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Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is the second-busiest airport in Chicago and serves as a major hub for Southwest Airlines. Unlike larger multi-terminal airports, Midway has a single main terminal building with three concourses (A, B, and C) housing a total of 43 gates. This compact layout makes it relatively easy to navigate compared to O’Hare’s sprawling terminals. Midway handled about 22 million passengers in 2023, offering primarily domestic flights and a handful of international destinations.
The terminal building has two levels: departures/ticketing on the upper level and arrivals/baggage claim on the lower level. A pedestrian bridge connects the terminal to the concourse area, spanning over the airport roadway. Passengers clear security after crossing this bridge, entering a central atrium known as the “Central Market,” which is the hub that leads into Concourses A, B, and C. All three concourses are interconnected past security, so travelers can walk between gates in different concourses without exiting the secure area. This single-terminal design means no inter-terminal shuttles are needed for connections.
Terminals and Gates: Concourse A has 17 gates, Concourse B has 23 gates, and Concourse C has 3 gates. These concourses branch out from the Central Market atrium. In general, Southwest Airlines operates out of Concourses A and B (with Concourse B dedicated almost entirely to Southwest), while other carriers like Delta, Frontier, Volaris, and Avelo use Concourses A or C. Midway’s compact size doesn’t mean lack of amenities – travelers will find a variety of dining, shopping, and services packed into the terminal. Free Wi-Fi is available airport-wide, and there are plenty of charging outlets and seating areas throughout. The airport also features artwork and exhibits, including a historical display on the Battle of Midway in Concourse A, adding local character. Overall, MDW offers a convenient, user-friendly experience for those looking to avoid the crowds of a larger airport.
Transportation to MDW: Getting There
Midway Airport is located about 10–12 miles (18 km) southwest of Downtown Chicago, making it accessible by public transit, car, and other modes. Travelers have many options to reach MDW:
- CTA Orange Line (Train): Chicago’s elevated train (“L”) connects directly to Midway. The Orange Line runs from downtown Chicago (Loop) to Midway in about 20–25 minutes. The Midway CTA station is located just east of the terminal, connected via an enclosed walkway. Trains generally operate from around 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily.
- CTA City Buses: Midway is a transit hub for several CTA bus routes. Seven CTA bus lines operate to/from the Midway Transportation Center. Routes like 55, 62, and 63 connect different parts of the city, and overnight buses run when trains do not. CTA buses cost approximately $2.25 per ride.
- Pace Suburban Buses: Seven Pace bus routes serve the airport from surrounding suburbs. Fares average around $1.75 and are timed to align with CTA train service.
- Airport Shuttles and Regional Buses: Several shuttle companies provide service between MDW and downtown hotels or other cities in the region. GO Airport Express is a popular shared-van provider. Regional coach buses also connect Midway to cities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin.
- Taxis: Available curbside at the lower level outside baggage claim. Rides to downtown Chicago typically cost $35–$40. Shared taxis offer fixed rates of about $18 per person to downtown and $35 to O’Hare.
- Ride-Share Services: Uber and Lyft operate at MDW. Pickups are from Door 4 on the lower level near baggage claim. Drop-offs occur on the upper-level departures curb. A typical ride-share to downtown costs between $25–$40, depending on demand.
- Driving (Private Car): Accessible via I-55 to Cicero Avenue. The airport is located at 5700 S. Cicero Avenue, Chicago, IL 60638. Expect a 20–30 minute drive from downtown outside rush hour. Parking is available on-site. For pickups, use the free Cell Phone Lot at 61st and Cicero and wait until your party is at the curb, as waiting at the arrivals curb is not permitted.
Terminal Layout and Concourses
Midway’s single terminal is divided into three concourses (A, B, C) radiating from a central hub. After checking in and passing through the main security checkpoint, passengers enter the Central Market atrium, which offers food and retail options. From here:
- Concourse A: Located to the left (south)
- Concourse B: Straight ahead (the longest concourse)
- Concourse C: To the right (a shorter concourse)
All three concourses are connected airside, so passengers can move freely between them without exiting the secure area. This makes exploring the airport’s amenities before boarding much easier and more convenient.
