Midway Airport parking is cheaper than O’Hare — but only if you know which option to choose. Walk up to the Terminal Garage and you can pay $51 per day. Book an off-site lot and that same trip costs $8–$14 per day with a free shuttle. Or take the CTA Orange Line directly to the terminal for $2.50 each way.
Midway is the more compact, more manageable of Chicago’s two airports — and that extends to parking. Here’s exactly how it works.
Official Midway Parking Options
| Lot / Garage | Daily Rate | Terminal Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terminal Garage (Hourly, Level 1) | $4/hr, $51 max/day | Walk — directly connected | Most convenient, most expensive |
| Terminal Garage (Daily, Levels 2–6) | $29/day | Walk — directly connected | Better value than hourly for full days |
| Economy Garage (5050 W 55th St) | $20/day | Direct walkway | Best on-site value — no shuttle needed |
| Economy Lots (Red/Blue/Yellow) | $14–$20/day | Shuttle bus | Cheapest on-site options |
| Reserved Parking (Level 2) | $10/day surcharge | Walk — guaranteed spot | Add-on to daily rate |
The Midway Economy Lot has a direct walkway connection to the terminal — no shuttle required. For short trips of 1–2 days, $20/day with a walk is genuinely competitive. For anything longer, off-site lots at $8–$14/day win easily.
Off-Site Midway Parking — Where the Real Savings Are
Off-site lots near Midway sit along 55th Street, Cicero Avenue, and 47th Street — all within 1–2 miles of the terminal with free shuttle service.
| Option | Daily Rate | Shuttle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off-site budget lots | $8–$12/day | Free — every 15 min | Book ahead for best rates |
| Midway Park Saver (59th St) | ~$13/day | Walk to skywalk — 7 min | No shuttle wait needed |
| Midway HotSpot (4901 W 47th St) | ~$13/day | Every 15 min | Reliable with good reviews |
| Economy Lot on-site | $20/day | Direct walkway | Best on-site value |
| Terminal Garage walk-up | $51/day max | Walk to terminal | Always avoid — extremely expensive |
Terminal Garage: $357 for the week
Economy Lot: $140 for the week
Off-site lot: $56–$84 for the week
Off-site saves $273–$301 on a single week-long trip.
The CTA Orange Line: Best Option for Most Chicago Travelers
The CTA Orange Line runs directly from downtown Chicago to Midway Airport. The Midway station sits inside the terminal — you walk from the platform directly into the airport without any shuttle or transfer.
| 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 — Which Airport to Use
| Factor | Midway (MDW) | O’Hare (ORD) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Southwest Chicago — 12 miles from downtown | Northwest Chicago — 18 miles from downtown |
| On-site parking max | $51/day (Terminal Garage) | $42/day (Main Garage) |
| Economy lot | $20/day with direct walkway | $15/day with free ATS train |
| Off-site lots | From $8/day | From $9/day |
| CTA transit | Orange Line — $2.50 | Blue Line — $5.00 from airport |
| Best for | Southwest/South Side travelers, budget flights | 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 min (pickup/dropoff) | Cell Phone Lot on Cicero Ave — free | Free |
| 1–3 hours | Terminal Garage hourly | $4–$10 |
| 1–2 days | Economy Lot or off-site | $16–$28 |
| 3–5 days | Off-site lot | $24–$60 |
| 7+ days | Off-site lot | $56–$84 |
| Any length — Chicago traveler | CTA Orange Line — $2.50 each way | $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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- Cheapest parking Off-site lot from $8/day
- Best on-site value Economy Lot — $20/day with direct walkway
- No shuttle wait Midway Park Saver on 59th St — 7 min walk
- Chicago resident CTA Orange Line — $2.50, direct to terminal
- Quick pickup/dropoff Cell Phone Lot on Cicero Ave — free
- Avoid at all costs Terminal Garage walk-up — $51/day
Midway is the underrated gem of Chicago airports — smaller, faster, and more manageable than O’Hare in almost every way. Pre-book an off-site lot or take the Orange Line, and you’ll spend your money on the trip instead of the parking lot.