Navigating Chicago's iconic grid system is significantly more enjoyable when you trade the congested city streets for the open waters of the Chicago River. The Chicago Water Taxi provides a highly efficient, affordable, and scenic transit connection between three primary metropolitan docks[cite: 4].
Whether you are jumping on board for your daily office commute or plotting a custom weekend sightseeing tour, this complete stop-by-stop layout breaks down exactly where each dock is located, how to access them, and what major landmarks sit right outside the gates[cite: 4].
--- ## 1. The Michigan Avenue Dock (400 N Michigan Ave)Positioned right in the absolute center of Chicago's premier retail and business core, this stop serves as our primary downtown gateway[cite: 3, 4].
- The Location: 400 N Michigan Avenue, situated on the northern side of the historic DuSable Bridge right on the Riverwalk level[cite: 3, 4].
- Transit Connections: Accessible via the CTA Red Line (Grand Station) and Elevated Lines at State/Lake[cite: 3]. Major bus lines dropping off at Michigan & Illinois include routes 2, 3, 26, 120, 121, 143, 146, 147, 148, 151, and 157[cite: 3]. A nearby Divvy Bike Share dock is active at Hubbard & Rush[cite: 3].
- Nearby Attractions: The Magnificent Mile shopping corridor, Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago, and the 360 Chicago observation deck[cite: 3, 4].
Designed primarily to serve major regional transit hubs, this bustling South Branch dock connects standard rail commuters seamlessly with the river highway[cite: 4].
- The Location: South Branch of the Chicago River, located directly under the Madison Street Bridge (IL 60606)[cite: 4].
- Transit Connections: Features a direct skybridge pedestrian link directly to 2 Riverside Plaza[cite: 4]. It sits within short walking distance of both the Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station[cite: 4]. Connecting CTA buses include Canal & Madison (60, 124, 125, 132, 157) and Madison & Wacker (19)[cite: 4]. Divvy docks are located at Canal & Madison and Clinton & Madison[cite: 4].
- Nearby Attractions: The soaring Willis Tower Skydeck, the majestic Lyric Opera House, and the high-end dining and corporate hubs of the West Loop neighborhood[cite: 4].
This culturally vibrant stop offers locals and travelers an incredibly scenic, direct route straight into one of the city's most beloved neighborhoods[cite: 4].
- The Location: Settled safely inside Ping Tom Memorial Park (South Branch Chicago River, IL 60616), marked clearly by the park’s landmark Pagoda structure[cite: 4].
- Transit Connections: Accessible via local CTA bus connections including Route 24 (Clark & 18th) and Route 62 (Archer & Wentworth)[cite: 4]. Commuters utilizing bike shares can dock at the 19th & Wells Divvy terminal[cite: 4].
- Nearby Attractions: Ping Tom Memorial Park’s scenic river walks, the landmark Chinatown Gate, the historic Nine Dragon Wall, and the massive shopping and culinary marketplace of Chinatown Square[cite: 4].
A Note on North Branch Service: While historical route maps outline connections up toward Chicago Avenue (near 900 N Kingsbury St), please note that this remains a specialized North Branch industrial route and does not feature a dedicated passenger dock terminal like our main three hubs[cite: 4]. Always consult the active timetable before planning a northern voyage[cite: 4].--- ## Onboard Fare & Passenger Basics
Before stepping up to the dock, make sure your boarding passes are prepared[cite: 4]:
- Fares: Standard one-way tickets are flat-rated at $10.00[cite: 3, 4]. Seniors and passengers with disabilities pay $5.00, while children 3 and under as well as active duty military travel free of charge[cite: 3, 4].
- Card Only: Chicago Water Taxi operates on a fully cashless model. Cash is not accepted at any dock ticket booth or on board any vessel[cite: 3, 4].
- Pass Validation: Commuter Ten-Ride Passes are available through digital account sign-up on our homepage[cite: 3, 4]. Tickets do not expire by date[cite: 3].
What are the Chicago Water Taxi stops?
The system operates three primary passenger terminals: the Michigan Avenue Dock, the Ogilvie/Union Dock in the West Loop, and the Chinatown Dock at Ping Tom Memorial Park[cite: 4].
Which stop is closest to Metra and Amtrak?
The Ogilvie/Union Dock sits right next to both major regional train terminals, allowing commuters to step off Metra or Amtrak and straight onto a water taxi via 2 Riverside Plaza[cite: 4].
Does Chicago Water Taxi go to Navy Pier?
No. Our easternmost terminal is at Michigan Avenue, which is positioned approximately one mile west of Navy Pier[cite: 3, 4]. Passengers can complete their journey via a brief walk or a direct eastbound CTA bus ride[cite: 3].
Where is the Chinatown dock?
The Chinatown terminal is located inside Ping Tom Memorial Park on the river's South Branch, centered directly beside the park's iconic decorative Pagoda[cite: 4].
Is the Chicago Avenue stop always available?
No. Chicago Avenue is limited strictly to specialized North Branch transit schedules and does not host an open, permanent dock page or full-service terminal facility[cite: 4].
How much does Chicago Water Taxi cost?
A standard single-use one-way ride costs $10.00[cite: 3, 4]. Eligible seniors/disabled riders travel for $5.00, and children under 3 or active military ride completely free[cite: 3, 4].
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Plan Your River Route:
• View the Main Branch Route Schedule
• Michigan Avenue Dock Specifics
• Ogilvie/Union Dock Specifics
• Chinatown Dock Specifics
• View Current Transit Fares
• Pre-Purchase a One-Way Pass
