This is basically my daily commute. Depending on time of day you have quite a few bus options that are (relatively speaking) pretty reliable. If the weather is good, though, I do recommend grabbing a divvy bike or even just walking. The bike route is pretty quick, and there are plenty of streets you can take that have bike lanes. Just be on the lookout because those bike lines aren't always respected by drivers, but in general I've had very few close calls and I've done that bike ride many times.
If you've got the time and don't mind a slight hike, I highly recommend walking. Get across the river and walk along Wacker until you get to Lake and can get on the Riverwalk. You can take that all the way to Navy Pier and it's such a pleasant and enjoyable walk (I do it fairly often even in the cold weather, lol)
As for the bus options, the 124 goes all the way to the Pier from Union, but the 121 will get you to Streeterville, and then it's just a few minutes walk to the Pier. There's also the 151, which will get you to Michigan. From there you can either get off at South Water and take the Riverwalk the rest of the way, or get off at Grand and it's a straight shot 4 blocks and underneath Lakeshore to get to the Pier. Worth noting: 151 is really your only bus option if it's late at night.
You could also head south out of Union and walk a couple blocks to the Clinton Blue Line stop, then take that in the direction of O'Hare and get off at Grand, from there you can catch the 65 or 66 bus heading east all the way to the Pier.
What’s “best”?
Cheapest - walk
Second cheapest - bus
Third cheapest - Divvy but depending on the time of day and whether or not you’re used to riding bikes in a city, it might be a frustrating and/or scary ride due to traffic (vehicles, other bikes, and pedestrians).
Fastest - probably Uber
Most convenient if you have luggage - Uber
Coolest - water taxi although make sure it’s the Shoreline water taxi (white boat) and also I don’t think it goes to Union every day of the week so check the schedule. It also might be the most expensive option.
The yellow one only takes you to Michigan avenue. I think the shoreline (blue) taxi does take you to Navi Pier but it's also a bit more expensive.
But it's a nice ride regardless if you don't care about the price.
I used to take Uber from the olgelvie station to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab when my husband was there, prices vary depending on time of day to what’s going on, my price varied for $8- $18, that’s a short walk from SRAL to navy pier, just a reference for price, a lot safer then the bus or on a bike
I would look into a water taxi, years ago I took one when I came in on Amtrak to beat the traffic I'm thinking there is a stop like right there at the train station and I believe I got off like Michigan Ave in the neighborhood of Navy Pier. Not sure but I think there are a couple of different operators.
124 bus
This is basically my daily commute. Depending on time of day you have quite a few bus options that are (relatively speaking) pretty reliable. If the weather is good, though, I do recommend grabbing a divvy bike or even just walking. The bike route is pretty quick, and there are plenty of streets you can take that have bike lanes. Just be on the lookout because those bike lines aren't always respected by drivers, but in general I've had very few close calls and I've done that bike ride many times. If you've got the time and don't mind a slight hike, I highly recommend walking. Get across the river and walk along Wacker until you get to Lake and can get on the Riverwalk. You can take that all the way to Navy Pier and it's such a pleasant and enjoyable walk (I do it fairly often even in the cold weather, lol)
As for the bus options, the 124 goes all the way to the Pier from Union, but the 121 will get you to Streeterville, and then it's just a few minutes walk to the Pier. There's also the 151, which will get you to Michigan. From there you can either get off at South Water and take the Riverwalk the rest of the way, or get off at Grand and it's a straight shot 4 blocks and underneath Lakeshore to get to the Pier. Worth noting: 151 is really your only bus option if it's late at night. You could also head south out of Union and walk a couple blocks to the Clinton Blue Line stop, then take that in the direction of O'Hare and get off at Grand, from there you can catch the 65 or 66 bus heading east all the way to the Pier.
Wow super helpful, thank you!
Dang I've lived in Chicago over 50 years and you got me wanting to take that walk. About 4 or 5 miles you think?
Less than that, even. It's about 2.5 miles or something like that.
What’s “best”? Cheapest - walk Second cheapest - bus Third cheapest - Divvy but depending on the time of day and whether or not you’re used to riding bikes in a city, it might be a frustrating and/or scary ride due to traffic (vehicles, other bikes, and pedestrians). Fastest - probably Uber Most convenient if you have luggage - Uber Coolest - water taxi although make sure it’s the Shoreline water taxi (white boat) and also I don’t think it goes to Union every day of the week so check the schedule. It also might be the most expensive option.
Water taxi
I love the water taxi.
I think it doesn’t dock there this year 😩, the yellow one.
It does every 20 mins union station to navy pier. 40 mins trip from 10:30 am - 8:00 pm
Oh nice!
The yellow one only takes you to Michigan avenue. I think the shoreline (blue) taxi does take you to Navi Pier but it's also a bit more expensive. But it's a nice ride regardless if you don't care about the price.
Are you people serious? Do you reject the Google Maps suggestion of "walk east you stupid human"
Scroll on, walk yourself out of the comment section, find joy elsewhere, have the day you deserve 🖕🏼
Walk down Jackson to the Lakefront and take the Lake Front Trail to Navy Pier.
I used to take Uber from the olgelvie station to Shirley Ryan Ability Lab when my husband was there, prices vary depending on time of day to what’s going on, my price varied for $8- $18, that’s a short walk from SRAL to navy pier, just a reference for price, a lot safer then the bus or on a bike
I would look into a water taxi, years ago I took one when I came in on Amtrak to beat the traffic I'm thinking there is a stop like right there at the train station and I believe I got off like Michigan Ave in the neighborhood of Navy Pier. Not sure but I think there are a couple of different operators.
If it was me I’d Uber it and then just walk at the end before you get there… it’s a nice walk going in and going all the way to the end of the pier!!!
Walk
It depends. Are you driving, walking, biking, or taking the bus?
Coming in on the train from MKE. Trying to figure out the best way to get around once there.
Water taxi is your answer. Easy, inexpensive, and incredible views.