Traveling From Chicago Midway Airport to Atlanta: Your Complete Guide

If you’re planning a trip from Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) to Atlanta, Georgia, you’ll want to understand your options for flights, transportation on both ends, and how this trip fits into getting around the Atlanta area once you land.

This guide walks through everything from booking a Midway–Atlanta flight to navigating Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and reaching neighborhoods like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, and the suburbs.

Overview: Midway Airport to Atlanta At a Glance

Most travelers going from Midway to Atlanta are:

• Flying nonstop MDW → ATL
• Landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, just south of Downtown Atlanta
• Using MARTA, rideshares, or shuttles to reach their final destination in the city or metro area

Here’s a quick comparison of your main travel options:

For most people heading to or from Atlanta, flying from Midway to ATL is the most practical choice.

Flying From Midway Airport to Atlanta

Airlines and Typical Flight Experience

Flights from Chicago Midway (MDW) to Atlanta (ATL) are commonly served by major domestic carriers that operate out of both airports. The route is popular with:

• Business travelers heading to Downtown, Midtown, and Perimeter business districts
• Leisure travelers visiting Atlanta’s attractions (Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, etc.)
• Locals returning home to metro Atlanta suburbs

Travelers often find:

• Nonstop flights between MDW and ATL many days of the week
• Flight duration of roughly 1.5–2 hours in the air (not counting boarding, taxiing, or delays)
• Multiple departure times spread throughout the day, especially during peak travel periods

When comparing flights, people commonly look at:

• Total travel time (door to door, including airport transfers)
• Arrival time in Atlanta (to match hotel check-in, meetings, or MARTA schedules)
• Baggage policies and fees
• Change and cancellation flexibility

What to Know About Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

When you fly from Midway Airport to Atlanta, you will almost always arrive at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport:

• Address: 6000 N Terminal Pkwy, Atlanta, GA 30320
• Located about 10–20 minutes (in light traffic) from Downtown Atlanta

ATL is one of the busiest airports in the world and serves as the primary gateway to the Atlanta region.

Terminals and Concourses

ATL has:

• A Domestic Terminal (North and South sides)
• An International Terminal (Maynard H. Jackson Jr. International Terminal)
• Multiple concourses (T, A, B, C, D, E, F) connected by:
  • A subterranean Plane Train
  • Walkable underground corridors with moving walkways

From a Midway flight, you will normally arrive into the Domestic Terminal area (Concourses A–D or T). Follow signage to:

• Baggage Claim for the appropriate airline
• Ground Transportation for MARTA, taxis, rideshare pickup, and shuttles

Getting From ATL Airport Into Atlanta

Once you land from Midway, your next step is getting into Atlanta or the broader metro area. Your main options include:

1. MARTA (Rail)

MARTA is Atlanta’s rail and bus system and one of the easiest ways to go from ATL to the city without dealing with traffic.

• Airport Station: Located inside the Domestic Terminal, at the west end of the main terminal (look for “MARTA” signs near baggage claim).
• Lines: The Red and Gold lines both serve the Airport.
• Common stops for visitors:
  • College Park (nearby hotels and park-and-ride)
  • West End (Historic neighborhoods, connection to buses)
  • Garnett / Five Points / Peachtree Center (Downtown)
  • Midtown Station (Midtown, Piedmont Park)
  • Arts Center (Arts district, buses to Atlantic Station)
  • Buckhead / Lenox / Brookhaven (north Atlanta business & shopping)

MARTA is popular because it:

• Avoids I-75/I-85 traffic
• Has a consistent travel time between Airport and Midtown/Downtown
• Is relatively straightforward even for first-time Atlanta visitors

Tips:

• Purchase a Breeze Card or Breeze Ticket at station vending machines.
• Keep an eye on the signs above the platform to confirm you’re boarding the correct northbound train (Red or Gold line).

2. Rideshare (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Rideshare services are widely used from ATL into Atlanta and nearby suburbs.

• Follow signs to the Rideshare Pickup Zone (for the Domestic Terminal, it’s usually in a designated area of the lower-level Ground Transportation).
• Pricing varies based on:
  • Time of day
  • Demand (surge pricing)
  • Destination (Downtown vs. suburbs)

Rideshare works well if you:

• Have luggage or are traveling with a group
• Are staying in a neighborhood less convenient to MARTA, such as parts of West Midtown, East Atlanta, Decatur neighborhoods farther from stations, or newer suburbs

3. Taxis

Taxis are available at the airport’s Ground Transportation Center.

• Taxi stands are clearly marked once you exit baggage claim near the Domestic Terminal.
• Some trips to Downtown and nearby areas may operate with flat-rate zones, while others are metered based on distance and time.

