Analyzing 7,549,4297.5M ReviewsFor 21,26921.3K Experts
Google users rate the Chicago Water Taxi 4.6 out of 5 based on 858 reviews. Many praise the scenic river views, affordability, and convenience for traveling between downtown and Chinatown. However, recurring complaints highlight long wait times due to limited boat capacity, inconsistent information regarding ticket policies, and difficulties with online purchasing processes.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: replies to reviews.
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
858 Google reviews we collected
Phrases our text analysis found in 496 written reviews
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
We read 496 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“It’s affordable, and the staff are always friendly and helpful.”
“Rude employees and the online process of buying ticks is the worst.”
“Now, on the other hand, the ride fee is actually very cheap and very worth it.”
“Disappointed to see that this is so expensive to ride.”
“Great experience, affordable price and easy access.”
“We were visiting first time from out of town and this was one of the worst customer service experiences and the worst hospitality we have ever experienced.”
“I recommend boarding first to secure outdoor seating.”
“I strongly advise others to avoid this service based on our experience.”
“Nice, quick ride to Chinatown with ample seating available.”
“I took the ferry to Chinatown, but halfway through the journey, they told us all to get off and transfer to the next one, which delayed my trip.”
“…l we went to the boat to help us and see everything was ok, then she explained everything to Lizbeth before she leaves, and Lizbeth was so kind too.…”
“The staff has poor communication and they don’t really know what’s going on.”
“Honestly a great alternative to the architecture tour, which I did also and didn’t enjoy due to crowdedness.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
It's a trap. You pay $20 and then Realize you have to wait 2 hours because they only have one boat running and can only fit 20 people at a time. Save your time and money and just take the train
We took the $10 ride to Chinatown is a good way to get the views from the river, but only if you get a place in the upper deck. I was in the Lowe deck, and the view was quite limited.
I booked two one way tickets to Chinatown for $20. Our ride was very scenic. There are a couple of seats available outside but the majority were inside. I recommend boarding first to secure outdoor seating.
La mejor manera para dar un paseo por el río y ver la ciudad de una manera diferente!!
I think the Chicago Water Taxi is a great, inexpensive way to see the skyline from a different perspective. I’m a little disappointed they no longer offer the one-day fare that lets you hop on and off, and now charge $15 one way, but it’s still a relaxing way to enjoy the city and a convenient way to get to…
It was good, we used from Michigan Avenue to Chinatown during the day, the views of the city are beautiful and the taxi was not that busy.. the service was good
4.6 ★★★★★ 858 reviews on Google · rating breakdown
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
It's a trap. You pay $20 and then Realize you have to wait 2 hours because they only have one boat running and can only fit 20 people at a time. Save your time and money and just take the train
We took the $10 ride to Chinatown is a good way to get the views from the river, but only if you get a place in the upper deck. I was in the Lowe deck, and the view was quite limited.
I booked two one way tickets to Chinatown for $20. Our ride was very scenic. There are a couple of seats available outside but the majority were inside. I recommend boarding first to secure outdoor seating.
La mejor manera para dar un paseo por el río y ver la ciudad de una manera diferente!!
I think the Chicago Water Taxi is a great, inexpensive way to see the skyline from a different perspective. I’m a little disappointed they no longer offer the one-day fare that lets you hop on and off, and now charge $15 one way, but it’s still a relaxing way to enjoy the city and a convenient way to get to Chinatown from downtown. My advice is to get there early and get in line so you can grab a seat outside. That’s where you’ll really enjoy the views! I don’t think sitting inside would be nearly as much fun.
Chicago River and the views amazing. The boat tour is and educational.
Amazing and convenient.
Excelente
Amazing price for the ride to sail on river walk waters..
Fun, get to see all the sights
Analyzing 7,549,4297.5M ReviewsFor 21,26921.3K Experts
