If you're looking for a ferry in Chicago, the service most people mean is the Chicago Water Taxi: yellow boats that carry passengers along the Chicago River between fixed docks downtown, in the West Loop, and in Chinatown. It works like a river ferry, a regular ride between stops, and it's a genuinely useful way to cross downtown without traffic. Here's how it fits into getting around the city, where it goes, what it costs, and when it's the right choice.
How the Chicago Water Taxi Works
The water taxi is transportation, not a tour. You board at one dock, ride the river, and get off at another. It runs on a schedule between designated stops, so you plan around departures rather than calling a ride. Departure times vary by dock, so check the live trip planner on the homepage before you leave.
It's different from a sightseeing cruise. If you want a boat ride built around the view or an event, the separate Chicago Water Taxi Fireworks Cruise is a 45-minute river cruise timed to the Navy Pier fireworks, with its own ticket.
Routes and Stops
The Main Branch is the core route, with three stops:
- Michigan Avenue: 400 N Michigan Avenue, on the Riverwalk by the Magnificent Mile.
- Ogilvie/Union: the West Loop dock at the Madison Street Bridge, a short walk from the Metra and Amtrak terminals.
- Chinatown: Ping Tom Park East, 1700 S Wentworth Avenue.
You can ride between any of these without a transfer. The full route takes about 25 to 45 minutes end to end, and passengers must get off at the end of the route, at Chinatown or Michigan Avenue.
The North Branch is a separate route serving the Chicago Avenue dock at 600 W Chicago Avenue. You can't ride directly there from Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union, or Chinatown; it requires a transfer at Ogilvie/Union, and North Branch service is extremely limited. Check availability before planning around it.
Fares and Passes
- One-way ride: $10 between any two docks.
- 10-Ride Commuter Pass: an effective $3 per ride. Online only, through an account; it can't be bought in person.
- Children 3 and under ride free; ages 4 and up need a ticket.
- Seniors and persons with disabilities get 50% off a one-way ticket, and active-duty military ride free with valid ID. These must be purchased in person.
The service is cashless, so bring a card. A regular ticket doesn't include the Fireworks Cruise, which is priced separately at $25 for adults, $19 for kids 4 to 12, and free under 4.
When It's the Right Choice
The water taxi works best when both ends of your trip sit near a dock. Michigan Avenue covers the Magnificent Mile, Riverwalk, and Millennium Park area; Ogilvie/Union serves West Loop commuters and train arrivals; Chinatown lands you at Ping Tom Park. On those trips, it's often faster and always more predictable than a car at rush hour, and the fare doesn't change with traffic.
It's the wrong choice when you need to go somewhere far from the river, travel outside the season (it generally runs March through the end of December), or get to Navy Pier directly. The water taxi doesn't stop at Navy Pier; Michigan Avenue is about a mile west of it.
Not the Only Boat in Town
If you've seen "water taxi" or "ferry" service advertised to Navy Pier or the Museum Campus, that's a different company. Chicago Water Taxi, a Wendella company, runs the river routes above; another operator runs its own separate lake-based water taxi with different docks and tickets. Make sure you're booking the service that actually stops where you're going.
Practical Details
- Bikes are welcome on board between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
- Luggage and strollers are allowed, subject to inspection. At most docks you cross a boarding plank, so strollers must be folded and carried across, with children taken out first.
- On board: every boat has restrooms and a covered area, and three of the four are climate-controlled. The service runs rain or shine.
- Accessibility: accessible rides are weekday-only, subject to availability, and must be reserved at least 5 days ahead by calling (312) 337-1446.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a ferry in Chicago?
The Chicago Water Taxi works as a river ferry, carrying passengers between fixed docks at Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union in the West Loop, and Chinatown on the Main Branch, with limited North Branch service to Chicago Avenue.
What are the Main Branch stops?
Michigan Avenue at 400 N Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union in the West Loop at the Madison Street Bridge, and Chinatown at Ping Tom Park East, 1700 S Wentworth Avenue.
How much does a Chicago Water Taxi ride cost?
$10 one-way between any two docks, or an effective $3 per ride with the 10-Ride Commuter Pass, which is sold online only. Children 3 and under ride free. The service is cashless.
Does the water taxi go to Navy Pier?
No. The closest stop is Michigan Avenue, about a mile west of Navy Pier.
Does the water taxi go to Chicago Avenue?
Only on the North Branch, which is separate from the Main Branch and requires a transfer at Ogilvie/Union. Service is extremely limited, so check availability first.
Does the Chicago Water Taxi run year-round?
No. It generally runs from March through the end of December. Check the live trip planner for current departures.
Related Reading
- Water Taxi vs Taxi, Uber & Driving - choosing how to get around
- Does the Water Taxi Go to Navy Pier?
- Commuter Guide - the 10-Ride Pass
- Main Branch route & trip planner
- Fares
