For the best free things to do in Chicago from the Midway area, start by taking the CTA Orange Line from Midway to the Loop. The normal train ride takes 20–25 minutes, making downtown a practical focus for a one-day trip; this route covers the journey rather than assuming specific attractions or their hours.
- Train: CTA Orange Line between Midway and the Loop.
- Normal travel time: 20–25 minutes from Midway to downtown.
- Station access: Midway’s accessible Orange Line station connects to the airport terminal by an enclosed walkway.
- Transfers: Up to two free transfers within two hours when you use the same accepted payment method.
At a glance
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01Before leaving the Midway areaThe Orange Line is the direct rail link between Midway and downtown Chicago’s Loop.
02Morning around Millennium ParkThe Orange Line can take you from Midway to several Loop stations, but the route facts here do not…
03Choose a museum or the Chicago RiverwalkThe Orange Line connects Midway with downtown, but choosing between a museum visit and time on the Chicago…- 04FAQsThe normal travel time between Midway and downtown is 20–25 minutes.
Before leaving the Midway area
The Orange Line is the direct rail link between Midway and downtown Chicago’s Loop. From the Skylark Motel rooms, Chicago city centre is about a 17-minute drive away; for the downtown trip itself, the train provides a set travel time without needing to drive into the Loop.
Midway station is just east of the airport terminal, with an enclosed walkway connecting the two. The station is accessible and is at 4612 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60629.
CTA also provides bus connections there, including routes 54B, 55, 55A, 55N, 59, 62H, 63 and 165, and Pace routes 379, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386 and 390. Some overnight N62 buses also connect with the station.
For a trip focused on downtown, plan around the Orange Line’s normal 20–25-minute ride from Midway. Before you set out, check the official CTA site for service changes and elevator notices that could affect your route.
For more on rail and bus options from the area, read how to get around Chicago from Midway.
Morning around Millennium Park
The Orange Line can take you from Midway to several Loop stations, but the route facts here do not establish a specific connection from those stations to Millennium Park or confirm park facilities and hours.
A lakefront outing is another option; Chicago beaches from the Midway area offer a different way to plan the day. Use the Loop as your downtown rail destination, then check local directions before planning a particular stop.
CTA Orange Line stops in the Loop include Harold Washington Library-State/Van Buren, LaSalle/Van Buren, Quincy, Washington/Wells, Clark/Lake, Washington/Wabash and Adams/Wabash. Roosevelt is another Orange Line station and a transfer point to buses and other rail service. Choose a station based on the downtown location you plan to visit rather than assuming every stop is equally convenient.
Choose a museum or the Chicago Riverwalk
The Orange Line connects Midway with downtown, but choosing between a museum visit and time on the Chicago Riverwalk depends on opening details and location information you should confirm separately. The route gives you a way into the Loop; it does not establish admission prices, museum hours or a walking route between downtown attractions.
If a museum is your priority, compare its official hours and ticket information before leaving the Midway area. For a day built around the riverfront, confirm directions from your chosen Orange Line stop. Keeping the rail journey and the attraction research separate makes it easier to plan around current schedules and access information.
To compare museum choices from the Midway area, use this guide to Chicago museums.
How do you get back to Midway after a day downtown?
Take an Orange Line train from the Loop toward Midway; the normal trip from downtown to Midway takes 20–25 minutes. The line does not operate overnight, and CTA identifies the N62 Archer bus as alternate overnight service between Midway and downtown.
CTA’s Orange Line hours vary by day. Trains from Midway toward downtown operate from 3:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. on weekdays, 4:00 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. on Saturdays, and 4:30 a.m. to 1:05 a.m. on Sundays and holidays.
Trains from the Loop toward Midway operate from 3:55 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on weekdays, 4:25 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Saturdays, and 4:55 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Sundays and holidays. Check the official CTA site before you go, especially if your return depends on the final trains or overnight service.
CTA accepts tap-to-pay on trains and buses. It also allows up to two free transfers within two hours when you use the same Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, personal contactless bank card or mobile wallet app. Use the same payment method for each leg if you plan to transfer.
FAQs
How long is the Orange Line ride from Midway to downtown?
The normal travel time between Midway and downtown is 20–25 minutes.
Does the Orange Line run overnight?
No. The Orange Line does not operate overnight; the N62 Archer bus provides alternate overnight service between Midway and downtown.
Can you transfer for free on CTA?
You can make up to two free transfers within two hours when you use the same accepted Ventra, contactless bank card or mobile wallet payment method.
Is Midway’s Orange Line station accessible?
Yes. The accessible station is just east of the airport terminal and connects to it by an enclosed walkway.