Shoreline operates commuter water taxi service on the Chicago River between Willis (Sears) Tower/Union Station, the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Erie Street.

Shoreline also offers general water taxi service for visitors and Chicagoans on two routes: the Lake Taxi on Lake Michigan and the River Taxi on the Chicago River.

Shoreline’s morning and afternoon Commuter Water Taxis serve Willis (Sears) Tower/Union Station, the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Erie Street.

Shoreline also operates general service Water Taxis on two routes. The Lake Taxis go between Navy Pier and the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum and Adler Planetarium). The River Taxis go from Navy Pier to the Michigan Avenue Bridge and the Willis (Sears) Tower. Erie Street morning commuters on the Michigan Avenue route may request a drop-off at Wells & Wacker (opposite the Merchandise Mart) at 7:40 and 8:25 a.m. Pick-ups at Wells/Wacker are at 7:45 and 8:30 a.m.

Shoreline’s taxi fleet includes three new, custom-built water taxis, each with a capacity of 88 passengers. Our eight original, smaller water taxis carry approximately 40 passengers. We also have the option of transporting our commuters on The Star of Chicago and The Blue Dog, which are large, covered boats, ensuring we can accommodate all levels of taxi traffic.

Commuter taxis run in the mornings from 7:00 to 9:20 a.m. and in the evenings from 4:00 to 6:30 p.m.

General taxis for visitors and Chicagoans run at least every twenty minutes from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the main season of Memorial Day Through Labor Day. After 6:00 p.m. Service is every 30 minutes until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m. depending on the route and day of the week. The last taxis departing on Saturday nights will be ten minutes after the end of the Navy Pier Fireworks. Service is also every 30 minutes daily on the Wells & Wacker/Michigan Avenue River Taxi and on the Buckingham Fountain/ Navy Pier Lake Taxi. Water Taxis may also run outside the main season in the spring and fall, weather permitting.

The commuter trip is approximately 12 minutes one way.

Yes.

Bicycles may be brought on water taxis on a space–available basis and at the discretion of the captain. Certain restrictions may apply.

Yes, passengers may bring food and soft drinks. No alcoholic beverages may be brought on board.

Our Water Taxis are not accessible to people with disabilities. If you have additional questions please call.

The commuter Water Taxis operate as public transportation similar to busses. All tickets are sold in person at our Shoreline kiosks or as you board the taxis. Commuters may purchase round trip tickets during morning hours at the Willis (Sears) Tower/Union Station, Erie Street or the Michigan Avenue kiosks. Ten-trip commuter passes are also sold at all dock locations.

We will usually run if it rains. The decision to cancel is left solely to the captain who decides whether it’s safe to sail.

Our new, larger water taxis have both covered and open areas. Our smaller taxis are somewhat covered but open to the elements. It's best to be prepared for an outside ride.

While our three larger taxis have restrooms, most of our taxis do not so please plan ahead.

Because the Water Taxis operate as “transportation”, we regret that we cannot offer Water Taxi group reservations or rates. We do offer group reservations for 20 or more on our Architecture and Skyline cruiess.

We sell 10-ride passes for commuter service only. These can be purchased at our dock locations.

No, not at this time.

Shoreline was founded in 1939 with one touring vessel giving Lake Michigan boat tours. We are now in our third generation of family ownership, with the largest touring fleet in Chicago.

Yes, because we offer the largest boat fleet in Chicago and can provide unparalleled service!

Shoreline Sightseeing offers one-hour Architecture Cruises on the Chicago River led by professional and entertaining docents. We also offer thirty-minute Skyline Lake Tours on Lake Michigan, featuring a professional narration on the city’s history and landmarks along Chicago’s famous skyline. We also offer Fireworks Cruises, Sunset Cruises, Music cruises and a number of special themed cruises throughout the summer season.

Yes, Shoreline offers private charters for 50 to 250 guests aboard both the sophisticated, climate controlled Celebration and the charming, open air Evening Star. We can handle all arrangements including bar packages, catering, music and many charter add-ons to make your event complete. Contact our Charter Sales Director at 312.222.9328 and press 4 to reach charter sales,