Chicago Water Taxi connects Michigan Avenue, Ogilvie/Union in the West Loop, and Chinatown — and it works for more than just solo commuters. Families with kids, cyclists, travelers with luggage, and riders with strollers all use it. Children 3 and younger ride free. Bikes are welcome during specific hours. Strollers and luggage are allowed with a few things to know before you board.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a smooth ride, whether you are moving between neighborhoods with a toddler in tow, arriving from Union Station with bags, or combining a river crossing with a bike route through the city.
Riding With Kids
Children 3 years old and younger do not need a ticket. Guests ages 4 and older require a one-way ticket.
That makes Chicago Water Taxi a practical option for families moving between downtown, the West Loop, and Chinatown. Kids get a river and skyline view while parents skip the stress of driving between busy destinations. Onboard, boats have restrooms, stroller space, and changing tables — details worth knowing when you are building a day around multiple stops.
Fares for Families
- Children 3 and younger: free
- Guests ages 4 and older: one-way ticket required
- One-way ticket: $10 (observed — confirm before riding)
- Seniors and persons with disabilities: $5 at eligible docks with valid ID
Tickets do not expire by date — only by use. One ticket covers one trip between any two docks, so you only pay for the legs you actually ride.
Bringing a Stroller
Strollers are allowed on Chicago Water Taxi, but boarding requires a few steps.
At most docks, passengers cross a boarding plank to get on the boat. For safety, strollers must be folded and carried across, and children must be removed from the stroller before boarding. All items, including strollers, are subject to inspection by security personnel at the dock.
If you are traveling with another adult, plan who handles the child and who folds and carries the stroller before you reach the dock. If you are traveling solo with a young child, keep your other bags as light as possible so boarding stays manageable.
Bringing a Bike
Bikes are welcome on Chicago Water Taxi using onboard bike racks — but only during a specific window. The site lists bike rack availability between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM.
This works well for riders who want to combine cycling with river transportation. You can ride one stretch of the city, board at a dock, cross the river, and continue from a different dock without rerouting your entire day around traffic or parking.
Before you go, check the current route schedule and confirm your departure dock and destination fit your plan. Bike rack access outside the listed hours is not guaranteed.
Bringing Luggage
Luggage is allowed onboard. Chicago Water Taxi's boat information page lists luggage storage as an onboard feature, and the FAQ confirms luggage is subject to inspection by security personnel at the dock.
This is particularly useful if you are arriving through Union Station or Ogilvie Transportation Center and want to reach Michigan Avenue or Chinatown without pulling bags through downtown sidewalks and traffic. The water taxi turns that transfer into a straight river ride.
Pack with boarding in mind. The boarding plank is part of the process, so bags should be manageable enough to carry safely when you step on and off the boat.
Food, Drinks, and Onboard Comfort
Chicago Water Taxi's onboard policies are rider-friendly for families and travelers:
- Outside food is allowed
- Outside non-alcoholic beverages are allowed
- Outside alcohol is not allowed — alcoholic drinks must be purchased onboard when available
- Some boats sell snacks, water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
- All boats have restrooms
- All boats have covered areas for weather protection
- Three out of four water taxis are climate-controlled
- The service operates rain or shine
Bringing your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks is a practical move, especially on a family day with multiple stops.
Accessibility
Chicago Water Taxi offers limited wheelchair accessible route options. These are available on weekdays, subject to availability, and must be reserved at least 5 days in advance.
To ask about accessible options and reserve a spot, call 312-337-1446 before building your trip around a specific departure. Accessibility availability can vary by route, dock, and day, so calling ahead is the only way to confirm.
Tickets and Passes for Families and Groups
One-way tickets can be purchased online, at the dock, or onboard. For discounted fares, buy at the Michigan Avenue or Ogilvie/Union ticket offices and bring valid ID.
If your family or group expects to ride more than once, Chicago Water Taxi also offers a 10-Ride Commuter Pass through website registration. Tickets do not expire by date — they are valid until used, so buying in advance is low risk.
See full fares and pass options
Best Routes for Families, Cyclists, and Travelers With Bags
Ogilvie/Union to Michigan Avenue
If you are arriving by Metra or Amtrak and want a calmer way to reach the Michigan Avenue area, this is the straightforward river alternative to walking through downtown with bags or a stroller.
Michigan Avenue to Chinatown
A practical river connection between two of Chicago's most visited areas. Good for families who want a neighborhood visit without a car or an Uber across town.
Ogilvie/Union to Chinatown
Useful when you want to move from the West Loop rail area to Ping Tom Park and Chinatown in a single ride without changing transit lines.
Chicago Avenue via North Branch
Chicago Avenue service operates on the North Branch Route and is limited. Check the current North Branch schedule before planning around it — do not assume it runs on the same days or hours as the Main Branch.
View Main Branch Route schedule and stops
View North Branch Route schedule and stops
Boarding Checklist Before You Leave
A quick check before heading to the dock:
- Confirm your route and which dock you are departing from
- Check the current schedule — especially for North Branch
- Buy or confirm tickets for every guest ages 4 and older
- If bringing a stroller, plan who folds it and who manages the child at the boarding plank
- If bringing a bike, confirm your trip falls within the 9:30 AM–4:30 PM bike rack window
- Pack luggage light enough to carry safely across the boarding plank
- Remove outside alcohol from your bags before arriving at the dock
- If you need accessible boarding, call 312-337-1446 at least 5 days in advance
For families and groups, it helps to assign one person to manage tickets and a second person to handle bags, strollers, or bikes. The boarding process is straightforward once you have a plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do kids need tickets on Chicago Water Taxi?
Children 3 years old and younger ride free. Guests ages 4 and older need a one-way ticket. Confirm the current age policy on the Chicago Water Taxi fare page before your trip, as policies can change.
Can I bring a stroller on Chicago Water Taxi?
Yes. Strollers are allowed, but at most docks they must be folded and carried across the boarding plank, and children must be removed from the stroller before boarding. All items are subject to inspection by security personnel.
Can I bring a bike on Chicago Water Taxi?
Yes. Onboard bike racks are available between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Outside those hours, bike rack access is not guaranteed. Check the current schedule before planning a bike-and-taxi trip.
Can I bring luggage on Chicago Water Taxi?
Yes. Luggage is allowed and subject to inspection. The boat information page lists luggage storage as an onboard feature. Pack light enough to carry bags safely across the boarding plank.
Can I bring food on Chicago Water Taxi?
Outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are allowed. Outside alcohol is not permitted — alcoholic drinks must be purchased onboard when available on your boat.
Is Chicago Water Taxi wheelchair accessible?
Limited wheelchair accessible options are available on weekdays, subject to availability, and must be reserved at least 5 days in advance. Call 312-337-1446 to ask about accessible departures before building your trip around a specific ride.
