Illinois

Chicago Midway International Airport history and travel options

July 5, 2026 ·

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Chicago Midway International Airport serves as a major commercial airport located on the southwest side of the city. As a critical secondary airport for the metropolitan area, it handles millions of passengers annually with a focus on regional and domestic flights. The facility functions as a key operating base for low-cost airlines, providing convenient access to the downtown business district.

Airport Layout and Facilities

The airport features a compact design that allows travelers to navigate between terminals and concourses efficiently. A single main terminal building coordinates all passenger ticketing, baggage claim, and security checkpoints. The key facilities and design features of the airport include:

  • Cicero Avenue Terminal: The main entrance building hosting security checkpoints and airline check-in counters
  • Concourse A: Hosts domestic and international gates with numerous dining and retail amenities
  • Concourse B: The primary hub of operations for Southwest Airlines flights
  • Concourse C: A smaller concourse dedicated to regional commuter flights
  • X-Pattern Runways: Five runways laid out in an intersecting design characteristic of early aviation architecture
  • Midway Boulevard: A central concession walk offering Chicago-style food and shopping options

Historical Milestones and Developmental Eras

Originally established in the 1920s, the airport holds a significant place in the history of commercial aviation. The facility served as the world’s busiest airport before the development of modern jet aircraft. The historical timeline highlights major development phases of the airport:

EraStatus / FocusMajor Highlights
1923Chicago Air ParkEstablished on a 320-acre plot to support early municipal airmail service
1927Municipal AirportRenamed Chicago Municipal Airport and grew to become the world’s busiest hub
1949Midway DedicationRenamed to honor the historic Battle of Midway in World War II
1955–1962Jet TransitionExperienced a drop in commercial traffic as airlines transitioned to O’Hare
1990s–2026Modern RevivalCompleted a massive terminal redevelopment and grew as Southwest’s primary regional hub

Travel Options to Chicago Midway

Reaching the southwest side terminal is straightforward due to multiple municipal and regional transit networks. Commuters can choose from the following transportation options depending on their route and starting point:

By Train: The Chicago Transit Authority operates the Orange Line rapid transit train directly into the Midway Transportation Center. Passengers can travel from the downtown Loop to the airport in approximately 25 minutes. Enclosed walkways connect the train station directly to the main terminal building.

By Car: Drivers can travel along the Stevenson Expressway (I-55) south to Cicero Avenue, heading south to the airport entrance. The facility features hourly and daily parking garages alongside long-term economy lots served by shuttle buses.

By Bus: Local CTA municipal buses stop at the terminal transportation center, including routes 55, 59, 63, and 63W. Regional Pace buses also serve the facility to connect nearby suburban communities in Cook and DuPage counties.

By Ferry: While Chicago has no commuter ferry routes directly to the landlocked airport, fans traveling across Lake Michigan can ride passenger car ferries from Michigan to Navy Pier. From downtown, commuters can easily board the CTA Orange Line train to reach the airport. This lake crossing offers a scenic travel alternative for regional visitors.

By Airport: Regional shuttles and coach buses connect Midway directly to O’Hare International Airport for passengers coordinating connecting flights. Those flying internationally can also utilize regional buses connecting to airports in nearby Indiana and Wisconsin.

By Uber and Lyft: Rideshare drop-off and pick-up zones are located on the lower level of the terminal building. Passengers can coordinate rides near the baggage claim exits along Cicero Avenue.

Other Transportation: Pedestrian walkways connect the airport to nearby hotels and commercial districts along Cicero Avenue. Cycling paths and secure bicycle racks are available at the transportation center.

Custom Sports and Team Uniforms

Local sports leagues and corporate organizations looking to build a unified brand can find design ideas in Chicago’s rich athletic culture. Selecting full sublimation printing ensures that vibrant sponsor logos and numbers do not peel. This printing method keeps custom polo shirts and jerseys breathable and lightweight during training.

If you want to read general regional guides, browsing our article on Chicago provides excellent local details. You can check sports history in our guide on the Chicago Sky. Alternatively, you can browse details about the Chicago White Sox baseball team.

Travelers can check flight statuses, TSA security wait times, and parking rates directly on the official Chicago Midway Airport Official Website. Families can plan their flight check-in and luggage drop schedules. The demand for customized regional sports apparel remains very high.

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