Taxis can be a good option if:

• You prefer a traditional cab rather than an app
• You want a known transport option ready at the curb, without app sign-ups

4. Hotel and Private Shuttles

Many Atlanta-area hotels near the airport offer courtesy shuttles from ATL:

• Check with your hotel in advance for:
  • Pickup location and schedule
  • Whether you need to call on arrival

Some business parks and conference centers around Atlanta also operate shuttles, particularly in areas like:

• Peachtree Center / Downtown conference hotels
• Perimeter Center (Sandy Springs/Dunwoody area)
• Galleria/Cumberland (near Truist Park)

5. Rental Cars

If you’re planning to explore Atlanta suburbs or multiple locations across the metro area, a rental car can be useful.

• Rental Car Center (RCC): Connected to the airport by the ATL SkyTrain, a free elevated train.
• From the terminal, follow signs that say “Rental Cars / SkyTrain.”

Keep in mind:

• Traffic on I-75, I-85, GA-400, and I-285 can be heavy during rush hours.
• Many neighborhoods inside the perimeter (intown Atlanta) are also reachable by MARTA + short rideshare if you prefer not to drive.

Common Atlanta Destinations After Your Midway Flight

Once you land in Atlanta, you’ll likely be heading to one of a few popular parts of the city or metro.

Downtown Atlanta

Ideal for:

• Business meetings
• Conventions at the Georgia World Congress Center
• Visits to Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola, Centennial Olympic Park, State Farm Arena, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Best ways from ATL:

• MARTA: Airport Station → Five Points / Peachtree Center (about 15–20 minutes on the train)
• Rideshare or taxi: Often 15–30 minutes depending on traffic

Midtown and Arts District

Popular for:

• Nightlife and dining
• Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine (Eastside Trail access nearby)
• Arts venues like the High Museum of Art and the Alliance Theatre

Best ways from ATL:

• MARTA: Airport Station → Midtown Station or Arts Center Station
• Rideshare/taxi for door-to-door convenience

Buckhead

Known for:

• Upscale shopping (Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza)
• Hotels and business offices
• Dining and nightlife

Best ways from ATL:

• MARTA: Airport → Buckhead/Lenox/Brookhaven Stations on the Red/Gold lines
• Rideshare/taxi: Especially late-night or if staying further from stations

Suburbs and Metro Atlanta

If you’re heading to areas like Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Decatur, Marietta, Smyrna, or Alpharetta, your options will depend on proximity to transit:

• Many northside suburbs are accessible via MARTA rail + short rideshare.
• Outer suburbs (for example, parts of Cobb, Gwinnett, or Henry County) may be more practical by car or rideshare directly from ATL.

Arriving in Atlanta: Timing, Connections, and Planning Tips

Timing Your Arrival

When flying from Midway to ATL, consider:

• Rush Hours: Weekday mornings (around 7–9 a.m.) and late afternoons (around 4–7 p.m.) can significantly slow car travel.
• Events: Major events (Falcons game, Hawks game, concerts, conventions) can cause spikes in traffic and hotel demand in Downtown and Midtown.

If you prefer to avoid stressful transfers:

• Aim for midday or late evening arrivals.
• Use MARTA for predictable travel time into central Atlanta.

Layovers and Connections in Atlanta

Some travelers flying from Midway to other Southern cities might connect through ATL:

• You may remain in the airside concourses without exiting to baggage claim.
• If you are ending your trip in Atlanta, follow signs to Baggage Claim and Ground Transportation after you deplane.

For tight connections:

• Factor in taxiing, deplaning, and potential gate changes in Atlanta’s large terminal layout.
• The Plane Train runs frequently and helps you move quickly between concourses.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

Both Midway (MDW) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta (ATL) provide services for travelers with disabilities or mobility challenges.

At ATL, you can expect:

• Wheelchair assistance arranged through your airline
• Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms throughout terminals and concourses
• Accessible boarding on MARTA trains and buses

If you need extra support:

• Contact your airline before traveling from Midway to Atlanta to note mobility needs or assistance at both airports.
• For MARTA-specific accessibility questions, MARTA customer service can provide guidance on:
  • Elevator locations
  • Level boarding
  • Paratransit options in metro Atlanta

Practical Tips for a Smooth Midway–Atlanta Trip

A few final pointers specific to this route and Atlanta:

• Allow buffer time: ATL is busy and can involve long walks between gates, plus security and baggage claim time.
• Have a ground plan: Decide in advance whether you’ll use MARTA, rideshare, or a rental car, especially if you’re arriving at night or for an early meeting.
• Know your neighborhood: Atlanta is spread out. Where you stay (Downtown vs. Midtown vs. Buckhead vs. suburbs) affects your transit choices and costs.
• Check for local events: Big events at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, or the Georgia World Congress Center can affect travel times to and from the airport.

Traveling from Chicago Midway Airport to Atlanta is a straightforward flight, but understanding how Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport connects to the city can make your arrival much easier—whether you’re coming home to Atlanta, visiting for a few days, or using ATL as your starting point to explore the broader metro region.