UChicago: fly or drive?
Should you fly or drive to visit UChicago in Chicago, Illinois? The nearest airport is MDW (Chicago Midway, 25 min from campus). Here's how to decide based on where you're coming from.
Fri, Oct 23 → Sun, Oct 25, 2026 · 2 nights · 2 adults
2 nights
2 adults
The short answer
It depends. Drive if you're under 4 hours away; fly if over 7. Between 4 and 7 hours, drive for two colleges (the car's flexibility wins) and fly for one (the time savings wins).
Nearest airport
Airport
MDW
Chicago Midway
Drive to campus
25 min
without traffic
Backup airport
ORD
O'Hare
Fly-in program
No
standard visit
Drive times from major metros
| From | Distance | Drive time | Recommend |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 837 mi | 17 h 05 m | Fly |
| Chicago, IL | 8 mi | 9 min | Drive |
| Atlanta, GA | 687 mi | 14 h 01 m | Either |
| Dallas, TX | 945 mi | 19 h 18 m | Fly |
| Los Angeles, CA | 2057 mi | 41 h 59 m | Fly |
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Hotels in Chicago
44 hotels within 3 mi of UChicago
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Flights to MDW
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