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 windswept waters of the city. I recently took a water taxi ride from Navy Pier to Union Station and found it to be a pleasant way to get around the city.
Water Taxis run during the warmer months. Beach Water Taxi starts in May and runs through August. The taxi is located at Navy Pier, which is where I bought the ticket. Stops along the water taxi route include the Sears Tower / Union Station, Milestone at 400 N. Michigan, Navy Pier and the Campus Museum (Aquarium< /a> / Field Museum).
I was visiting Navy Pier on a hot summer day when I heard about Shoreline merchants selling water taxi tickets. I never rode in taxis, even though I had heard of them. I decided that it was 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 boarded the Metra Train, was $6. The water taxi fare was about the same price as a regular taxi ride would have been. I bought one ticket.
Two points on Navy Pier. Taxis are parked at the pier along the Lake Michigan lakefront and continue to what is called the Museum Campus. The Campus Museum is home to the Campus Museum and the Shedd Aquarium. A water taxi runs to Union Station on the Inland River in Chicago.
I am recovering from knee replacement and am walking on a treadmill. This is when I discovered the water taxi traveling to Union Station was not actually at Navy Pier. The Shoreline Water Taxi that goes up the Chicago Sears River to the Citadel and Union Station is what the agent called a short walk. A short walk for a fit and healthy person is very different from what a person would call a short walk on a treadmill. At least the water taxi is already believed to be a ride. The agent directed me to the docking area, making sure the route was clear.
The road to the water taxi was slow and steep for me. There were no signs to direct me, and I wasn’t sure of the route, but I managed to find the boat. I’m not sure of the exact distance, but I believe it was about two blocks. It is important to note this for travelers with disabilities, or with small children.
When I made it to the boat, there was a short line waiting while the passengers got out of the water taxi. The staff were friendly and attentive as they helped me up the stairs to the boat.
People sat at random. The boat was quite full, but not overcrowded. There was a canopy on the passengers, for sun and rain protection. The boat was comfortable and soft.
It was very pleasant to ride along the Chicago River. Travelers on the river get a very different view of the world famous Chicago skyline along the way. It 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.
Union Station and the Sears Tower were across the river from the train station. In going I had to walk about 20 steps. Then walk across the bridge to the train station. This walk may not be a concern for fit persons, but should be a consideration for people with physical disabilities.
The water taxi combines an efficient mode of transportation with the touch of a horse and a rabbit. The trip from Navy Pier to the Sears Tower took about 20 minutes, slightly longer than a taxi would take, according to traffic. Water taxi logistics are more difficult, as passengers are picked up and dropped off at set points, rather than a more individualized service in an automotive taxi.
I’m sure I’ll take the water taxi again. I plan to try again soon. However, auto taxi transportation continues to be my top choice for efficient transportation around Windy City. Chicago Taxis: Take a Cab Ride in the Windy City
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