CTA Downtown to MDW

What is the cost per adult, $2.50 or $5.00?

The cost of a one-way CTA ride from downtown Chicago to Midway Airport (MDW) depends on the type of fare you are paying. Here’s a breakdown of the cost:

  • $2.50 - This is the standard fare for a single ride on the CTA 'L' system if you're using a Ventra card (either a physical card or a virtual card on your phone). This fare applies for most riders traveling on the Orange Line from downtown to Midway, and it's the typical fare for a one-way trip on the CTA system.
  • $5.00 - If you're purchasing a paper ticket or using a single-ride ticket for a trip to Midway, the fare may be $5.00. This is the price for a single paper ticket purchased at the station. The fare difference is due to the paper ticket surcharge and convenience factor.

In general, the $2.50 fare is the most common and affordable option if you're using a Ventra card, while the $5.00 fare applies when purchasing a paper ticket. The CTA’s Ventra system offers a more economical and convenient way to travel, especially if you're planning to use public transportation multiple times during your trip.


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