Extending half a mile into Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions.
While the location is its biggest asset, it also makes getting there a little difficult, which means Navy Pier parking can be expensive. Fortunately, there are several options from which to choose.
Find out more about this top Chicago attraction with our Complete Guide to Navy Pier
Navy Pier Parking
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Parking at Navy Pier
For the most convenient parking option, you can park on Navy Pier itself so you’ll be right there in the heart of the action. Scroll down to find out how much it costs to take advantage of one of their garages.
Is there free parking at Navy Pier?
No. There is no free parking at Navy Pier.
Parking Garages at Navy Pier
There are two garages on Navy Pier:
The West Garage is closer to the restaurants and the majority of the attractions.
The East Garage is more convenient if you’re going to a show at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, attending an event in the Festival Halls or in the Grand Ballroom, or taking in some live music at the Miller Lite Beer Garden.
If you have an oversize vehicle you’ll need to park in the East Garage. Its 7’9″ height clearance is a foot and a half higher than the West Garage.
Navy Pier Parking Cost
Navy Pier used to have a flat day rate for parking. Now, like other parking garages in Chicago, it’s based on the length of time you’re at the pier.
How much is parking at Navy Pier?
- 0-59 minutes | $18
- 1-2 hours | $32
- 2-5 hours | $37
- 5-12 hours | $45
- 12-18 hours | $55
- 18-24 hours | $60
You have 30 minutes to exit the garage after your payment is made. Lost tickets result in paying the maximum daily rate.
Valet Parking at Navy Pier
Dine at Harry Caray’s Tavern, Lirica, and Offshore, or stay at Sable Hotel, and you can valet your car. Just spend $25 at any of those restaurants or stay at the hotel and you can drop your car off at Entrance 2.
Navy Pier Valet Parking Rates
OFFSHORE, LIRICA, HARRY CARAY’S
- 0-4 hours | $20
- 4-8 hours | $35
- 8-12 hours | $55
- Event Parking (12 hour limit) | $55
SABLE HOTEL
- Overnight | $72
- Event Parking | $55
All rates subject to change.
Official Discounted Remote Alternate Parking Garages for Navy Pier
For less expensive parking, Navy Pier has partnered with four remote parking garages.
Make sure you don’t pay for parking in advance! Bring your ticket to the Navy Pier Guest Services desk and they’ll validate it for you.
Cityfront Place Parking Garage, 400 N McClurg Ct
The garage is only one block south and four blocks west of Navy Pier, making it an easy walk. It’s a convenient location if you plan to take the water taxi or want to explore the Chicago Riverwalk.
Rate: $15
Grand Plaza Park, 540 N State St
If you plan on exploring River North and the Magnificent Mile, this garage is a good option for you.
Just be aware that it’s a bit of a distance from Navy Pier.
Rate: $15
Ogden Plaza Self Park, 300 N Water St
A little closer to Navy Pier, this garage is about half a mile from the entrance. The trolley also has a close stop to this garage at Illinois St. and McClurg Court.
Rate: $15
Millennium Park Garage, 5 S. Columbus Dr
This sprawling parking garage is located under, you guessed it, Millennium Park. It’s a good place to park if you plan to explore Grant Park, Maggie Daley Park, the Loop, or Millennium Park in addition to Navy Pier.
Rate: $14
Street Parking near Navy Pier
While you can park on the street to get to Navy Pier, it’s not recommended unless you’re only going to be there for a couple of hours.
The hardest part is finding a spot, and then once you do it’s almost as expensive as a hotel valet.
Parking meters in Streeterville, the neighborhood adjacent to Navy Pier, costs $4.75 an hour, and that can add up quickly.
Chicago’s parking meters accept credit and debit cards as well as coins. You’ll receive a printed receipt that you put on your dashboard. If you do park on the street a better option is to download the ParkChicago app.
With this app, you can pay for your parking and if you get close to the expiration you might be able to extend your time. There’s no fee if you purchase the maximum time allowed for that meter.
If you park for less than that then it will cost you $0.35 extra. Visit parkchicago.com for more information.
Discounted Parking Services
Discounted parking services have provided alternatives to the standard parking options in Chicago. You can search and pay for your parking in advance and it’s often much cheaper than if you were to just drive up to the garage or lot.
Entering and exiting garages is often done with an app on your phone, and other spots will use your license plate number to verify your spot.
SpotHero and Parkwhiz are two of the most popular parking apps. With these apps, you can find much cheaper parking in downtown Chicago.
The further you’re willing to park from Navy Pier the less expensive parking may be. If you plan to spend a day exploring downtown Chicago then using one of these apps is a good option for parking.
Find discounted parking with SpotHero below. Click on “Edit” to change the dates: