What to do during 3 hour layover in Chicago?
 

Is a 3 hour layover at Midway Airport in Chicago enough time to leave the airport and maybe take a quick drive in the city? I know this depends on our incoming flight arriving on time but if it does do we have enough time to see a bit of the city?

The el train to downtown takes 35-45 minutes, so if you have three hours before check-in (four-plus hours between planes), you could give it a try. The immediate area around Midway is pretty dull and residential. About 20 minutes north is the suburb of Oak Park, with its famous historic district associated with Frank Lloyd Wright. That might be a reasonable alternative, although the cab fare may dissuade you.

Personally, I wouldn't do it, the most you'd really be able to get out of it is an hour or so with a 3 hour layover. You could hit traffic anytime of the day getting in and out of the airport and Midway isn't close enough to the city (20-30 minutes by car) to really get out and see anything. Recent trips through security there have taken around 20 minutes.

Midway has a decent food court, I'd bring a book and grab a bite to eat.

Chances of your flights being right on time are marginal.

I'm with Kristi...stay put. It just is not reasonable to get to the city and see or do anything.

Three hours? Not enough time. Get a good book.
Ozarks Bill

Why do people say get a "good" book? Why doesn't anyone say "book". Do you assume the person will automatically choose a bad book...and who determines that?

OK, thats my Seinfeld for today.

Good point placeu2. Or should I say: "point, placeu2"?

I think mebbe a "good book" in such situations is a book that goes fast, does not ask so much concentration that the hubbub of an airport would be too distracting, and doesn't weigh too much.

A "good book" in other circumstances is, of course, other things.

walliemo -- I have passed time in Midway -- a good book is a good idea, given that things are pretty limited there.

... and given the current state of air travel and attractions of Midway, Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is probably of appropriate length and tone to get you through the experience.

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Author: Vittrad
Date: 02/17/2005, 06:37 pm

Message: ... and given the current state of air travel and attractions of Midway, Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment is probably of appropriate length and tone to get you through the experience.
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Good one.

In airport time, 3 hours is the equivalent of about 45 minutes anywhere else on Earth.

Thanks for your answers. I figured it was probably a longshot but. Well, maybe I'll browse the airport gift shops and look at the books about Chicago!

Message to Seinfeld: don't you agree there are so many bad books out there?
But you've probably read Danielle Steele anyway just like I've read John Grisham. But maybe that's what air terminals have for sale.
Bill

As a native of Chicago's southwest side, I take exception to the notion that the area is dull and residential. For your information, there is a Target Greatland just a few miles south of the airport. How much more excitement do you need? :)