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Closest Airports to Chicago Rockford Airport: Exploring Your Options

Located in the heartland of the United States, Chicago Rockford Airport (RFD) is a key transportation hub, but there are several other airports nearby that offer convenient alternatives. These airports, each with its unique features and services, provide practical options for those looking to avoid the hustle of RFD or seeking closer access to specific destinations.

In the list below, we present the nearest 10 airports to RFD "as the crow flies," complete with an interactive map for easy navigation. Additionally, we provide driving distances and estimated drive times to major nearby cities. It's important to note that the information given is approximate and does not take into account variables like traffic, road conditions, or the need for additional transportation modes such as ferries. This guide aims to help you explore these alternatives, ensuring a smoother and more tailored travel experience.

Driving Distances From RFD Airport:

From Chicago Rockford Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:

Nearby Cities

  • Madison, WI, USA - 80 miles (Approx. 1 hour 20 mins)
  • Chicago, IL, USA - 85 miles (Approx. 1 hour 29 mins)
  • Milwaukee, WI, USA - 101 miles (Approx. 1 hour 34 mins)

Other Landmarks

  • BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL - 6 miles (Approx. 13 mins)

Distances from RFD (Rockford International Airport) to Nearby Airports:

  • ORD (Chicago O'Hare International Airport) - 64 miles
  • MSN (Dane County Regional Airport) - 66 miles
  • MDW (Chicago Midway International Airport) - 76 miles
  • MKE (General Mitchell International Airport) - 80 miles
  • MLI (Quad City International Airport) - 89 miles
  • GYY (Gary/Chicago International Airport) - 96 miles
  • PIA (General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport) - 110 miles
  • BMI (Central Illinois Regional Airport) - 119 miles
  • CID (The Eastern Iowa Airport) - 135 miles
  • ATW (Appleton International Airport) - 145 miles

Services & Information: Alternative Airports Near RFD

Chicago O'Hare Airport (ORD)

Located just 18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Chicago O'Hare Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, providing a gateway to a multitude of domestic and international destinations.

Quick Facts

  • IATA Code: ORD
  • Official Name: Chicago O'Hare Airport
  • Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Annual Passenger Volume: Approximately 83 million passengers per year
  • Prominent Airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines
  • Popular Aircraft: Airbus A380, Boeing 747, Boeing 777, Boeing 737, Bombardier CRJ / Challenger
  • Top Destinations: New York (LGA), Toronto (YYZ), Cancun (CUN), Auckland (AKL), Hong Kong (HKG)
  • Transportation Options: Chicago O'Hare offers a variety of transportation options. You can choose from taxis, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, and public transportation via the Chicago Transit Authority's Blue Line 'L' train. There are also numerous rental car companies and shuttle services available.

Driving Distances

From Chicago OHare Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:

  • Chicago, IL - 18 miles (Approx. 30 mins)
  • Milwaukee, WI - 80 miles (Approx. 1 hour 14 mins)
  • Indianapolis, IN - 204 miles (Approx. 3 hours 12 mins)
  • Soldier Field in Chicago, IL - 22 miles (Approx. 32 mins)

Madison Dane County Airport (MSN)

Located just a few miles northeast of downtown Madison, the Madison Dane County Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the vibrant city and its surrounding attractions.

Quick Facts

  • IATA Code: MSN
  • Official Name: Madison Dane County Airport
  • Location: Madison, Wisconsin, United States
  • Prominent Airlines: Delta, American Airlines
  • Popular Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ / Challenger, Airbus A31X/32X
  • Top Destinations: Chicago (ORD) is the most frequent destination with an average of 51 flights per week, accounting for 25% of all weekly departures. As far as we know, there are no international flights from Madison Dane County Airport.
  • Transportation Options: Various transportation options are available at the Madison Dane County Airport. These include taxis, car rentals, and rideshare services. Several private shuttle services also offer door-to-door service from the airport to various locations in Madison.

Driving Distances

From Madison Dane County Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:

  • Madison, WI - 6 miles (Approx. 15 mins)
  • Milwaukee, WI - 77 miles (Approx. 1 hour 13 mins)
  • Chicago, IL - 149 miles (Approx. 2 hours 22 mins)
  • Minneapolis, MN - 265 miles (Approx. 3 hours 58 mins)
  • Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI - 6 miles (Approx. 18 mins)

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW)

Located just 10 miles from the bustling heart of downtown Chicago, the Chicago Midway Airport serves as a vital connection to the Windy City and its numerous attractions.

