Midway vs O’Hare: Which Chicago Airport Should You Use?

Two Airports, Two Very Different Experiences

Chicago is served by two major airports: O’Hare International (ORD) and Midway International (MDW). Both are well-connected, but they serve different airlines, draw from different parts of the metro area, and offer different experiences in terms of size and crowds. Choosing the right airport for your trip, or your pickup, can save you time, money, and frustration.

Airlines Served

O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the United States and the primary hub for United Airlines and American Airlines. It also serves virtually every major domestic carrier and a large number of international airlines. If you’re flying internationally, O’Hare is almost certainly your departure point, Terminal 5 handles all international arrivals and departures.

Midway International Airport (MDW)

Midway is the home base for Southwest Airlines, which operates the majority of flights from the airport. A handful of other carriers, including Delta and Frontier, also fly from Midway, but Southwest dominates the terminal. If you’re a Southwest flyer, Midway is typically your airport.

Location: Where Are You Coming From?

Geography is often the deciding factor when travelers have a choice.

O’Hare: Northwest of the City

O’Hare sits in the northwest suburbs, near Rosemont and Schaumburg. From Elmhurst and the I-290/I-88 corridor, it’s roughly 20–30 minutes under normal traffic. For residents of DuPage County, Kane County, and the northwest suburbs, O’Hare is the closer airport.

Midway: Southwest Side

Midway is located on Chicago’s southwest side, near Cicero and Oak Lawn. From the Loop, it’s a quick 20-minute trip. For residents of the south and southwest suburbs, Naperville, Orland Park, Tinley Park, Midway is often more accessible. From Elmhurst, the drive to Midway typically runs 30–45 minutes depending on traffic on the Eisenhower Expressway.

Airport Size and Crowds

O’Hare

O’Hare is massive, four terminals, hundreds of gates, and tens of millions of passengers per year. The scale has advantages (more flight options, more airlines competing for your route) and drawbacks (longer walks between gates, more congestion at security, higher susceptibility to weather-related delays due to sheer volume).

Midway

Midway is a significantly smaller, more compact airport. Many travelers find it easier to navigate, security lines are often shorter, the walk from check-in to gate is quicker, and the overall experience tends to feel less overwhelming. The tradeoff is fewer airline options and no international service.

Drive Times from the Western Suburbs

For travelers in Elmhurst and surrounding DuPage County communities:

• O’Hare: 20–30 min off-peak, 40–60 min during rush hour via I-290 / I-190
• Midway: 30–45 min off-peak, 45–70 min during peak hours via I-290

O’Hare is generally the closer and faster option for western suburb travelers, though both airports are reachable within an hour under normal conditions.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• O’Hare pros: More airlines, more routes, international service, closer to western suburbs
• O’Hare cons: Larger, more complex, more prone to weather delays, higher parking costs
• Midway pros: Compact, easier to navigate, often faster security, good for Southwest flyers and south-side travelers
• Midway cons: Limited airline options, no international service, farther from western suburbs

Getting to Either Airport from the Western Suburbs

Volantis Limousine Services provides professional airport transportation to both O’Hare and Midway from Elmhurst and throughout DuPage County. Pre-booked service means a price quoted up front and a confirmed driver, regardless of traffic or weather. If you’re flying from O’Hare, see our tips on how early to arrive at O’Hare to plan your timing.

Need a ride to either airport? Call 630-915-6489 to book your transfer.

Ready to ride? Book your Volantis car service or call 630-915-6489.