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Midway is the more compact, more manageable of Chicago’s two airports, and that extends to parking. The terminal garage is steps from the check-in counters, but the economy garage and lot cost about a third as much with a short free shuttle ride. Or skip the car entirely: the CTA Orange Line connects straight to the terminal for $2.50.
The single most expensive mistake at Midway is leaving your car on the hourly level (Level 1) overnight. Here’s exactly how each option works.
Official Midway Parking Options
| Lot / Garage | Rate | Terminal Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Garage — Hourly (Level 1) | $4 first hour, $16 for 3–4 hrs, $32 for 4–8 hrs, $67 for 8–24 hrs | Walk, connected to terminal | For pickups and short stays only |
| Terminal Garage — Daily (Levels 2–6) | $43 for 8–24 hrs | Walk, connected to terminal | Closest option for overnight trips |
| Economy Garage (west of Cicero, north of 55th St) | $15/day | Free shuttle every 10–15 min | Covered, same rate as the lot |
| Economy Lot (5050 W. 55th St) | $15/day | Free shuttle every 10–15 min | Cheapest on-site option |
For any trip longer than a few hours, economy parking at $15 a day beats the terminal garage at $43. Covered or uncovered, the economy rate is the same, so pick the Economy Garage in winter. Note which shuttle stop you were picked up at so you get dropped back at the right spot.
Off-Site Midway Parking
Private lots around Midway offer shuttle service to the terminal and can undercut on-site economy rates, especially when you book ahead. Prices move with demand, so compare a few before you commit, and check each lot’s shuttle hours if your flight is very early or very late.
Reserving a spot ahead locks in your rate and guarantees you a space during busy travel weeks. Check off-site prices against the $15 economy rate before you book.
Compare & Reserve Midway ParkingThe 7-Day Math
| Option | Rate | 7 Days |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Garage — Hourly level | $67/day | $469 |
| Terminal Garage — Daily levels | $43/day | $301 |
| Economy Garage or Lot | $15/day | $105 |
| CTA Orange Line | $2.50 each way | $5 |
Choosing economy over the daily garage saves $196 on a week-long trip. Choosing it over the hourly level saves $364.
The CTA Orange Line: Skip Parking Entirely
The CTA Orange Line runs from the Loop to Midway, and the Midway station connects to the terminal, so there’s no shuttle or transfer. The Orange Line does not run 24 hours, so check current hours at transitchicago.com if you have a very early or very late flight.
| Departure Point | Travel Time to MDW | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Loop / downtown stations | 25–35 minutes | $2.50 |
| Pilsen / Chinatown area | 15–25 minutes | $2.50 |
| Hyde Park (bus + Orange Line) | 30–40 minutes | $2.50 |
| South Side neighborhoods | 15–30 minutes | $2.50 |
Midway vs. O’Hare Parking
| Factor | Midway (MDW) | O’Hare (ORD) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southwest side, about 10 miles from downtown | Northwest side, about 17 miles from downtown |
| Terminal garage (daily) | $43/day | $43/day |
| Hourly level, 8–24 hrs | $67 | $79 |
| Cheapest on-site | $15/day economy, free shuttle | $16/day Lots G & H, shuttle to the ATS train |
| CTA transit | Orange Line, $2.50 | Blue Line, $5 leaving the airport |
| Best for | Southwest Airlines flyers, South and Southwest Side trips | International flights, more airlines |
For a full breakdown of both airports including transit, rideshare, and rental car options, see our Chicago airport transportation guide. For O’Hare parking specifically, see our O’Hare Airport parking guide.
Midway Parking by Trip Length
| Trip Length | Best Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup / drop-off | Free cell phone lot (follow airport signs) | Free |
| 1–3 hours | Terminal Garage hourly (Level 1) | $4–$12 |
| 1–2 days | Economy Garage or Lot | $15–$30 |
| 3–5 days | Economy, or compare off-site | $45–$75 on-site |
| 7+ days | Economy, or compare off-site | $105+ on-site |
| Any length, staying in Chicago | CTA Orange Line | $5 round trip |
The South Loop and downtown put you on the Orange Line, the most direct connection back to Midway for your departure. If you’re attending a game or festival, the Loop and River North keep all of Chicago accessible by CTA.
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How much does it cost to park at Midway Airport?
Economy parking costs $15 a day at both the Economy Garage and Economy Lot, with a free shuttle to the terminal. The terminal garage costs $43 a day on the daily levels (2–6), and the hourly level (Level 1) charges up to $67 for 8 to 24 hours.
What is the cheapest way to park at Midway?
Economy parking at $15 a day is the cheapest on-site option. Off-site lots can sometimes beat that rate, especially when reserved in advance, so compare prices before you book.
Can I get to Midway Airport without parking a car?
Yes. The CTA Orange Line runs from downtown Chicago to Midway for $2.50, and the station connects to the terminal. The Orange Line doesn’t run 24 hours, so check hours for very early or late flights.
Is Midway or O’Hare cheaper for parking?
They’re close. Both terminal garages charge $43 a day on the daily levels. Midway’s economy parking is $15 a day and O’Hare’s cheapest economy lots are $16 a day. Midway’s hourly level is cheaper for a full day ($67 versus $79 at O’Hare).
Is there free parking at Midway Airport?
Midway has a free cell phone lot for drivers waiting to pick up arriving passengers. Follow the airport signs to find it.
Quick Reference: Midway Parking
- Cheapest on-site Economy Garage or Lot — $15/day, free shuttle
- Covered and cheap Economy Garage — same $15 rate as the lot
- Closest overnight Terminal Garage daily levels — $43/day
- Never overnight here Terminal Garage Level 1 — up to $67/day
- No car needed CTA Orange Line — $2.50, connected to the terminal
- Picking someone up Free cell phone lot
Midway is the underrated gem of Chicago airports: smaller, faster, and easier to navigate than O’Hare. Park in economy, compare off-site lots for longer trips, or take the Orange Line, and you’ll spend your money on the trip instead of the parking lot.