Traveling to Navy Pier? Don't fret—it’s an incredibly accessible Chicago landmark. To make your trip seamless, we have updated recommendations regarding Navy Pier hours, parking, directions, and transportation. Read our guide and be at peace knowing the ins and outs of the Pier!
Navy Pier Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Getting to Navy Pier can be intimidating, but it’s actually very easy. Whether you’re driving, traveling on the CTA, renting a Divvy, or taking Chicago Water Taxis, Navy Pier is accessible from all areas of the city.
Before you head out, it is important to check the current Navy Pier hours, as they change seasonally. Generally, the Pier opens daily at 11:00 AM, but closing times fluctuate based on the day of the week and special events.
Standard Hours:
Please Note: Individual Navy Pier restaurant hours and attraction schedules (like the Centennial Wheel) may vary from the general Pier hours.
When you've got things to do in the city, sometimes you want to drive so you can have more freedom to check out other major Chicago attractions. Driving to Navy Pier isn't tough, provided you work around rush hour (generally 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on weekdays).
If you must drive, you can also reserve parking in advance via apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to ensure you have a spot waiting for you during busy weekend hours.
Options for onsite parking are easy to find, though garages can fill up during peak Navy Pier hours on weekends or holidays. There are two onsite garages, West and East, connected directly to Navy Pier.
Standard Rates: Parking rates typically start around $21 for the first hour and can range up to $65 for a full 24-hour stay.
Park & Dine: Many Navy Pier restaurants offer a discounted parking rate (currently $20 for up to 2.5 hours) with validation.
If you are looking for more affordable parking and don’t mind a short walk, Navy Pier partners with off-site garages that often offer discounted rates (around $15) when validated at the Navy Pier Guest Services desk.
Grand Plaza Park (540 N. State)
Ogden Plaza Self Park (300 E. North Water Street)
Millennium Park Garage (5 S. Columbus Dr.)
Important Offsite Tip: Do not pay in advance for these specific partner garages if you want the discount. Present your parking ticket at the Navy Pier Guest Services desk for validation.
While the free seasonal trolley service varies, Big Bus Chicago has a dedicated stop at Navy Pier. If you have a Go Chicago Card, a 2-day ticket for these hop-on-hop-off double-decker buses is often included, making it a breeze to coordinate with standard Navy Pier hours.
We highly recommend taking Chicago Water Taxis. It offers unique views of the Chicago River and the skyline.
The River Route: Connects Navy Pier to Michigan Avenue and Union Station/Willis Tower.
The Lake Route: Connects Navy Pier to the Museum Campus (Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum).
Chicago's CTA routes offer amazing coverage. Five bus lines serve Navy Pier daily: #29 State, #65 Grand, #66 Chicago, #124 Navy Pier, and the #2 Hyde Park Express (rush hours only). All buses are ADA accessible and equipped with bike racks.
Divvy is Chicago’s bike-share program. It’s faster than walking and a great way to navigate to the Pier. With several docking stations right at the entrance, you can arrive exactly when Navy Pier hours begin without worrying about traffic.
Unlike many other Chicago attractions, there is no admission fee to enter Navy Pier. However, please be aware that specific rides (like the Centennial Wheel), museums, and theater shows within Navy Pier require individual tickets.
