Midway Airport to Downtown Chicago Ride Prices
Airport arrivals, rush hour, bad weather, and events regularly trigger 2–3x surge pricing on this route.
*On most bookings. See provider terms.
About This Route
Midway Airport is Chicago's second airport and a major Southwest Airlines hub, located about 11 miles southwest of the Loop. The shorter distance means cheaper fares compared to O'Hare — most Uber and Lyft rides to downtown run $20-$40, taking 20-40 minutes via the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). The CTA Orange Line also provides a reliable rail connection from inside the airport terminal directly to the Loop in about 25 minutes for $5, making Midway one of the best-connected airports for budget travelers.
Surge Pricing Alert
Midway sees less extreme surge pricing than O'Hare, but fares still spike on Sunday evenings and during Southwest Airlines schedule banks (early morning and late afternoon). Prices can increase 1.3-1.8x during peak periods. The Orange Line is a reliable surge-proof alternative.
Travel Tips
- 1The rideshare pickup area at Midway is on the arrivals level, outside Door 4 on the lower level. It's well-signed and typically has shorter wait times than O'Hare.
- 2The CTA Orange Line station is connected to the terminal via an enclosed walkway — look for signs to 'CTA Trains' after exiting security. Trains run every 6-12 minutes.
- 3Midway's shorter distance to downtown means metered taxi fares are noticeably cheaper than from O'Hare — usually $25-$35 before tip.
- 4If heading to the South Loop, Chinatown, or Pilsen, Midway is often a faster and cheaper starting point than O'Hare.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Uber cost from Midway to Downtown Chicago?
UberX from Midway to Downtown Chicago typically costs $20-$40. The shorter distance from Midway makes it consistently cheaper than equivalent rides from O'Hare, which usually run $30-$55.
Is the CTA Orange Line a good option from Midway?
Yes — the Orange Line is one of the best airport rail connections in the US. It runs from inside the Midway terminal to the Loop (Harold Washington Library, Adams/Wabash, State/Lake) in about 25 minutes for $5. Trains run every 6-12 minutes during the day.
Which is closer to Downtown Chicago — O'Hare or Midway?
Midway is significantly closer at about 11 miles versus O'Hare's 17 miles. This means shorter ride times (20-40 min vs. 30-60 min) and lower fares ($20-$40 vs. $30-$55) from Midway.