How long a layover do I need to leave MDW and see Chicago?

Plan for at least 6 hours. You lose roughly an hour to immigration on arrival and need about a 2.5-hour buffer to get back, re-check in and clear security before your next flight — the tool subtracts all of that and shows your real free time.

How do I get from MDW to central Chicago?

The city centre is about km from the airport.

Is it safe to leave my bags at MDW?

Most major hubs have left-luggage / baggage storage (typically from about $10 per bag per day). On a single ticket your checked bags usually transfer automatically; on separate tickets you may need to collect and re-check, which eats into your time.

🛬 Layover · MDW · Chicago

Layover in Chicago (MDW) — can you leave the airport?

Check below whether you can leave Chicago airport on your passport, exactly how much time you’ll have, how to reach the city, and what to do.

LAYOVER AIRPORT

YOUR PASSPORT

▾

LAYOVER

8H

Can you leave the airport at MDW?

Whether you can clear immigration on a layover in Chicago depends on your nationality and United States's entry rules — visa-free travellers can simply walk out, while others may need a visa or transit permit arranged in advance.

Best things to do on a Chicago layover

Art Institute of Chicago — ~15 km away

Other United States airports

ORDChicago LAXLos Angeles MIAMiami JFKNew York ATLAtlanta SFOSan Francisco

More layovers in Americas

MEXMexico City PTYPanama City GRUSão Paulo YYZToronto BOGBogotá EZEBuenos Aires LIMLima SCLSantiago

Popular layover hubs

AMSAmsterdam BKKBangkok PEKBeijing ORDChicago DELDelhi DOHDoha DXBDubai FRAFrankfurt HKGHong Kong ISTIstanbul

FAQ · MDW layover

Chicago layover — your questions

Usually yes, if your passport qualifies for visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival or an e-visa/ETA arranged before you fly. Whether you can leave depends on your passport and United States's entry rules. Use the planner above with your passport for a clear verdict.