Option 1: CTA ‘L’ Orange Line Train
- Travel time: 50 minutes
- Easily the most straightforward ride to downtown Chicago. (What makes Chicago great are the direct rapid transit (subway/metro) rides from Midway and O’Hare to downtown Chicago. No transfer. Just hop on and ride.
- The CTA (Chicago Transit Authority)’s Orange Line starts right at Midway Station, a short walk through the terminal and parking structure to the station. Look for signs indicating “CTA Trains” or “Train to City”. Travel time is approximately 20-25 minutes to The Loop – the circuit loop where all ‘L’ (metro) trains converge in the downtown core of Chicago. Giving you multiple stations to transfer at if your final destination is beyond downtown. If you’re going from MDW to ORD transfer from the Orange Line to the Blue Line at the Loop to continue towards O’Hare airport.
- Fare is $2.50 to take the Orange Line. You can purchase Chicagoland’s fare card –Ventra for $5.00 to explore the entire region. Read information about the CTA Orange Line here.
- Cheapest
Option 2: Shuttle Bus
- Travel time: 20-30 minutes
- Go Airport Express Chicago offers shuttle, taxi and limo service from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago. With multiple options depending on the size of your travel group or budget Go Airport Express is a good option if you’re in a group.
- Expect to pay at least $20.00.