Downtown Chicago to Midway International: sedan from $160, SUV from $160, allow 25 to 50 minutes
A private sedan from downtown Chicago to Midway International Airport starts at $160, and an SUV starts at $160 for extra luggage or small groups. Door-to-door time usually runs 25 to 50 minutes, and the Stevenson Expressway can back up quickly. The lower end of the range only happens during off-peak hours. MDW Car Service is based in Chicago and arranges this route through vetted local operators.
Roads we use
Most runs head southwest on the Stevenson Expressway, which is Interstate 55. We exit at Cicero Avenue and follow the airport access roads to the terminal. If the Stevenson is heavy near the Dan Ryan merge, our affiliates may use Archer Avenue or Pulaski Road as local alternatives. The Stevenson is named for Adlai Stevenson II, the former Illinois governor and United Nations ambassador. The airport sits on the southwest side of the city, much closer to the Loop than O'Hare.
Traffic reality by time of day
Inbound commuter traffic peaks from 6:30 to 9:00 AM. Outbound congestion builds from 3:30 to 7:00 PM. The Dan Ryan merge with the Stevenson is a frequent bottleneck. Weekend afternoons can also slow near the Midway exit because of local shopping and neighborhood traffic. Midway has fewer terminals than O'Hare, but the single access point can queue quickly.
When to add a buffer
For domestic flights, leave downtown 90 minutes before departure. For international flights, leave two hours before departure. Add another 20 minutes during weekday rush or if your trip coincides with White Sox games at Guaranteed Rate Field, which is just east of the airport. Midway security lines are usually shorter than O'Hare, but the terminal road can still clog.
Fleet and pricing
Sedans start at a written flat rate for this route. SUVs start at $160 and are useful for extra luggage or small groups. Larger vans are available on request. Base rates are point-to-point and include meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, and gratuity. Tolls and any parking fees incurred at the terminal are billed as incurred. Tell us about oversized bags so we can send the right vehicle.