West Loop to Michigan Avenue by Chicago Water Taxi: How to Plan the Ride

Union West Loop dock on the Chicago River

Getting from the West Loop to Michigan Avenue by Chicago Water Taxi is one of the calmest ways to cross downtown. You board at the Ogilvie/Union dock — steps from the Metra and Amtrak terminals — and ride the Main Branch east to the Michigan Avenue dock at the edge of the Magnificent Mile and Riverwalk. It's a single, direct hop on the daily route, no transfer required. One thing to know up front: the Michigan Avenue dock does not serve Navy Pier — it's about a mile west of it. Here's how to plan the ride, from docks and fares to what to expect on board.

Quick Answer: West Loop to Michigan Avenue

  • Route: Main Branch — Ogilvie/Union (West Loop) to Michigan Avenue, direct, no transfer
  • Board at: Ogilvie/Union dock — South Branch Chicago River, northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge
  • Arrive at: Michigan Avenue dock — 400 N Michigan Avenue, by the Wrigley Building on the Riverwalk
  • Fare: $10 one-way adult; $3 per ride with a 10-Ride Commuter Pass; seniors and persons with disabilities $5; active military free; kids 3 and under free
  • Season: Roughly March through the end of December
  • Cashless: Bring a card — no cash accepted
  • Navy Pier: Not served. The Michigan Avenue dock is about a mile west of Navy Pier.

Check the Main Branch schedule for today's departure times before you head out.

Why Take the Water Taxi Between the West Loop and Michigan Avenue?

Chicago Water Taxi is river transportation — a ferry-style service, not a sightseeing cruise. For the West Loop to Michigan Avenue trip, it's a strong pick if you're:

  • Connecting from Metra or Amtrak at Ogilvie or Union Station and heading toward the Magnificent Mile
  • A visitor going to Riverwalk, Millennium Park, or the shopping district without fighting downtown traffic
  • Carrying luggage or a bike and want a calm, direct ride
  • Looking for a scenic, traffic-free alternative to a cab or rideshare across the Loop

You skip the stoplights entirely and watch the skyline go by from the river instead.

The Two Docks

Chicago Water Taxi picking up passengers on the Chicago River

Board: Ogilvie/Union (West Loop) Dock

Location: South Branch of the Chicago River, Chicago, IL 60606 — at the northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge.

Getting there:

  • From the West Loop: Walk east on Madison Street; when you reach the river, the dock is on the left of the Madison Street Bridge entrance.
  • From Ogilvie Transportation Center: Head north through the terminal, take the skybridge to 2 Riverside Plaza, and exit through the revolving doors — the dock is straight ahead.
  • From Union Station: Exit onto Madison Street and walk east toward the river; the dock is on the left of the bridge entrance.
  • CTA L: Brown, Orange, Pink, or Purple Line to Washington/Wells, then walk south on Wells to Madison and west over the river.
  • CTA Bus: Canal & Madison (routes 60, 124, 125, 132, 157) or Madison & Wacker (route 19).
  • Divvy: Dock at Canal & Madison or Clinton & Madison, then walk east on Madison to the river.

Full details on the Ogilvie/Union dock page.

Arrive: Michigan Avenue Dock

Location: 400 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 — on the Riverwalk by the Wrigley Building, at the northern base of the DuSable Bridge.

From here you're steps from the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and the Riverwalk. More on the Michigan Avenue dock page, or read the full Michigan Avenue dock guide.

How the Route Works

Both docks sit on the Main Branch, the daily Chicago Water Taxi route that connects Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union, and Chinatown. The West Loop to Michigan Avenue leg is direct — you board at Ogilvie/Union and ride east to Michigan Avenue with no transfer required. The full Main Branch route end to end runs about 45 minutes; your Ogilvie-to-Michigan leg is a portion of that. Departure times vary by dock, so check the live schedule before you go.

The same is true in reverse: Michigan Avenue back to Ogilvie/Union is the same direct Main Branch service. For a fuller comparison of the routes, see Main Branch vs North Branch.

