$100-$140 - https://www.uber.com/global/en/price-estimate//Available on demand.
But Private taxes are cheaper than Airport taxis, here to Book at

How much are Hotels at Midway, O'Hare and Rockford Airports?

Hotel prices can vary greatly depending on how far in advance you book, the demand for rooms, and which hotel you book but the prices below will give you a rough idea and you can do further research and hotel booking at https://www.tripindicator.com/hotel.html
Midway Airport Hotels:From $101 per night.
O'Hare Airport Hotels: From $125per night
Rockford Airport Hotels: From $59per night

How much does car hire cost at Midway, O'Hare and Rockford Airports?

All of the airports mentioned offer competitive prices and a range of cars to suit your needs. Prices are based on the type of car, driver age, length of hire, and demand but you can get a rough idea for each airport below.

Chicago Midway Airport Car Rental:
Economy cars (Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Rio): $205per week
Intermediate cars (Dodge Avenger, Toyota Corolla, Vw Jetta): $222per week
Compare prices here - https://www.tripindicator.com/car-hire/chicago-midway-airport.html

Chicago O'Hare Airport Car Rental:
Economy cars (Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Rio): $205per week
Intermediate cars (Dodge Avenger, Toyota Corolla, Vw Jetta): $222per week
Compare Prices here - https://www.tripindicator.com/car-hire/chicago-ohare-airport.html

Chicago Rockford Airport Car Rental:
Economy cars (Kia Rio, Chevrolet Aveo, Mazda 2):$209 per week
Intermediate cars (Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Vw Jetta): $225 per week
Compare Prices here - https://www.tripindicator.com/car-rental.html

Chicago Midway International Airport, Chicago Rockford International Airport & O'Hare International Airport Terminal Maps

For Chicago Midway International Airport Terminal Maps visit https://www.tripindicator.com/mdw-chicago-midway-airport-terminal-map.html

For Chicago Rockford International Airport Terminal Maps visit https://www.tripindicator.com/rfd-chicago-rockford-airport-terminal-map.html

For O'Hare International Airport Terminal Maps visit https://www.tripindicator.com/ord-o-hare-airport-terminal-map.html

 

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