Chicago Avenue water taxi service exists, but it is extremely limited and works differently from the rest of the Chicago Water Taxi system. The dock at 600 W Chicago Avenue is served by the North Branch Route, not the Main Branch — which means you cannot board at Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union, or Chinatown and ride directly to Chicago Avenue. You have to transfer at Ogilvie/Union, and the North Branch operates on a restricted schedule when available. This guide explains exactly how it works, what the alternatives are, and what to confirm before you plan around it.
Quick Answer: How Chicago Avenue Service Works
- Dock address: 600 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL
- Route: North Branch Route only — not on the Main Branch
- How to access: Ride the North Branch from Ogilvie/Union to Chicago Avenue, or transfer at Ogilvie/Union if coming from Michigan Avenue or Chinatown
- Frequency: Extremely limited and restricted — observed service has been Friday through Sunday during peak periods, with no weekday regular commuter service
- Important rule: Have a backup plan ready. Do not assume the boat is running without checking the live schedule on the day of travel
- Fares & passes: Standard fares apply — $10 one-way or use a 10-Ride Commuter Pass ($3/ride) — see the Fares and Passes Guide
The Chicago Avenue Dock Location
The Chicago Avenue dock is located behind the historic Montgomery Ward Building complex at 600 W Chicago Avenue, on the east bank of the North Branch of the Chicago River. This area is now a tech and corporate hub, home to companies like Groupon, and sits right across the river from Goose Island.
Landmarks and Access Points Near the Dock
- 600 West Chicago Building: The dock is directly behind the building's riverfront promenade.
- A. Montgomery Ward Park: Located just a block south along the riverwalk.
- The Wild Mile: Chicago's floating eco-park initiative is nearby on the North Branch Canal.
- Bally's Casino Temporary Site: Located just south of Chicago Avenue along the river.
To reach the dock from street level, use the outdoor plaza spaces on the south or west sides of the 600 W Chicago building to walk down to the riverwalk level. The dock is fully wheelchair accessible via the building's public elevators and outdoor ramps down to the river promenade.
Understanding the Route Layout: Main Branch vs. North Branch
To use the Chicago Avenue stop successfully, you need to understand the structural split in the water taxi route system. Chicago Water Taxi runs two separate routes:
- The Main Branch Route: This is the primary daily line connecting Chinatown (Ping Tom Park), Ogilvie/Union (West Loop), and Michigan Avenue (Magnificent Mile). These boats run frequently and consistently throughout the season.
- The North Branch Route: This is a distinct line running north from the Ogilvie/Union transfer point up to the Chicago Avenue dock. It does not mix with the Main Branch boats.
Because these routes are separate, Ogilvie/Union is the universal transfer point. If you are at Michigan Avenue and want to go to Chicago Avenue, you must first take a Main Branch boat west to Ogilvie/Union, get off the boat, and then board the North Branch boat from that same dock when it arrives. There is no direct "lake-to-north-branch" loop.
Observed Service and Schedule Restrictions
Unlike the high-frequency commuter service on the Main Branch, the North Branch Route to Chicago Avenue operates on a heavily restricted basis. Historically, full daily commuter service ran to this branch, but service patterns have shifted to limited windows.
In recent seasons, observed service has been limited to **Friday, Saturday, and Sunday** during peak summer operation, focusing primarily on weekend leisure travel, architecture sightseeing, and special event connections rather than traditional weekday office commuting. Weekday service is typically not offered.
Because service is limited and subject to change based on staffing, river traffic, or seasonal adjustments, always check the official live schedule page before heading to the dock. Do not rely on historical times or third-party mapping apps.
For full schedule details, review the Main Branch & North Branch Route page where North Branch service availability is updated live.
Fares, Tickets, and Passes
Pricing for the Chicago Avenue stop matches the standard Chicago Water Taxi fare structure. There is no premium or extra charge for riding the North Branch:
- One-Way Ticket: $10 for a single continuous trip between any two docks.
- 10-Ride Commuter Pass: Drops the cost to $3 per ride. Ideal if you plan to use the service over multiple weekends.
- Discounts: Seniors and persons with disabilities receive 50% off. Active military with valid ID ride free. Kids 3 and under ride free.