Step by Step

Passengers looking at a map waiting for the Chicago Water Taxi
  1. Check the schedule. Departure times vary by dock and season. Confirm today's times on the Main Branch route page.
  2. Buy your ticket. Online, on the boat, at any Wendella kiosk, or at the Michigan Avenue or Ogilvie/Union ticket office. It's cashless, so bring a card. See the fares page or the full fares and passes guide.
  3. Board at Ogilvie/Union. Northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge — follow signs for Chicago Water Taxi along the river.
  4. Ride east. You'll travel along the Main Branch past the Loop's bridges and skyline.
  5. Arrive at Michigan Avenue. Disembark at 400 N Michigan Avenue, by the Wrigley Building and the Riverwalk.

Fares

The Main Branch uses the standard Chicago Water Taxi fare structure:

  • One-Way Ticket: $10 adult
  • 10-Ride Commuter Pass: $3 per ride — a strong deal if you make this trip regularly
  • Seniors and persons with disabilities: $5 (purchase in person at a ticket office with valid ID)
  • Active duty military: free with valid ID (in person)
  • Kids 3 and under: free

Tickets do not expire by date, only by use, and the service is cashless. For the complete breakdown, see the fares and passes guide.

On Board

  • Restrooms: Yes — all water taxis have restrooms
  • Climate control: Three of the four boats are climate-controlled
  • Weatherproof: The taxis run rain or shine
  • Drinks and snacks: Sold on board; outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed, but no outside alcohol
  • Bikes: Welcome aboard between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM
  • Strollers and luggage: Allowed, subject to inspection by security

For more on riding with gear, see Chicago Water Taxi With Kids, Bikes, and Luggage.

A Note on Navy Pier

Chicago Water Taxi does not stop at Navy Pier. The Michigan Avenue dock is the closest stop, but it's roughly a mile west of Navy Pier. If the pier is your final destination, plan to walk, bike, or catch a bus east from the Michigan Avenue dock.

Season and Service Notes

  • Season: Service runs roughly from March through the end of December — not year-round.
  • Schedules change: Times and service can shift with the season, weather, river conditions, and events. Always confirm before you travel.
  • Service status: Dock or route updates are posted on the Chicago Water Taxi site and trip planner.

Should You Take the Water Taxi?

For a West Loop to Michigan Avenue trip during the operating season, the Main Branch is a smart, scenic, low-stress way to cross downtown — especially if you're coming off a train at Ogilvie or Union with luggage, or just want to trade traffic for river views. Confirm the schedule, buy ahead, bring a card, and remember Navy Pier isn't on the route. Then enjoy the ride.

See today's Main Branch departures or view fares and buy a ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Chicago Water Taxi go directly from the West Loop to Michigan Avenue?

Yes. The Ogilvie/Union (West Loop) dock and the Michigan Avenue dock are both on the Main Branch route, so the ride between them is direct with no transfer required. Departure times vary by dock, so check the Main Branch schedule before you go.

Where are the West Loop and Michigan Avenue docks?

The Ogilvie/Union dock is on the South Branch of the Chicago River at the northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge (Chicago, IL 60606), steps from Ogilvie Transportation Center and Union Station. The Michigan Avenue dock is at 400 N Michigan Avenue (60611), on the Riverwalk by the Wrigley Building.

How much does the trip cost?

A one-way adult ticket is $10. With a 10-Ride Commuter Pass it works out to $3 per ride. Seniors and persons with disabilities pay $5 (in person with ID), active duty military ride free with ID, and kids 3 and under are free. The service is cashless.

Is Navy Pier served by the Chicago Water Taxi?

No. Chicago Water Taxi does not stop at Navy Pier. The Michigan Avenue dock is the closest stop but sits about a mile west of Navy Pier — you'd walk, bike, or take a bus east to reach the pier.

When does the water taxi run?

The season runs roughly from March through the end of December. It's not a year-round service, and schedules can change with weather, river conditions, and events, so confirm current times before your trip.

Can I bring luggage or a bike?

Yes. Luggage and strollers are allowed, subject to inspection by security. Bikes are welcome on board between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. All four boats have restrooms, and three of the four are climate-controlled.

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