O'Hare or Midway
 

Which is the best airport to fly into in Chicago. Will Midway be an easier less crowded option? How far apart are they? Any info appreciated.

Common wisdom is that Midway is where the cheaper airlines fly to/from and, since it is smaller, it is less of a hassle for passengers. It is also the airport people who live or work on the southside of Chicago (like the Univ. in Hyde Park) find a little more convenient.<BR><BR>However, O'Hare -- even though it's a very busy, complex airport -- is a LOT easier to get to because there are many options, including shuttle vans or taking the "El" (rapid transit) directly from the center terminal into the city. By comparison, Midway is so poorly served that you pretty much have to rent a car or take a (rather expensive, though less than from O'Hare) cab, and it's not really proximate to the major highways.<BR><BR>The two airports are pretty far apart -- O'Hare is in the far northwest suburbs, Midway is to the south/southwest. There is some limited service between the two, but you have to figure a minimum of an hour's travel time.

Common wisdom is that Midway is where the cheaper airlines fly to/from and, since it is smaller, it is less of a hassle for passengers. It is also the airport people who live or work on the southside of Chicago (like the Univ. in Hyde Park) find a little more convenient.<BR><BR>However, O'Hare -- even though it's a very busy, complex airport -- is a LOT easier to get to because there are many options, including shuttle vans or taking the "El" (rapid transit) directly from the center terminal into the city. By comparison, Midway is so poorly served that you pretty much have to rent a car or take a (rather expensive, though less than from O'Hare) cab, and it's not really proximate to the major highways.<BR><BR>The two airports are pretty far apart -- O'Hare is in the far northwest suburbs, Midway is to the south/southwest. There is some limited service between the two, but you have to figure a minimum of an hour's travel time.<BR><BR>In general, I prefer O'Hare, EVEN with its hassles.

Ohare for certain! I live in Chicago and fly almost every other week. Midway has just been redone to its credit-but you walk a lot now and it is still in a crappy area. It is best for commuter flights and for cheapest fares(southwest, ata, vanguard). Ohare is easy to get around and efficient-just read the signs! Ohare is only 17 miles from downtown and Midway is probably 11 or so. They take about the same time depending on where in the city and what time. Do not transport yourself from midway alone at night. You wont enjoy it. You cna take the train to te city from ohare just as easy for 1.50. They are about 45-1 1/12 hours dependin on traffic apart.

Your options from Midway are not just a rental car or cab. The rapid transit train also runs from there. For info check out http://www.ohare.com/midway/ground_t...ation_cta.shtm