The Lake Taxis go between Navy Pier and the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, and Adler Planetarium and also within walking distance of Soldier Field and Northerly Island). The River Taxis go from Navy Pier to the Michigan Avenue Bridge and the Willis (Sears) Tower. Shoreline also operates morning and afternoon commuter water taxis, serving Willis (Sears) Tower/Union Station, the Michigan Avenue Bridge and Erie Street. 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.

Taxis 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 and runs 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.

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.

The Water Taxis operate as public transportation similar to busses so reservations are not available. All tickets are sold in person at our Shoreline kiosks or as you board.

We will usually run in the summer if it rains; not in the spring or fall. The decision to cancel is left solely to the captain who decides whether it’s safe to sail.

Our new, larger water taxis (up to 80 passengers) have both covered and open areas. Our smaller taxis (up to 40 passengers) 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.

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

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.

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 cruises.

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.

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.