Getting from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago is straightforward by CTA Orange Line, which runs directly from the airport to the Loop. Chicago Midway International Airport is about 9 minutes by car or 29 minutes on foot from Skylark Motel, a hotel in Chicago; the Orange Line does not provide a direct connection to the motel.
- Midway Airport is about 9 minutes by car from the motel.
- The accessible Orange Line station connects to the terminal by an enclosed walkway.
- Orange Line trains run from Midway to downtown Chicago in about 20–25 minutes.
- City taxi stands are on the airport’s lower level at Door 2.
How far is Midway Airport from Skylark Motel?
The Midway station is about 6 minutes by car or 22 minutes on foot from the motel, so it is a separate reference point when planning your arrival.
For a public-transit trip, plan an onward journey from downtown rather than treating the Orange Line as a direct connection to the motel.
Driving and taxi options
Use the official taxi stands on the lower-level inner lane at Door 2; taxis are first-come, first-served.
Rideshare pickup is on the lower level outside baggage claim, in the center lane. Match your pickup zone to the assigned door: zones A and B use Door 2, zones C and D use Doors 3 and 4, and zones E and F use Door 4.
The airport gives a general average fare of $35–$40 for a taxi from Midway to downtown Chicago, with the final fare varying with traffic. That is a downtown estimate, not a quoted fare to the motel. Shared taxis to downtown are $18 per person when multiple parties are available.
Using the Midway station and CTA
The CTA Orange Line provides direct service from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago, with a normal trip taking 20–25 minutes. The accessible station is just east of the terminal and connects through an enclosed walkway; follow airport signs for “CTA Trains” or “Trains to City.”
All Orange Line trains from Midway go downtown and run to the Loop. CTA gives the Midway station address as 4612 W. 59th St., Chicago, IL 60629. The airport lists CTA bus connections at the Midway Transportation Center beside the Orange Line station, including routes serving the airport area.
CTA says the same Ventra Card, Ventra Ticket, contactless bank card or mobile wallet can cover up to two free transfers within two hours.
The airport says fares can be purchased with cash or credit at vending machines outside the station. Current fare details and service schedules can change, so check the official site before you go at the CTA and Midway Airport.
Planning for arrival and check-in
Choose your airport pickup first, then plan the onward trip around your destination. If you take the Orange Line downtown, arrange the remaining leg separately.
For broader transit planning, getting around Chicago from the Midway area covers the wider context.
If your plans include a visit beyond the airport area, the Hawthorne Race Course visitor guide has details about that destination, about 7 minutes by car from the motel.
FAQs
Does the Orange Line go directly from Midway Airport to downtown Chicago?
Yes. The Orange Line runs from Midway to the downtown Loop, and the normal journey takes about 20–25 minutes.
Where do you catch a taxi at Midway Airport?
Where is rideshare pickup at Midway?
Pickup is on the lower level outside baggage claim in the center lane. Zones A and B use Door 2, zones C and D use Doors 3 and 4, and zones E and F use Door 4.
Can you take the CTA from Midway Airport to the motel?
The Orange Line connects Midway to downtown, but you will need to arrange the onward trip from downtown separately.