O’Hare vs. Midway

Updated September 2026 · Written by the All Star Limo dispatch team — serving Chicagoland since 2014, licensed and insured, with a 5.0 Google rating.

Quick answer: O’Hare (ORD) is Chicago’s larger airport, about 17-20 miles northwest of downtown with four terminals (1, 2, 3, and 5) — expect a longer, more complex transfer, especially for international arrivals at Terminal 5. Midway (MDW) is smaller and closer, about 10-11 miles southwest of downtown with a single main terminal — transfers are typically quicker and simpler. All Star Limo runs flat-rate, flight-tracked transfers to both: sedan service starts at $90 to O’Hare and $85 to Midway from downtown.

At a glance

• O’Hare (ORD): ~17-20 miles from downtown, 4 terminals (1, 2, 3, 5), larger and busier, more walking between terminals
• Midway (MDW): ~10-11 miles from downtown, 1 main terminal, more compact, generally quicker curbside access
• Flat rates from downtown: sedan from $90 to O’Hare, from $85 to Midway
• Both: real-time flight tracking, meet-and-greet, luggage assistance, 24/7 availability

O’Hare: bigger airport, more terminal to navigate

O’Hare sits roughly 17-20 miles northwest of the Loop and has four terminals — numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5 (there is no Terminal 4). Terminals 1, 2, and 3 connect via indoor walkways after security, while Terminal 5 (the main international terminal) is reached by a separate train. Because O’Hare is larger and handles significantly more traffic, curbside pickup can take longer to coordinate, which is where flight tracking and a chauffeur who knows which terminal to stage at makes the most difference. See O’Hare Airport limo service.

Midway: smaller, closer, often faster

Midway sits about 10-11 miles southwest of downtown with a single main terminal, which generally means a simpler, quicker transfer — shorter walks from gate to curb and less time spent navigating between terminals. For early-morning departures or late-night arrivals, that compactness is often the deciding factor. See Midway Airport limo service.

O’Hare vs. Midway for your transfer

What stays the same either way

Regardless of which airport you’re flying through, every All Star Limo airport transfer includes real-time flight tracking (so pickup timing adjusts automatically if a flight is early or delayed), meet-and-greet assistance, help with luggage, and a flat rate agreed before the trip — with no surge pricing, day or night.

Book your airport transfer

Call (708) 998-6336 or book online with your flight number and terminal, and your chauffeur will track the flight and be positioned accordingly.

FAQ

Which Chicago airport is closer to downtown, O’Hare or Midway?

Midway is closer, at roughly 10-11 miles from downtown, compared to O’Hare’s roughly 17-20 miles.

Does All Star Limo track flights for both airports?

Yes — every airport transfer includes real-time flight tracking regardless of which airport or terminal you’re using.

Is it cheaper to fly out of Midway than O’Hare for a limo transfer?

With All Star Limo, sedan transfers start at $85 to Midway versus $90 to O’Hare from downtown, reflecting the shorter distance.

Which O’Hare terminal is the international terminal?

Terminal 5 handles most international arrivals and departures at O’Hare; Terminals 1, 2, and 3 primarily serve domestic flights and are connected by indoor walkways after security.

Does Midway have more than one terminal?

No — Midway operates from a single main terminal, which is part of why transfers there tend to be quicker and simpler than at O’Hare.

Related All Star Limo guides

See the Chicago airport limo service overview, the Chicago limo pricing guide, and meet & greet service.