O'Hare vs Midway: Which Airport is Best?
Compare Chicago's airports. Distance, drive time, limo pricing, and which is closer to your destination.
Book Your TransferO'Hare (ORD) sits 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago with 30–40 minute off-peak drive times and $95 flat-rate limo transfers. Midway (MDW) is 8 miles southwest with 20–30 minute drives and $75 transfers. Midway is closer for Loop, western, and southwest suburban trips; O'Hare is faster from the North Shore. Call (224) 801-3090 to book.
| Feature | O'Hare (ORD) | Midway (MDW) |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Downtown Chicago | 17 miles north | 8 miles southwest |
| Typical Drive Time (off-peak) | 30-40 minutes | 20-30 minutes |
| Typical Drive Time (rush hour) | 45-75 minutes | 30-50 minutes |
| Limo Transfer from Downtown | $95 flat rate | $75 flat rate |
| Limo Transfer from North Shore | $89 flat rate | $115 flat rate |
| Total Passenger Volume | 84+ million annually | 37+ million annually |
| Parking Cost (daily) | $25-32 | $20-24 |
| Best For | International flights, major airlines | Budget airlines, Southwest hub |
O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Overview:
Chicago's larger, busier international hub. North of the city with extensive flight options worldwide. The Blue Line el connects downtown in ~45 min, but a limo is faster and more comfortable.
Major Airlines:
- • American, United, Delta, Southwest
- • Lufthansa, British Airways, Air Canada
- • All major international carriers
Best If You're Traveling To:
- • International destinations
- • Cross-country flights
- • Most major US cities
Parking:
Expensive. $25-32/day in short-term lots.
Midway International Airport (MDW)
Overview:
Chicago's secondary, closer airport southwest of downtown. Southwest's main hub. Smaller, easier to navigate, and limo transfers are 20% faster and cheaper than O'Hare.
Major Airlines:
- • Southwest (primary hub)
- • American, United, Delta
- • Limited international carriers
Best If You're Traveling To:
- • West Coast destinations
- • Southwest flights
- • Budget airline routes
Parking:
Cheaper. $20-24/day in short-term lots.
Which Airport is Closer to You?
Downtown Chicago / Loop
Closer Airport:
Midway
Drive Time:
20-30 min vs 30-40 min
💰 Save 10 min & $20
North Shore (Evanston, Highland Park)
Closer Airport:
O'Hare
Drive Time:
20-30 min vs 40-50 min
💰 Save 20 min & $26
Western Suburbs (Naperville, Oak Brook)
Closer Airport:
Midway
Drive Time:
15-20 min vs 35-45 min
💰 Save 20 min & $40
Southwest Suburbs (Tinley Park, Joliet)
Closer Airport:
Midway
Drive Time:
25-35 min vs 45-60 min
💰 Save 20 min & $30
Pro Tips for Chicago Airport Transfers
Book in Advance
Reserve your limo the day before for guaranteed availability and peace of mind.
Avoid Surge Pricing
Our flat rates never surge. Book online or call (224) 801-3090 for instant pricing.
Real-Time Flight Tracking
We monitor your flight and adjust pickup time if you land early or late. No extra charge.
Skip the Parking & Traffic
Limo costs less than parking + gas + Uber. Your time is worth more than driving.
Group Rates Available
Flying with a group? We offer discounts for 3+ passengers or corporate accounts.
24/7 Booking
Last-minute flight? We confirm limos in under 15 minutes, day or night.
Ready to Book Your Airport Transfer?
From either airport to downtown or your destination. Flat-rate pricing, professional chauffeurs, real-time flight tracking.
Airport Questions
O'Hare vs Midway for Chicago travelers
Book at least 24 hours in advance for guaranteed availability. Same-day bookings are accepted when vehicles are available. For holidays and peak travel periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, summer), book 3-5 days ahead.
O'Hare vs Midway — Common Questions
Which Chicago airport is closer to downtown — O'Hare or Midway?+
Midway. MDW sits 11 miles southwest of the Loop and the typical drive is 20-30 minutes. ORD is 18 miles northwest with a typical 30-50 minute drive depending on the Kennedy Expressway. For downtown hotels, Midway saves 10-15 minutes off-peak and up to 30 minutes during rush hour.
What's the price difference between a limo to O'Hare vs Midway?+
$10-20 per ride. Royal Carriage charges a flat $75 to O'Hare and $79 to Midway for a sedan from downtown Chicago; $109 vs $89 for an Escalade SUV. Both rates include flight tracking, 30 minutes free wait, gratuity, fuel, and tolls. Suburb pickups follow the same delta pattern.
Does either airport have heavier traffic during rush hour?+
O'Hare. The Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) feeding ORD is one of the most congested corridors in the US — peak slowdowns 7-9 AM eastbound and 4-7 PM westbound add 20-40 minutes. MDW via I-55 or Cicero Ave is steadier; the Stevenson Expressway has rush windows but they're shorter. For a Tuesday 5 PM flight, MDW saves stress.
Which airport is cheaper to park at?+
Midway. MDW economy parking runs $14-22/day vs ORD's $17-39/day depending on lot. For trips under 4 days the parking-vs-limo math usually still favors a limo — your round-trip flat rate of $150 (ORD) or $158 (MDW) beats 5+ days of parking plus your own time + fuel + tolls.
Which airline flies out of which airport?+
ORD is United's largest hub plus all 3 oneworld carriers (American, British Airways, Iberia) and most international carriers. MDW is Southwest's largest hub plus limited Delta, Frontier, and Spirit service. If your ticket is on Southwest, you're at MDW. If you're connecting internationally, you're at ORD.
Can a limo drop me off at the terminal door at both airports?+
Yes at both, but the access rules differ. ORD has dedicated upper-level departures lanes per terminal and a lower-level arrivals curb at each — your chauffeur will route to the door matching your airline. MDW has a single combined arrivals/departures roadway on the upper level with concourse-specific drop zones (A/B/C). Either way you're walking 30 seconds to check-in.
Which airport is better for late-night or red-eye flights?+
Either works — Royal Carriage runs 24/7 to both. Slight edge to ORD for international red-eyes since security at ORD opens earlier and TSA Pre-Check lanes stay open longer. MDW's security has tighter overnight hours; arrive 90 minutes before a 5 AM Southwest departure to be safe.
Popular Chicago Airport Services
Either airport, same flat-rate fleet — sedans, Escalades, and 14-passenger Sprinters with flight tracking and meet-and-greet.
Our Network — Royal Carriage Properties
- Chicago Airport Black Car
Flat-rate ORD from $75, MDW from $65
- Chicago Executive Car Service
Corporate accounts & roadshows
- Chicago Wedding Transportation
Bridal cars + guest shuttles
- Chicago Party Bus
Group transportation 14–40 passengers