Plan a Visit
Welcome to Shedd Aquarium! We can hardly wait for you to meet beluga whales and bluegills, rockhopper penguins and rockfish, alligators and an alligator snapping turtle, and so much more as you explore the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers and reefs — all in the heart of Chicago.
See the Animals Sooner!
The best Shedd visit begins online, not in line. Purchase your tickets online for priority entry.
Admission
| Ticket Type | General Admission | Chicago Residents | Shedd Members |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | $39.95 | $19.95 | Free |
| Children (3-11) | $29.95 | $14.95 | Free |
| 4D Upgrade | $4.95 | $4.95 | $2.95 |
Directions
Shedd Aquarium
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605
Between public transportation and parking nearby, you’ll be on your way to Shedd in no time. Let us help you choose the best way to get here.
Traffic Alerts
Chicago’s Museum Campus can host a variety of special events that affect traffic and parking. Check our traffic alerts to plan your best day at Shedd!
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From Lake Shore Drive, exit at 18th Street. Follow Museum Campus Drive around Soldier Field. Signs will indicate visitor parking. Shedd is just north of the parking garage and the Field Museum.
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Public transportation is the best way to get to Shedd. Whether you start on Metra or take CTA all the way, you'll arrive within steps of our door!
Travel on Chicago Transit Authority
For all CTA transit information, go to www.transitchicago.com or call 312-836-7000.
CTA’s # 146 Bus to Museum Campus
Operates daily until around 11:35 p.m.
Best for those heading from State Street downtown, North Michigan Ave. or the north side of Chicago.
Please note that there is another route of the #146 Bus (Harrison/State) that will not take you all the way to Shedd. Please make sure the bus is labeled as going to Museum Campus.CTA’s #130 Bus eastbound
Operates between Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day only.
Best bet for Metra or Amtrak users! Buses leave Union/Ogilvie stations between 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. The last #130 bus leaves Shedd at 6 p.m.From O'Hare Airport:
Board the Blue Line CTA train and exit at Washington, where you can grab the southbound #146 bus on State Street.From the south side of Chicago or from Midway Airport:
Board CTA bus #6 Jackson Park Express (daily) and exit at 11th Street and Columbus Drive, across from the Museum Campus. Or board the Orange or Green Line CTA train toward the Loop and exit at the Roosevelt Road/Museum Campus station, where you can transfer to the #146 Museum Campus bus.From State Street downtown, North Michigan Avenue, or the north side of Chicago:
Board the southbound CTA bus #146 Marine-Michigan to the Museum Campus (daily) or board the Red, Orange, or Green Line CTA train toward the Loop and exit at the Roosevelt Road/Museum Campus station, where you can transfer to the #146 Museum Campus bus.Travel on Metra Commuter Rail
For all Metra information, please visit metrarail.com or call 312-322-6777.
Leave your car at home! Metra serves more than 100 communities with 241 stations on 11 lines running through Chicago’s downtown. It's easy to transfer from Metra to CTA. Find your downtown Metra station below for the best CTA route to Shedd Aquarium!
Union Station
(Memorial Day through Labor Day midmorning through early evening only)
Board the eastbound #130 bus at Jackson and the river. Please view the #130 schedule for more information.For all other times, walk to Canal and Adams/Jackson and take the #28 bus toward Olive Harvey. Exit at 1100 S. Columbus (pedestrian underpass). Follow the signs through the Museum Campus and walk approximately 10 minutes to Shedd Aquarium. Please view the #28 schedule for more information.
Ogilvie Transportation Center
(Memorial Day through Labor Day midmorning through early evening only)
Board the eastbound #130 bus south on Clinton at Washington. Please view the #130 scheduleschedule for details.For all other times, walk to Clinton and Madison and take the number J14 bus toward 103rd/Stony Island. Exit at 1100 S. Columbus (pedestrian underpass). Follow the signs through the Museum Campus and walk approximately 10 minutes to Shedd Aquarium. Please view the J14 schedule for detailed information.
Van Buren Station
Board the #146 bus at State and Van Buren towards Museum Campus. Exit at Shedd Aquarium. Please view the #146 schedule for more information.Millennium Station
Board the #146 bus at State and Washington towards Museum Campus. Exit at Shedd Aquarium. Please view the #146 schedule for more information.LaSalle Street Station
Board the #146 bus at State and Harrison toward the Museum Campus. Exit at Shedd Aquarium. Please view the #146 schedule for more information.Travel on Amtrak
For all Amtrak information, please visit www.amtrak.com.
Amtrak trains to Chicago arrive at Union Station. From there you can take the CTA to Shedd’s door!
(Memorial Day through Labor Day midmorning through early evening only)
Board the eastbound #130 bus at Jackson and the river. Please view the schedule for detailed information.For all other times, walk to Canal and Adams/Jackson and take the #28 bus toward Olive Harvey. Exit at 1100 S. Columbus (pedestrian underpass). Follow the signs through the Museum Campus and walk approximately 10 minutes to Shedd Aquarium. Please view the schedule for full bus information.
Travel on Divvy
Chicago's bike-sharing system, Divvy, includes thousands of bikes and hundreds of stations across the city. There are several Divvy Bike stations within walking distance of Shedd Aquarium. For more information and pricing, please visit divvybikes.com.
Travel on a Water Taxi
Take a different approach to Shedd — take a water taxi! Shoreline Sightseeing water taxis run between Navy Pier and the Museum Campus dock, at lake level on the north side of Shedd.
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Parking Information for Guests
All Museum Campus parking is owned by the Chicago Park District and managed by Standard Parking. Parking rates typically are higher during special events, and access may be restricted to special event ticketholders.
Street Parking
Limited street parking is available on Solidarity Drive. The pay-to-park boxes operate Monday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. They accept coins and credit cards. Parking costs $2 an hour with a 10-hour maximum. Prices and availability are subject to change with special events.Lot Parking
The Museum Campus also has several lots where you can park, including the Soldier Field North Garage, Field Museum east parking lot and Adler Planetarium lot. See official pricing and hours with soldierfieldparking.com.Valet Parking
Available most weekends for aquarium guests for $30 a vehicle, subject to limited availability. Take advantage of this service at the guest drop-off area on the south side of the aquarium, off Solidarity Drive. Please note that we cannot offer valet parking on certain Bears home-game days.Reserve a Space with SpotHero
We recommend booking parking in advance through SpotHero. You can visit the Shedd Aquarium SpotHero parking page and book a spot with rates up to 50% off drive-up.New to SpotHero? Download the SpotHero app and enter code SHEDDCHI for 5% off your first spot!
Tips for a Great Visit
- Get in faster by purchasing a ticket online. When you arrive, see a Shedd staff member to be directed to the fastest entrance!
- Meet the animals to make your day unforgettable. From sea star touch encounters to one-of-a-kind Trainer for a Day experiences, we have plenty of ways to get closer to the animals and learn from those who know them best.
- Take public transit, if possible. The CTA can drop you off just steps from Shedd’s door, saving you the worry of driving and parking.
- If you are driving, check Shedd’s traffic alerts before your visit to ensure a smooth trip.
- Pack light. If you want to store items during your visit, we have coin-operated lockers. If you’re traveling with a toddler, an umbrella stroller may be easier than larger models for navigating exhibits and elevators.