O’Hare vs. Midway: Which Chicago Airport Is Best for Business Travel?
For business travelers heading into Chicago, choosing the right airport can make all the difference. O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) both serve the city, but each offers a distinct experience depending on your schedule, destination, and travel priorities. In this guide, we’ll compare O’Hare and Midway through the lens of the modern business traveler—including distance, cost, airport amenities, and ground transportation options.
Distance to Downtown Chicago
One of the most important considerations for business travelers is proximity to the city center. O’Hare is located about 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, while Midway is approximately 11 miles southwest of the Loop. Depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, travel times can vary considerably.
O’Hare to Downtown: 35 to 60 minutes
Midway to Downtown: 25 to 45 minutes
While Midway is closer in terms of mileage, it doesn’t always translate to a faster trip. Rush hour traffic and event congestion can affect both routes, but Midway often has a slight edge in accessibility.
Cost: Taxi vs. Black Car Service
Cost is another factor that can influence airport choice—especially when it comes to ground transportation. Taxis from O’Hare to downtown typically range from $50 to $70, with additional fees for tolls, airport taxes, or traffic. From Midway, expect a taxi fare between $40 and $55.
Alternatively, black car service offers a more comfortable and reliable solution with transparent pricing:
Flat-rate from O’Hare to Downtown: $95–$110
Flat-rate from Midway to Downtown: $85–$95
Unlike rideshare or taxi options, black car pricing doesn’t surge during peak hours or inclement weather. It also includes flight tracking, professional drivers, and a consistent level of service—a must for busy professionals.
Amenities for Business Travelers
O’Hare is a global hub and offers a more premium experience for travelers who value amenities. It features a wide variety of lounges including the United Polaris Lounge, American Airlines Flagship Lounge, and Delta Sky Club. Dining options are upscale, and Wi-Fi and charging stations are widely available.
Midway is a smaller, more navigable airport with fewer frills. It primarily serves domestic flights, particularly Southwest Airlines, and is known for its faster security lines and compact layout. If time is of the essence and you’re flying domestically, Midway may be the more efficient choice.
Airline Access and Routes
If your travel includes international routes or you require specific airline loyalty perks, O’Hare is likely your best bet. With multiple terminals and connections across the globe, O’Hare offers more scheduling flexibility and international access. Midway, while limited to mostly domestic flights, is often favored by travelers loyal to Southwest Airlines.
Business Travel Scenarios: Which to Choose?
Scenario 1: You're flying in from New York for a same-day meeting in the Loop.
Best Option: Midway for quick access and less airport congestion.
Scenario 2: You have an international flight or plan to use a premium lounge pre-flight.
Best Option: O’Hare for upscale amenities and wider airline coverage.
Scenario 3: You’re scheduling a trip for multiple executives or VIPs.
Best Option: O’Hare for consistency in arrival times and black car coordination.
Why Ground Transportation Matters Just as Much
Regardless of which airport you choose, your arrival experience depends heavily on your ground transportation. Black car service eliminates the uncertainty of public transportation and the variability of rideshare options. With flat-rate pricing, flight monitoring, and professional drivers, it's the preferred choice for business travelers who prioritize service and reliability.
Whether you're arriving at O’Hare or Midway, our Chicago black car service ensures a seamless transfer from runway to boardroom. Book in advance for the peace of mind that comes with knowing every detail is handled.
