Before you go ahead and book a flight, it’s worth taking a few minutes to find out which airport can make your travel easier. The right choice will depend on the public transportation options near your destination in Chicago, which airline you fly with, and your personal preferences.
How many airports are in Chicago, and which one should you choose for your next flight? If you’re flying in to visit the Second City, whether your trip centers on Skydeck and the rest of downtown or you’re headed to a neighborhood further out, you’ll most likely arrive at one of two international airports located in the city: Chicago O’Hare Airport or Chicago Midway Airport. However, even most Chicago locals tend to forget that there’s a third international airport, Gary/Chicago International Airport, about 25 miles from downtown Chicago, serving general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo users.
Quick Summary: Chicago has three airports: O’Hare (ORD) on the north side, Midway (MDW) on the south side, and the smaller Gary/Chicago International (GYY) about 25 miles out. O’Hare is the busier airport with more flight options and major United and American hubs, while Midway is closer to downtown, generally faster to navigate, and Southwest’s largest base. Both O’Hare and Midway connect to the Loop by CTA train, putting Willis Tower and Skydeck within a 30-45 minute ride of either.
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O’Hare vs. Midway at a Glance
| Category | O’Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Downtown | ~18 miles | ~10 miles |
| Size | 5 terminals, largest in Chicago | 1 terminal, 3 concourses |
| Flight Volume | ~5x more flights than Midway | Smaller, regional-heavy schedule |
| Major Airlines | United, American | Southwest (largest base) |
| CTA Line to the Loop | Blue Line, ~45 minutes | Orange Line, ~30 minutes |
| Economy Parking | From ~$16/day | From ~$13-14/day |
| Best For | International travel, more flight options | Faster navigation, quicker trip downtown |
Chicago O’Hare Airport
If your final destination in Chicago is anywhere on the north side of the city, it’s going to be a lot easier getting there if you fly into Chicago O’Hare Airport. Once off the plane, you can head directly to the CTA Blue Line, which takes you through the Logan Square area and to the Loop in about 45 minutes. Once in the Loop, the closest Blue Line stop to Willis Tower and Skydeck is the Jackson station, just a short walk from the tower’s entrance. You can also access Metra commuter train service and head out to the Chicago suburbs. For step-by-step walking directions once you’re in the Loop, see our directions from the Loop page.
Aside from location, the key difference between O’Hare and Midway airports is size. O’Hare is Chicago’s busiest airport, with five terminals and offering about five times as many domestic and international flights as Midway. O’Hare is also a major hub for United and American Airlines, so if you’re flying either carrier, there’s a good chance you’ll land here. That’s a plus if you want more options for a flight to a smaller city. O’Hare also has the benefit of a sprawling food court and a mall-like feel, with shops selling everything from gourmet chocolate bars to high-end headphones.
Getting There
You can reach Chicago O’Hare Airport via the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Blue Line and the Metra commuter train service, or regional and airport shuttle buses. If you choose to drive, parking rates start around $16 per day in the Economy lots, with the main terminal garage running closer to $43 per day. Rates vary by lot and length of stay, so check O’Hare’s official parking page for current pricing.
Chicago Midway Airport
Located on Chicago’s south side, Midway is the better choice if you’re headed to a neighborhood anywhere south of the Loop. But even if you’re headed someplace that’s equidistant to O’Hare and Midway, there are some good reasons to opt for Chicago’s smaller airport! Midway also happens to be Southwest Airlines’ largest base, so it’s often the natural choice if you’re flying with them.
Overall, Midway offers a smoother and easier flying experience, with shorter wait times for security and easier navigation. You might spend half an hour just walking through O’Hare to find your gate; with Midway’s single terminal and three concourses, you can get to your gate in 10 minutes, and settle in for the wait with a good book. While there are plenty of places to grab snacks or a sandwich for lunch, Midway does lack the wide range of shops that some travelers prefer.
Getting There
From downtown, you can get to Midway via the CTA Orange Line train, CTA buses, and regional airport shuttle buses. The Orange Line connects to the Loop’s elevated tracks, where the Quincy station is just a few blocks from Willis Tower and Skydeck. See our directions from the Loop for the full walk once you arrive downtown. Parking at Midway starts around $13-14 per day in the Economy lot, with the main terminal garage running closer to $43 per day for a full 24 hours. Check Midway’s official parking page for current rates.
What About Gary/Chicago International Airport?
Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY) mainly serves general aviation, corporate, commercial, and cargo traffic rather than regular commercial passenger flights. If you’re planning a visit to Skydeck or downtown Chicago, O’Hare or Midway will almost always be the more practical choice, both offer far more commercial flight options and a direct, straightforward ride into the Loop.
What Are the Chicago Airport Codes?
When you book your flight, you’ll need to know the abbreviation for your destination airport, known as an airport code:
- What is the airport code for Chicago Midway? Chicago Midway Airport’s code is MDW.
- What is the airport code for Chicago O’Hare? Chicago O’Hare Airport’s code is ORD.
- What airport is ORD? ORD is Chicago O’Hare International Airport, the city’s largest and busiest airport.
- What airport is MDW? MDW is Chicago Midway International Airport, on the city’s south side.
- What is the airport code for Gary/Chicago International Airport? Its code is GYY.
Once you’ve got your flight booked, the next stop is Willis Tower, home to Skydeck and The Ledge.
Book Your Chicago Flight and Experience The Ledge!
Now that you know how many airports are in Chicago and which one is best for your travels, you’re ready to see Chicago! If you love the view flying into Chicago Midway or O’Hare Airport, book a view from The Ledge at Skydeck Chicago. Located in the city’s tallest skyscraper, Skydeck is just steps away from the Loop, so reserve your spot with online tickets today! Driving in from the airport? Check out discounted parking near Skydeck before you go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Main Airport in Chicago?
O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is Chicago’s main and busiest airport, with five terminals and roughly five times as many flights as Midway. Midway (MDW) serves as the city’s secondary airport, offering a smaller but often faster and less crowded alternative.
Which Chicago Airport Is Closest to Downtown?
Midway is the closer airport to downtown Chicago, about 10 miles from the Loop. O’Hare is farther out, roughly 18 miles from downtown, but it offers a much larger selection of domestic and international flights. If your trip centers on downtown attractions like Willis Tower and Skydeck, Midway generally means a shorter ride in.
Which Chicago Airport Is Closest to Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower?
Midway International Airport is the closest to Skydeck Chicago, about 10 miles away. O’Hare International Airport is farther at roughly 18 miles, but it offers more domestic and international flight options.
What Is the Easiest Way to Get From O’Hare or Midway to Skydeck Chicago?
Both airports connect to downtown Chicago by CTA train, rideshare, and taxi. The Blue Line runs directly from O’Hare, while the Orange Line runs from Midway. Each route takes 30-45 minutes to reach Willis Tower.
Should I Fly Into O’Hare or Midway When Visiting Skydeck Chicago?
O’Hare is the better option for most international and long-distance travelers due to its large flight network. Midway is more convenient for regional flights and provides quicker access to downtown and Skydeck Chicago.