Shoreline Water Taxis

Shoreline Sightseeing’s water taxis are a great way to get around town. Starting in May and running through September, our water taxi service offers fast and fun routes to Chicago’s top attractions.

Route & 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.

The taxi schedule is unavailable at this time. Please check back soon.
Departure location Frequency and times
Departure location, frequency & times
1 Navy Pier (Lake Route) {{ getSchedule(64) }}
2 Buckingham Fountain {{ getSchedule(92) }}
3 Museum Campus {{ getSchedule(90) }}
4 Navy Pier (River Route) {{ getSchedule(65) }}
5 Michigan Avenue (to Navy Pier) {{ getSchedule(84) }}
5 Michigan Avenue (to Willis Tower) {{ getSchedule(78) }}
6 Willis Tower / Union Station {{ getSchedule(91) }}
Route Price (one‑way)
Navy Pier to and from Museum Campus Adults: $16, Children: $9
Navy Pier to and from Michigan Avenue Adults: $10, Children: $5
Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue to and from Willis Tower / Union Station Adults: $16, Children: $9
Michigan Avenue* to and from Museum Campus* Adults: $21, Children: $10
Route & Price (one‑way)
Navy Pier to and from Museum Campus
Adults: $16, Children: $9
Navy Pier to and from Michigan Avenue
Adults: $10, Children: $5
Navy Pier or Michigan Avenue to and from Willis Tower / Union Station
Adults: $16, Children: $9
Michigan Avenue* to and from Museum Campus*
Adults: $21, Children: $10

*Michigan Avenue to Museum Campus requires transfering vessels at Navy Pier.

Tickets

Water Taxi Prices

Tickets are only sold at the water taxi docks. All ticket purchases must be made with either a credit or debit card. No cash is exchanged at these locations.

All aboard

Docks

We have multiple docks conveniently located near major attractions including Navy Pier, the Willis (Sears) Tower, Michigan Avenue, Museum Campus, and Union Station.

Union Station/
Willis Tower
Michigan Ave
Shedd Aquarium/
Museum Campus
All the info you need

Water Taxi FAQs

Where do the water taxis go?

The lake taxis go between Navy Pier and the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium and are within walking distance of Soldier Field and Northerly Island).

The river taxis go from Navy Pier to Michigan Avenue and Union Station/the Willis tower.

How often do the water taxis run?

Water taxis run every 30 minutes during the main season of Memorial Day through Labor Day. Water taxis may also run outside the main season in the spring and fall, weather permitting.

Are water taxi reservations available?

The water taxis operate as public transportation similar to buses, so reservations are not available. All tickets are sold in-person at our Shoreline kiosks or as you board.

Do water taxis run if it’s raining?

In the summer, we usually run water taxis if it rains. We typically do not run them in the rain during spring or fall. The decision to cancel is left solely to the captain who decides whether it’s safe to sail.

Do your water taxis have covered seating?

Our water taxis have both open and covered areas.

Are there restrooms on the boats?

Yes, all of our water taxis have restrooms.

Are your water taxi boats accessible to people with disabilities?

Our water taxis are not accessible to people with disabilities. Please call if you have additional questions.

Is your service dependable?

Yes, because we have the largest boat fleet in Chicago, we can provide unparalleled service!

What other services do you offer?

Shoreline Sightseeing offers 60- to 75-Minute Architecture River Tours on the Chicago River led by professional and entertaining guides. We also offer 40-minute Skyline Lake Tours on Lake Michigan, featuring a professional narration on the city’s history and landmarks along Chicago’s famous skyline. We also offer Fireworks Cruises during the summer.

Are water taxi tickets for a round trip ride or a one-way service?

Our water taxis provide one-way service between each dock location. To transfer to another taxi or to take a return trip requires a new ticket.