Concourse A
Concourse A houses gates A1–A3, A4A, A4B, A5, A7, A9–A12, and A14–A19 (17 gates total). This concourse is used by several airlines, including Southwest (some flights), Delta, Porter, and Volaris. Gates A4A and A4B are located in a small separate corridor branching off the main concourse down a long walkway, so allow extra time if you’re departing from those gates. There’s a convenient coffee stand (Fuel Bar) near those remote gates.
Dining & Shopping: Concourse A features a mini food court and a variety of Chicago-based eateries. You can grab Chicago-style pizza at Home Run Inn Pizza or Connie’s Pizza, and enjoy a classic Billy Goat Tavern cheeseburger near the entrance. Also located here are Harry Caray’s Shortstop and R.J. Grunts Burger & Fries, offering a local sports bar and burger joint vibe. For snacks, try Garrett Popcorn Shops or Nuts on Clark, both known for iconic caramel popcorn and nut treats. For shopping, Concourse A includes newsstands and specialty retailers such as an FAO Schwarz toy store near gate A5 — a great stop for travelers with children.
Lounges: There are no airline-specific lounges in Concourse A. However, the “The Club MDW” lounge, located in the Central Market atrium near the entrance to Concourse B, is accessible to Concourse A passengers. It’s open to all travelers through Priority Pass or day-pass purchase. Concourse A does not have a USO or military lounge (those are in Concourse C).
Services & Amenities:
- Wi-Fi & Power: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout Concourse A. Seating areas are equipped with power outlets and USB ports. Standing charging stations and work counters are also present.
- Family Facilities: There’s a Children’s Play Area near gate A5 — a small, carpeted space for kids with seating for parents. Near this area, you’ll also find two Chicago popcorn machines. A lactation pod (Mamava) is available near gate A5 for nursing mothers needing a quiet, private space for breastfeeding or pumping.
- Pet Relief Area: An indoor pet relief station is located in the corridor leading to gates A4A and A4B. It includes artificial turf and cleaning supplies, allowing pets to relieve themselves without leaving the terminal.
- Other Amenities: Near the start of Concourse A, there’s an airport information booth and a Seaway Banking Center offering foreign currency exchange. ATMs are available throughout. Keep an eye out for public art, including murals and the Battle of Midway Exhibit, which features a suspended WWII-era dive bomber model and interactive displays.
Although one of the older concourses, Concourse A is fully accessible with elevators and ramps. Moving walkways are not installed here, but walking distances are shorter than in other areas. Airline assistance is available for passengers needing wheelchair support. Overall, Concourse A provides a pleasant mix of Chicago flavor, comfort, and convenience to start your journey.
Concourse B
Concourse B is the largest at Midway, with gates B1–B3, B5, B7–B12, and B14–B26 (23 gates total). This is the primary concourse for Southwest Airlines, which operates the majority of its flights here. If you’re flying Southwest, there’s a very good chance your flight departs from Concourse B. Because of Southwest’s high volume, Concourse B can be the busiest area of the airport, especially during peak times.
Layout: Concourse B is a long straight corridor. There are two moving walkways — one near the start and one midway through — which help save time if your gate is farther down (such as in the B20s). The walk from one end to the other may take over five minutes. Multiple flight information displays are available throughout, and there’s ample seating at each gate. Southwest’s open seating system means passengers often line up early by designated boarding posts.
Dining & Shopping: As the central artery of MDW, Concourse B offers many food and retail options. At the start (Central Market area), travelers can enjoy BIG & little’s, Big City Chicken, Dunkin’ Donuts, and Camden Food Co. You’ll also find Go Go White Sox Bar & Grill for drinks and sports viewing. Further down the concourse, look for another Home Run Inn Pizza, Wolfgang Puck Express, Garrett Popcorn, and Dunkin’ Express. Other options include Reilly’s Daughter (Irish pub) and Pegasus On The Fly (Greek food). Shops include Chicago Market, Discover Chicago, Tech Electronics, bookstores, newsstands, and a Chicago Sports shop with local team merchandise.
Lounges: Concourse B is home to The Club MDW — Midway’s first common-use passenger lounge. It’s located near gate B1 in the Central Market and open to all travelers via Priority Pass or with a day pass (approx. $50). The lounge includes comfortable seating, workstations with outlets, complimentary snacks and meals, a full-service bar with local drinks, TVs, newspapers, and a quiet area. Open daily from about 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM. No airline-specific lounges are available in Concourse B, and the USO lounge is located in Concourse C.
