Navy Pier

Navy Pier Water Taxi Schedule

Water taxis operate weather and customer traffic permitting. Our schedule is updated daily. Please call us at 312-222-9328 ext. 1 with questions.

Frequency Every 20 – 30 minutes
Departure location Today's schedule

Book Water Taxi

Day passes valid for 24 hours.

$36 Adults · $18 Children.

Navy Pier Water Taxi Information

Lake Route

Dock Address: 600 E Grand Ave

One-way: Navy Pier → Buckingham Fountain

Adult: $17, Child: $10

One-way: Navy Pier → Museum Campus

Adult: $17, Child: $10

River Route

Dock Address: 124 N. Streeter Drive

One-way: Navy Pier → Michigan Avenue

Adult: $10, Child: $5

One-way: Navy Pier → Willis Tower

Adult: $17, Child: $10

Ticket details

Single route tickets are only available for purchase at the water taxi docks. Ticket prices vary by route. Please visit our ticket booth for details. Purchases are credit or debit only.

Day passes available for purchase online

You’ll get access to all of our Lake Michigan and Chicago River docks, taking you throughout Chicago by water taxi. Day passes are valid for 24 hours and are $36 for Adults, $18 for Children.

Navy Pier water taxi route map

Why Take a Navy Pier Water Taxi in Chicago?

A Navy Pier water taxi is one of the easiest ways to connect Chicago’s most popular waterfront destination with downtown, the Chicago River, and the lakefront. Instead of driving, parking, or navigating crowded streets around the pier, you can board the water taxi and continue your day by water.

Shoreline Sightseeing’s Navy Pier water taxi stop is especially useful because it serves both Lake Michigan and Chicago River routes. From Navy Pier, you can ride toward Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, Michigan Avenue, or Willis Tower, making it a convenient starting point for sightseeing, dining, attractions, and downtown transportation.

For visitors looking for a Chicago water taxi from Navy Pier, this stop offers a practical way to move between major destinations while enjoying views of the lakefront, river, skyline, and city architecture.

What Makes the Chicago Water Taxi a Good Option from Navy Pier?

The Chicago water taxi is a good option from Navy Pier because it connects one of the city’s busiest attractions with key downtown and lakefront stops, including Michigan Avenue, Willis Tower, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain.

  • Connects Navy Pier with Chicago River and Lake Michigan water taxi routes
  • Provides access to Michigan Avenue, Willis Tower, Museum Campus, and Buckingham Fountain
  • Helps visitors avoid traffic, parking, and crowded streets near Navy Pier
  • Adds skyline, lakefront, river, and architecture views to your transportation plans
  • Works well for families, tourists, commuters, and day-trippers
  • Offers a scenic way to experience Chicago from the water

Fun Things to Do in Chicago Using the Navy Pier Water Taxi

The Navy Pier water taxi makes it easy to build a full Chicago itinerary without relying only on cars, rideshares, or long walks. You can spend time at Navy Pier, ride by water to downtown stops, explore the lakefront, visit nearby attractions, or connect to other parts of the city by river.

It is also a useful option for visitors who want transportation to feel like part of the experience. Instead of simply leaving Navy Pier by car or walking back through crowded areas, the water taxi gives you a scenic route with views of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and the skyline.

What Can You Do Using a Chicago Water Taxi from Navy Pier?

Using a Chicago water taxi from Navy Pier, you can connect waterfront attractions, downtown landmarks, and popular sightseeing areas while avoiding some of the most congested routes around the pier.

  • Ride from Navy Pier to Michigan Avenue
  • Continue by water toward Willis Tower and the Union Station area
  • Take the lake route to Museum Campus or Buckingham Fountain
  • Pair your water taxi ride with nearby things to do near Navy Pier
  • Enjoy skyline, lakefront, river, and architecture views during the ride
  • Use the water taxi as a scenic alternative to downtown traffic
  • Plan an easy family day around Navy Pier, downtown stops, waterfront attractions, and other kid-friendly activities in Chicago

FAQs About Our Navy Pier Water Taxi

Where does the Navy Pier water taxi go?

The Navy Pier water taxi connects Navy Pier with both lakefront and riverfront destinations. From Navy Pier, visitors can ride to Michigan Avenue, Willis Tower, Museum Campus, or Buckingham Fountain, depending on the route.

Is there a Chicago water taxi at Navy Pier?

Yes. Shoreline Sightseeing operates a Chicago water taxi stop at Navy Pier. The Navy Pier stop includes access to Lake Michigan routes and Chicago River routes, making it one of the most useful water taxi stops for sightseeing and transportation.

Is the Navy Pier water taxi good for families?

Yes. The Navy Pier water taxi is a good option for families because it connects Navy Pier with other family-friendly destinations like Museum Campus, Buckingham Fountain, Michigan Avenue, and downtown Chicago. It can also reduce the need for long walks, parking, or extra rideshare trips between attractions.

Is the water taxi a good way to avoid Navy Pier traffic?

Yes. The Chicago water taxi can be one of the best ways to avoid traffic around Navy Pier. Instead of driving or taking a rideshare through busy lakefront streets, visitors can ride by water to or from Navy Pier and connect with other downtown destinations.

Is the Navy Pier water taxi worth it?

Yes. The Navy Pier water taxi is worth it if you want a convenient and scenic way to travel between Navy Pier, downtown Chicago, and lakefront attractions. It combines practical transportation with skyline, lakefront, river, and architecture views, making the ride part of the experience.

Highlights in the Area

  • Centennial Wheel — Chicago attraction near the water taxi dock

    Centennial Wheel

    The most iconic part of Navy Pier is this nearly 200-foot-tall Wheel that debuted in honor of Navy Pier's 100th anniversary and offers 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.

  • Navy Pier — Chicago attraction near the water taxi dock

    Navy Pier

    Chicago's premier waterfront destination, Navy Pier is a vibrant entertainment and exposition center with events, attractions, dining, shopping, and more.

Nearby Places to Eat

Billy Goat Tavern — restaurant near the Chicago water taxi dock

Billy Goat Tavern

Chef Art Smith's Reunion — restaurant near the Chicago water taxi dock

Chef Art Smith's Reunion

Harry Caray's Tavern — restaurant near the Chicago water taxi dock

Harry Caray's Tavern

Garrett Popcorn — restaurant near the Chicago water taxi dock

Garrett Popcorn

Giordano's — restaurant near the Chicago water taxi dock

Giordano's

Chicago Boat & Architecture Tours | Shoreline Sightseeing
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