Note: Chicago Water Taxi is entirely cashless. You can purchase tickets online, through an active account, or via card on the boat. Discounted tickets must be purchased in person at a ticket office with ID.
Backup Plans: Alternative Transit Options
Because Chicago Avenue service is restricted, you should always know your land-based alternatives. If you find yourself at 600 W Chicago Avenue and a boat is not scheduled, use these options to navigate back to the Main Branch or downtown areas:
CTA Bus Lines
- Route 66 (Chicago Ave Bus): Runs east-west directly along Chicago Avenue. Take it east to connect with the CTA Red Line at State Street or to reach the Magnificent Mile area near Michigan Avenue. Note that while it gets you close to the lakefront, it does not stop directly at Navy Pier (which is about one mile east of the Michigan Ave water taxi dock).
- Route 124 (Navy Pier Bus) & Route 125 (Water Tower Express): Accessible nearby for direct north-south connections into the Loop and West Loop areas near Ogilvie and Union stations.
CTA L Trains
- Chicago Blue Line Station: Located a few blocks west at Chicago Avenue and Milwaukee Avenue. This line connects directly down into the Loop and northwest to O'Hare.
- Chicago Brown/Purple Line Station: Located a few blocks east at Chicago Avenue and Franklin Street. This provides elevated line service straight into the downtown Loop structure.
Rideshare and Walking
- A rideshare from the 600 W Chicago building to Ogilvie/Union Station takes roughly 10–15 minutes depending on River West traffic.
- Walking from the Chicago Avenue dock south along the riverfront streets to the Ogilvie/Union dock at Madison Street takes about 25–30 minutes (approximately 1.2 miles).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Chicago Avenue water taxi dock located?
The dock is located at 600 W Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL, on the east bank of the North Branch of the Chicago River. It is situated directly behind the large corporate office building complex (the historic Montgomery Ward building) along the riverfront promenade.
Can I ride directly from Michigan Avenue to Chicago Avenue?
No. The Chicago Avenue dock is on the North Branch Route, while Michigan Avenue is on the Main Branch Route. You must take a boat from Michigan Avenue to the Ogilvie/Union dock (West Loop), disembark, and then transfer to the North Branch boat to reach Chicago Avenue.
When does the Chicago Avenue water taxi run?
Service to the Chicago Avenue dock is highly limited and restricted. In recent operating seasons, service has been observed primarily on weekends (Friday through Sunday) during peak summer months, with no regular weekday commuter schedules. Always verify live availability on the official website before traveling.
How much does it cost to ride to Chicago Avenue?
Standard Chicago Water Taxi fares apply: $10 for a One-Way Ticket or $3 per ride when using a 10-Ride Commuter Pass. Children 3 and under ride free, seniors get 50% off, and active military with valid ID ride free. The system is entirely cashless.
How do you transfer between the Main Branch and the North Branch?
Ogilvie/Union (West Loop) is the transfer point between the two routes. Disembark from one route at the Ogilvie/Union dock — northwest corner of the Madison Street Bridge — and board the other route from the same dock. Confirm fare structure for transfers at the ticket office or on the fares page.
Does the Chicago Avenue water taxi go to Navy Pier?
No. Chicago Water Taxi does not stop at Navy Pier from any dock. The Michigan Avenue stop is approximately one mile west of Navy Pier and is the closest water taxi dock to that area, but no Chicago Water Taxi route connects to Navy Pier directly.
What should I do if the Chicago Avenue water taxi is not running?
Have a backup plan. CTA buses, the Red Line from State/Lake to Chicago/State, rideshare from Ogilvie/Union, or a walk are all reasonable alternatives between the West Loop and the Chicago Avenue area. Confirm North Branch service before you head to the dock.
Related Reading
To help map out your broader transit routes or learn more about the water taxi system, explore these guides:
- Chicago Water Taxi Fares: Tickets, Passes, and Discounts Explained — the full pricing breakdown
- Main Branch vs. North Branch: Understanding Your Route Options — a deeper look at how the lines split
- Bikes, Strollers, and Luggage: Onboard Rules for Chicago Water Taxi — policies for what you can bring along
- Official Chicago Water Taxi FAQ — for universal system guidelines, weather choices, and accessibility lookups