Services & Amenities:
- Information Desk: Staffed help desk near Central Market for general assistance.
- Wi-Fi & Charging: Free Wi-Fi throughout. Power outlets and USB ports are widely available. Gate seating includes charging stations, and high-top worktables near the food court are ideal for working travelers.
- Restrooms & Accessibility: Several restrooms throughout, including accessible and family-friendly ones. Elevators connect all levels. Visual paging displays assist hearing-impaired travelers, and TTY phones are available. AEDs are placed at intervals. Security Checkpoint Family Lanes are available at the main screening area for passengers with small children.
- Currency Exchange & ATMs: The nearest currency exchange (Seaway Bank) is in Concourse A, just a short walk away. Concourse B features several ATMs for cash needs.
- Extras: While Concourse B doesn’t have a yoga room or chapel, it offers natural lighting, airfield views, and rotating art displays. Families can access the play area in Concourse A if time allows. The moving walkway itself can also entertain kids during layovers.
Overall, Concourse B is the busiest and most food- and shop-filled part of Midway. Even if you’re flying from another concourse, this area is worth exploring for its dining, shopping, and spacious design.
Concourse C
is the smallest and quietest of Midway’s concourses, with just three gates: C1, C2, and C3. It primarily serves smaller or low-cost carriers such as Frontier and Avelo Airlines, mostly for domestic routes. Due to its limited gates and low foot traffic, Concourse C offers a calm atmosphere, and it includes several amenities focused on relaxation and comfort.
Dining & Shopping: While Concourse C has fewer concessions, travelers can still find a quick bite. A Farmer’s Fridge kiosk offers 24/7 access to fresh salads, sandwiches, and snacks — a convenient option for early or late flights. Depending on the season, a coffee or snack stand may also be available. Many travelers opt to purchase food in Concourses A or B and bring it over to Concourse C. A small newsstand/convenience store in C provides magazines, beverages, and travel essentials. For broader food and retail choices, passengers are encouraged to explore the other concourses before settling in at their gate.
Lounges and Quiet Areas:
- USO Lounge: Located just past security in Concourse C, this exclusive lounge for active-duty military and their families offers a cozy, home-like space. Inside, guests can enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks, recliners, entertainment options such as TVs and an Xbox, computers, and a quiet rest area. It is open daily from around 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and is accessible with valid military ID.
- Yoga Room: Adjacent to the USO, the Yoga Room offers a peaceful environment for stretching, meditation, or light exercise. It includes bamboo floors, mirrors, provided yoga mats, and storage cubbies. The room is free and open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Mother’s Room: Next to the yoga room is a private Mother’s Room for nursing parents. It features a comfortable chair, changing table, sink, and electrical outlets. All mothers are welcome to use this space for breastfeeding or pumping. Additional Mamava pods are also available in other concourses, including one near gate A5.
- Chapel: Midway’s interfaith chapel is located on the mezzanine level above the Central Market. Accessible via stairs or elevator from Concourse C, it provides a quiet space for prayer or reflection with religious texts and spiritual items available. It’s open daily to all passengers.
Services & Other Amenities:
- Wi-Fi & Seating: Free Wi-Fi and accessible charging outlets are available throughout Concourse C. The relaxed atmosphere often means more available seating and quiet corners for working or relaxing.
- Accessibility: The concourse is on one level with elevator access, making it easy to navigate. Airlines provide wheelchair assistance if needed.
- Restrooms: Concourse C has its own restrooms, including accessible facilities. Larger restrooms are also available in the Central Market nearby.
- Pet Relief: While Concourse C lacks its own indoor pet relief station, the closest one is a short walk away in Concourse A near gate A4A. An outdoor pet relief area is also available before security if necessary.
- Atmosphere: One of the best features of Concourse C is its calm, peaceful environment. With large windows overlooking the airfield and skyline, it’s an excellent place for quiet plane-watching or relaxation. Even passengers flying from other concourses sometimes visit Concourse C for a break from the crowds.
With its emphasis on well-being and tranquility, Concourse C stands out as Midway’s most serene area. Whether you’re looking for a quiet lounge, a place to stretch, or a moment of reflection, this concourse offers valuable amenities for all travelers — not just those departing from its gates.
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