Quick Facts

  • IATA Code: MDW
  • Official Name: Chicago Midway Airport
  • Location: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Annual Passenger Volume: Not provided
  • Prominent Airlines: Southwest, Frontier Airlines
  • Popular Aircraft: Boeing 737, Airbus A31X/32X
  • Top Destinations: Denver, Toronto, Cancun
  • Transportation Options: Various transportation options are available including public transportation such as buses and trains, private shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. Car rental services are also available at the airport.

Driving Distances

From Chicago Midway Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:

  • Chicago, IL - 11 miles (Approx. 24 mins)
  • Milwaukee, WI - 101 miles (Approx. 1 hour 47 mins)
  • Indianapolis, IN - 188 miles (Approx. 3 hours 7 mins)
  • United Center in Chicago, IL - 12 miles (Approx. 24 mins)

Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport (MKE)

Located just 5 miles south of downtown Milwaukee, the Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport serves as a major gateway for travelers to the vibrant city of Milwaukee and the surrounding region.

Quick Facts

  • IATA Code: MKE
  • Official Name: Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport
  • Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
  • Prominent Airlines: Southwest, Delta
  • Popular Aircraft: Boeing 737, Airbus A31X/32X
  • Top Destinations: Chicago, Cancun
  • Transportation Options: Various transportation options are available at Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport including taxis, car rentals, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. There are also several private shuttle services available.

Driving Distances

From Milwaukee General Mitchell Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:

  • Milwaukee, WI - 9 miles (Approx. 16 mins)
  • Madison, WI - 85 miles (Approx. 1 hour 27 mins)
  • Chicago, IL - 86 miles (Approx. 1 hour 31 mins)
  • Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI - 10 miles (Approx. 16 mins)

Quad City Airport (MLI)

Located just a few miles south of Moline, Quad City Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the bustling Quad Cities region, offering easy access to a range of attractions including the John Deere Pavilion and the Rock Island Arsenal Museum.

Quick Facts

  • IATA Code: MLI
  • Official Name: Quad City Airport
  • Location: Moline, Illinois, United States
  • Prominent Airlines: American Airlines, United Airlines
  • Popular Aircraft: Bombardier CRJ / Challenger, Embraer 19X/17X
  • Top Destinations: Chicago (ORD) with an average of 36 flights per week
  • Transportation Options: Available transportation options include taxis, car rentals, and rideshare services. There are also several private shuttle services that offer door-to-door service from the airport to hotels in the Quad Cities area.

Driving Distances

From Quad City Airport, the closest cities and landmarks are:

  • Moline, IL - 6 miles (Approx. 10 mins)
  • Rock Island, IL - 8 miles (Approx. 16 mins)
  • Davenport, IA - 10 miles (Approx. 17 mins)
  • TaxSlayer Center in Moline, IL - 6 miles (Approx. 10 mins)

Gary Chicago Airport (GYY)

Located conveniently close to the bustling city of Chicago, Gary Chicago Airport serves as a reliever airport to Chicago's larger O'Hare and Midway airports, providing an accessible option for air travel in the region.

Peoria General Downing Airport (PIA)

Located just five miles west of Peoria, the Peoria General Downing Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the city and its surrounding attractions.

Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport (BMI)

Located just east of the city of Bloomington, the Bloomington Central Illinois Regional Airport serves as a convenient gateway to Central Illinois, offering both domestic and international flights.

Eastern Iowa Airport (CID)

Located just south of Cedar Rapids, the Eastern Iowa Airport serves as a crucial hub for air travel in the region, offering flights to several major cities across the United States.

Appleton International Airport (ATW)

Located just west of the city, Appleton International Airport serves as the primary gateway for travelers heading to the vibrant city of Appleton and the surrounding areas. Its proximity to major attractions, coupled with its range of modern facilities, make this airport a convenient starting point for your travel adventure.

Updated on: December 4, 2023

Chicago Rockford Airport closest airports Q&A

The closest cities to RFD are Madison, WI (80 miles, approx. 1 hour 20 mins), Chicago, IL (85 miles, approx. 1 hour 29 mins), and Milwaukee, WI (101 miles, approx. 1 hour 34 mins).
The alternative airports within a 1-hour drive from RFD are Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD - 64 miles) and Dane County Regional Airport (MSN - 66 miles).
The BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, IL is approximately 6 miles from RFD, which is about a 13-minute drive.
ORD is one of the busiest airports in the world and is located 18 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. It hosts prominent airlines like United Airlines and American Airlines, and offers a variety of transportation options, including taxis, rideshare services, public transportation via the Chicago Transit Authority's Blue Line 'L' train, rental car companies, and shuttle services.
From MSN, the closest cities are Madison, WI (6 miles, approx. 15 mins), Milwaukee, WI (77 miles, approx. 1 hour 13 mins), Chicago, IL (149 miles, approx. 2 hours 22 mins), and Minneapolis, MN (265 miles, approx. 3 hours 58 mins).