Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) is on the southwest side of Chicago, about 13 km (8 mi) from the Loop. There are nonstop flights from Chicago Midway to Cancun with Southwest Airlines, taking about 3 h 35 min to 3 h 50 min.
Quick facts (checked October 2026)
- Codes: IATA MDW · ICAO KMDW
- Location: on the southwest side of Chicago, about 13 km (8 mi) from the Loop
- Terminals: 1 terminal with 3 concourses (A, B and C) and 43 gates
- Traffic: about 22 million passengers (2023)
- Official website: www.flychicago.com/midway
- Distance to Cancun: 2,309 km (1,435 miles) in a straight line
- Nonstop to Cancun: Yes – about 3 h 35 min to 3 h 50 min
- Time difference: Same time as Cancun during daylight saving time (March to early November); 1 hour behind in winter
Flights from Chicago Midway to Cancun
| Airline | Season | Arrives at Cancun | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Airlines | Year-round | Terminal 4 | About 1–2 flights a day |
Flight time is about 3 h 35 min to 3 h 50 min. Airlines change their schedules every season, so check current dates on the airline’s website and confirm your Cancun terminal on your boarding pass (Cancun Airport terminals).
Frontier started a weekly Midway–Cancun flight in March 2026; check whether it is running. Chicago O’Hare has more nonstops, with American, United and Frontier.
Arriving at Cancun Airport
International arrivals clear immigration and customs in Cancun, which usually takes 30–60 minutes. After customs you walk through the “shark tank” of timeshare sellers – if you have booked a transfer, go straight outside to meet your driver. See Cancun Airport arrivals for what to expect step by step, and check your flight on the live arrivals board.
| From Cancun Airport to | Drive time | Private transfer from |
|---|---|---|
| Cancun Hotel Zone | 20–30 min | 44 USD per vehicle |
| Playa del Carmen | 45–60 min | 89 USD per vehicle |
| Tulum | about 1 h 45 min | 165 USD per vehicle |
Book your Cancun Airport transfer
About Chicago Midway International Airport
Midway was Chicago’s main airport until O’Hare opened and is now dominated by Southwest Airlines. The CTA Orange Line runs from the terminal to the Loop in about 25 minutes.
Chicago Midway to Cancun – FAQ
Is there a direct flight from Chicago Midway to Cancun?
Yes. Southwest Airlines flies nonstop (October 2026); see the table above for seasons and frequency.
How long is the flight from Chicago Midway to Cancun?
About 3 h 35 min to 3 h 50 min nonstop.
How far is Chicago Midway from Cancun?
About 2,309 km (1,435 miles) in a straight line.
How do I get from Cancun Airport to my hotel?
A private transfer is the easiest option: from 44 USD to the Hotel Zone, 89 USD to Playa del Carmen and 165 USD to Tulum per vehicle. See Cancun Airport transportation.