The 3 Closest Airports to uchicago

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The 3 Closest Airports to UChicago

Traveling to the University of Chicago often involves flying into one of the nearby airports. Choosing the right airport can significantly impact your travel time and convenience depending on your origin, preferred airline, and ground transportation needs.

Here are the three airports geographically closest to the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is the closest major airport to the university.

1. Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)

Introduction: Commonly known as Midway, this is the closest airport overall to the University of Chicago campus. It’s a major hub primarily for domestic flights, especially for Southwest Airlines. Its proximity makes it a very popular choice for UChicago visitors and community members.

  • Distance to UChicago: Approximately 8-10 miles (20-40 minutes by car, depending on traffic; accessible via CTA Orange Line + bus/short ride-share).

  • Address: 5700 S Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60638

  • Pros: Closest airport, easy access via CTA Orange Line (requires bus transfer or short ride), often less congested than O’Hare, major Southwest hub potentially offering lower fares. Cons: Fewer international flights, smaller selection of airlines and amenities compared to O’Hare. Airlines: Southwest (dominant), Delta, Allegiant, Porter, Volaris, Frontier. Car Rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty (Consolidated Rental Car Facility).

  • Official Website: flychicago.com/midway

  • Phone: (773) 838-0600

  • Rating: Approx. 4.0/5 (Google Reviews)

2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Introduction: O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the world and Chicago’s primary international gateway. While significantly farther than Midway, it offers a vast selection of domestic and international flights and carriers. It’s the largest major airport in the region.

  • Distance to UChicago: Approximately 25-30 miles (45 minutes – 1.5+ hours by car, depending heavily on traffic; accessible via CTA Blue Line, requires transfer downtown).

  • Address: 10000 W O’Hare Ave, Chicago, IL 60666

  • Pros: Extensive domestic and international flight options, major hub for United and American Airlines, numerous amenities and services, direct CTA Blue Line access to the city. Cons: Much farther from UChicago, prone to delays, can be very busy and complex to navigate, traffic can be significant. Airlines: All major US carriers, numerous international airlines (e.g., Lufthansa, British Airways, JAL, Emirates, Air France, etc.). Car Rental: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty (Multi-Modal Facility).

  • Official Website: flychicago.com/ohare

  • Phone: (800) 832-6352

  • Rating: Approx. 3.9/5 (Google Reviews)

3. Gary/Chicago International Airport (GYY)

Introduction: Located southeast of Chicago in Gary, Indiana, GYY is geographically similar in distance to O’Hare but serves significantly fewer passengers and commercial flights. It primarily handles cargo and general aviation, with very limited scheduled passenger service.

  • Distance to UChicago: Approximately 25 miles (40 minutes – 1 hour by car, depending on traffic).

  • Address: 6001 Airport Rd, Gary, IN 46406

  • Pros: Potentially less crowded, can be easier/faster access if coming from/going southeast, closer than O’Hare for some traffic patterns. Cons: Very limited commercial flight options (currently minimal scheduled service), fewer ground transportation options (car/ride-share generally required), limited amenities, located out of state. Airlines: Historically Allegiant Air (check current schedule as service is limited/variable). Car Rental: Avis, Budget (limited on-site options compared to MDW/ORD).

  • Official Website: flygyy.com

  • Phone: (219) 949-4900

  • Rating: Approx. 4.2/5 (Google Reviews – fewer reviews overall)

Conclusion:

  • The closest airport to the University of Chicago is Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW).

  • The closest major airport to the University of Chicago is also Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), particularly for domestic travel. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) is the region’s primary international major airport but is significantly farther away.

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