The Water Taxi is a great way to see the sights of Chicago and get around at the same time. Water taxis are passenger boats that travel the waterways of the Windy City. I recently took a water taxi ride from Navy Pier to Union Station and found it to be a enjoyable way to get around in the city.
Water Taxis run during the warm months. Shoreline Water Taxi begins in May and runs through August. The taxi is stationed at Navy Pier, which is where I purchased a ticket. Stops along the water taxi route include Sears Tower / Union Station, the Magnificent Mile at 400 N. Michigan, Navy Pier and the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium / Field Museum).
On a warm summer day, I was visiting Navy Pier, when I heard vendors for Shoreline Sightseeing selling tickets to the water taxi. I had never ridden in the taxi, even though I had heard of it. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to give water taxis a try. The agent at the ticket booth told me that the ticket to Union Station, where I would board the Metra Train, was $6. The fare of the water taxi was approximately the same price as a regular taxi ride would have been. I purchased a one way ticket.
There are two different drop off points at Navy Pier. The taxi stationed at the pier travels along the Lake Michigan lakefront to what is called the Museum Campus. Museum Campus is home to the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. The water taxi to Union Station travels inland up the Chicago River.
I was recuperating from knee surgery and walking on crutches. This is when I found out that the water taxi that travels to Union Station was not literally at Navy Pier. The Shoreline Water Taxi that travels up the Chicago River to Sears Tower and Union Station is what the agent called a short walk away. A short walk to a fit and healthy person is very different from what a person on crutches would call a short walk. At any rate, I was now committed to the water taxi ride. The agent directed me toward the docking area, making it seem like the route would be obvious.
The journey along the walkway to the water taxi was slow and arduous for me. There were no signs directing me, and I was not sure of the route, but did manage to find the boat. I am not sure of the exact distance, but believe it was about two blocks. This is important to note for travelers with handicaps, or people traveling with small children.
When I made it to the boat, there was a brief wait in a short line while passengers disembarked from the water taxi. The staff was courteous and solicitous as they assisted me down the stairs into the boat.
People seated themselves at random. The boat was fairly full, but not crowded. There was a canopy over passengers, for sun and rain protection. The boat was comfortable and the water ride was smooth.
The ride along the Chicago River was very pleasant. Passengers on the river get a very different view of Chicago’s world famous skyscrapers along the way. There was a bird’s eye view of the new Trump Tower from the river. Tourists should bring a camera and take lots of pictures of the scenes along the river.
The stop for Union Station and Sears Tower was across the river from the train station. Upon disembarking, I had to walk up about 20 steps. Then I had to walk across the bridge to the train station. This walk may not be a concern to a fit person, but needs to be a consideration for people with physical impairments.
The water taxi combines an efficient mode of transportation with a touch of sightseeing and charm. The trip from Navy Pier to Sears Tower took about 20 minutes, slightly longer than a car taxi would take, depending on traffic. The logistics of the water taxi are more difficult, as passengers are picked up and dropped of a set points, rather than the more individualized service in an automotive taxi.
I would definitely take the water taxi again. Indeed, I plan to try it again very soon. However, transport by automotive taxi continues to be my top choice for efficient transportation around the Windy City. Chicago Taxis: Take a Cab Ride in the Windy City
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