Flights to Chicago (Midway - MDW)

Midway Airport is conveniently located south of downtown Chicago, and is accessible by car, bus, and train. A number of taxi and limo services operate at Midway, and shared rides are usually available. Public transportation, including local buses and trains (the El), runs frequently, making this a convenient option for travelers. Independent shuttle services are also available, and many area hotels offer shuttle services of their own. Also, regional bus services serve outlying areas in northern Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. And, of course, there are a number of rental car options at Midway if you wish to do your own driving.

Car Rental

Rental car company counters are located in the lower level of the airport's main terminal building near baggage claim. Rental car pick-up and drop-off is on the second level of the airport's parking garage. A number of rental car services operate out of Midway Airport:

• Alamo: 800-462-5266
• Avis: 800-230-4898
• Budget: 800-527-0700
• Dollar: 800-800-3665
• Enterprise: 800-261-7331
• Hertz: 800-654-3131
• National: 800-227-7368
• Thrifty: 800-847-4389

Public/Ground Transfer

Midway Airport is accessible by public transportation, including Chicago's CTA train - the elevated train. Midway Airport is on the Orange Line. The Orange Line station is on the airport's far eastern side near the parking garage. Travel to and from downtown Chicago takes about 30 minutes and costs about $2 per person. Fare cards must be used for the trains and may be purchased at the Orange Line station at the airport. You can learn more about the Orange Line and the CTA service at http://www.transitchicago.com. This is the cheapest and fastest option to and from Midway Airport. The train (the El) makes several stops in between, so timing will vary depending on the time of day (figure in extra time if you're traveling to or from the airport during rush hour). Although relatively cheap and fast, note that there is nowhere to stash your luggage on the Orange Line, so you'll have to hang on tight. This can be problematic if you're forced to stand during the busier travel times, but for $2, you can't complain. Too, note that the Orange Line does not run 24 hours a day, so if you're traveling on the red eye, this probably is not an option for you.

Airport Shuttles

Two shuttle services operate at Midway Airport (in addition to hotel shuttle services): Continental Airport Express (www.airportexpress.com) and Omega Airport Shuttle (www.omegashuttle.com). Continental provides shuttle service between Midway, Chicago, and the south suburbs between 5:15 a.m. and 11 p.m., with departures about every 15 minutes. The shuttle pick-up point is in front of the main terminal building at door 3LL. Omega offers hourly service between Midway and O'Hare airports and runs from 7 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. Priced midway between taxis and limos and taking the El, shuttle services typically start at about $18 per person and take about an hour to get from Midway into downtown Chicago, depending on traffic. Unlike the El, there is plenty of space for your luggage on these shuttle services, which are typically mid-sized vans. But, unlike a taxi or limo, you are likely to be sharing a ride with a number of passengers who have varying drop-off points. Shuttle service operates every 15 minutes, 24-hours a day.

Limousine Services

The most convenient transportation usually is by car, whether a friend or family member can drop you off or pick you up, of if you take a limo. No additional stops, no hassling with luggage, and no messing with fare cards. Limo rates will vary depending on the distance away from the airport and the number of passengers, but many chauffeured options have flat rates or shared ride fares. Traffic times will make the duration of the trip vary, although from most points within the city of Chicago, travel times to and from Midway are less than an hour, and usually closer to 25-35 minutes.; Limousine services average about $45. Taxi and limo pick-up areas are located in the lower level of the main terminal building near baggage claim.

Taxi Services

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