Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

International passengers follow a structured route from deboarding to immigration, baggage collection, customs clearance, and exit into the public terminal area.

• Follow signage from the arrival gate towards US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
• Present your passport, valid visa or ESTA entry authorisation, and relevant border documentation to the border officer.
• Proceed to the designated baggage reclaim carousels on the lower level to collect checked luggage.
• Clear the customs inspection checkpoint; declare any currency exceeding 10,000 USD or restricted agricultural items.
• Exit the secure international area into the main terminal landside hall for ground transport.

• Train

  Train (CTA Orange Line)

  Departs from Midway station, connected to the terminal via a covered walkway, running directly into the Chicago Loop.

  Time:

  Roughly 20-25 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically $2.50 - $5.00

• Taxi

  Taxi

  Available from ranks situated directly outside the lower level baggage claim exits.

  Time:

  Roughly 30-50 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically $30.00 - $45.00

• Ride-hailing

  Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)

  Pick-up points are located on the upper level of the main parking garage near the terminal.

  Time:

  Roughly 30-50 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically $30.00 - $50.00

• Bus

  Public Bus (CTA)

  Local buses stop at the Midway Transportation Centre, serving surrounding districts and suburban routes.

  Time:

  Roughly 45-60 minutes

  Typical cost:

  Typically $2.25

Transfers within Midway take place within the connected concourses airside, while transfers to O'Hare Airport require landside ground transport across Chicago.

• Concourses A, B, and C are connected post-security, permitting airside walking transfers without re-screening.
• Inter-airport transfers to Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) require traveling landside using taxis, rideshares, or CTA rail (Orange Line to Blue Line in the city centre).
• Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours for a self-transfer between Midway and O'Hare due to urban transit distances.

Free Wi-Fi access is provided across the terminal building and concourses.

• Select the official airport network option from your device's Wi-Fi settings.
• Accept the terms and conditions on the landing page to establish a connection.
• Sessions remain active for standard durations and can be reconnected if required.

Cash machines and currency exchange points are accessible landside and airside.

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) compatible with international card networks are located throughout the terminal.
• Currency exchange services operate in central concourse locations.
• Electronic and contactless card payments are standard across airport vendors and public transport.

A range of quick-service venues, regional eateries, and coffee outlets serve passengers across all concourses.

• The Central Market food area situated between Concourses A and B features iconic local Chicago food vendors.
• Dining outlets offer options including Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and standard fast food.
• Most food venues operate from early morning until the final scheduled departures of the day.

Midway does not host standard commercial airline lounges, focusing instead on public concourse seating and specialized facilities.

• A USO Lounge in Concourse C serves active-duty military service members and their families.
• No United Club, American Admirals Club, or independent pay-per-use lounges are operating in the airport.
• Seating areas equipped with device charging points are located throughout Concourses A and B.

Hotel options are located a short distance away along the main access corridors near the airport perimeter.

• No hotels are directly attached to the terminal building.
• Nearby hotels offer courtesy shuttle services picking up outside the lower-level arrivals area.
• Accommodations along South Cicero Avenue provide easy proximity for overnight layovers.

Baggage facilities encompass reclaim carousels and airline assistance counters.

• Baggage reclaim carousels are located on the lower level of the main terminal building.
• Left-luggage and temporary baggage storage facilities are not available at the airport due to security policy.
• Direct baggage inquiries or lost luggage reports to your operating airline's baggage desk.

Facilities supporting travellers with young children are positioned throughout the main terminal concourses.

• Dedicated nursing mother rooms offer private spaces in Concourses A and C.
• Baby changing units are installed in all primary restrooms landside and airside.
• Family lanes may be designated at TSA security checkpoints during busy operation hours.

• ATM Cash Machines
• Currency Exchange
• Nursing Mother Rooms
• USO Lounge
• Device Charging Stations
• All-Gender Restrooms
• Service Animal Relief Areas

Local emergency number: 911

• Dial 911 from any mobile phone or landline for immediate police, fire, or medical emergencies.
• Contact uniformed Chicago Police Department personnel or airport staff for immediate terminal assistance.
• For lost passports, contact your nation's foreign consulate located in central Chicago.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• https://www.flychicago.com/midway/Official airport source
• https://www.dhs.gov/Government source
• https://www.cbp.gov/Government source
• https://www.transitchicago.com/Official transit source
• https://www.chicago.gov/Government source