The Chicago SkyDeck is an famous attraction perched on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), one of the city’s iconic landmarks.
It is one of the tallest observation decks in the world, soaring 1,353 feet (412 meters) above the ground.
The Willis Tower is a testament to architectural excellence and integral to the Chicago cityscape.
The attraction offers tourists an exciting and one-of-a-kind experience while offering stunning panoramic views of Chicago and the vicinity.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets to the Skydeck Chicago.
It is better to buy your tickets online in advance to avoid last minute disappointment.
Things to know before booking tickets
Skydeck Chicago tickets are available online and at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the venue.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, they may sell out during peak days.
Booking early also helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
Go to the ticket booking page, select your preferred time slot, date, and number of tickets, and buy the tickets instantly.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.
You don’t need to take any printouts.
Present the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance on the day you visit and immediately walk into the skyscraper.
Skydeck Chicago tickets
The entry ticket includes admission to the Skydeck and The Ledge, featuring glass-floored ledges for breathtaking views.
This ticket allows you to access the elevator ride, museum-quality exhibits, and a theatre presentation.
You also get complimentary WiFi during your visit.
Ticket Prices
Non-Peak
Adult (12+ years): US$33
Child (3 to 11 years): US$24
Infant (up to 2 years): Free
Peak
Adult (12+ years): US$43
Child (3 to 11 years): US$31
Infant (up to 2 years): Free
Opening hours
SkyDeck Chicago opens for visitors at 9 am and closes at 10 pm daily from March through September.
It closes early from October to February, at 8 pm every Sunday to Thursday.
Please note that the last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
How long does the tour take
A tour of Skydeck Chicago takes 60 to 90 minutes.
This duration is enough to enjoy the panoramic views of the city and explore the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower.
Begin your journey at the Willis Tower and experience the 103rd-floor elevator ride.
This includes a multimedia presentation with intriguing and historical details about the Willis Tower.
The SkyDeck features breathtaking 360-degree views of Chicago and the surrounding area and glass-floored ledges.
You can finish the tour by exploring and shopping at the SkyDeck Gift Store.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Skydeck Chicago is weekday mornings, less busy than peak hours during the evenings.
The early morning or late afternoon hours provide perfect lighting conditions for capturing the city.
Visiting during the sunset hours can provide stunning views as the city transitions from day to night.
When making travel plans, check the weather forecast. Clear, bright days offer the best views of Chicago’s skyline.
Frequently asked questions
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Skydeck Chicago:
You can book your Skydeck Chicago tickets online or at the venue’s ticket counters. Booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
The cost depends on the type of ticket you choose. The General admission includes access to the elevator ride to the Skydeck and a visit to The Ledge, a glass balcony that extends four feet outside the tower. Adult admission (ages 12 and up) costs $30 to $44, while tickets for children aged 3 to 11 cost $22 to $36. Admission for children under 3 is free.
The Skydeck Chicago is located on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, which has 110 floors in total. It also has access to the 99th floor, which is used for private events and rentals. From its glass floor balconies and interactive exhibits, it offers views of up to 50 miles or four states.
Yes, Skydeck Chicago is ADA-accessible and compliant. The Skydeck has ramps throughout the space, The Ledge, and other attractions to accommodate strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs. The elevators can also accommodate scooters and wheelchairs. Complimentary wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled reservation time. This will allow you to check in and prepare for your visit. You can also check the live wait times on the website before you go to plan your arrival accordingly.
According to the official website, the time limit for staying on The Ledge depends on the size of your party. For parties of 3 or less, the maximum time is 60 seconds per party. For parties of 4 or more, the maximum time is 90 seconds per party. This is to ensure an optimal Ledge experience for all guests.
It opens at 9 am and closes at 10 pm daily from March through September. However, it closes early from October to February, at 8 pm every Sunday to Thursday.
It does not have an on-site parking facility. However, you can park at the nearby parking garages.
Yes, the Skydeck is completely accessible and ADA-compliant. It has elevators to various levels, ramps for wheelchair users, and accessible washrooms.
Yes, photography is allowed inside the tower.
You can explore the Catalog at Willis Tower, which features many restaurants, such as Shake Shack, Sushi-San, and Starbucks.
Yes, visitors can purchase souvenirs at the Skydeck Gift Store, which offers a range of items related to Chicago and the Willis Tower.
Yes, it can be visited all year round.
What to expect at Skydeck
Here’s what you can expect to see and do at Chicago SkyDeck:
Impressive Heights: The SkyDeck stands on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower and is one of the world’s tallest observation decks. As you ascend to this height in the high-speed elevators, you’ll instantly appreciate the building’s enormity and the breathtaking views that await.
Panoramic Views: The main appeal of the SkyDeck is the panoramic view of Chicago and its surroundings. You can see iconic landmarks, the city’s skyline, and Lake Michigan. On a clear day, you can see the neighboring states.
Glass-Floored Ledges: The glass-floored ledges are one of the most thrilling features of the SkyDeck experience. These transparent boxes extend from the building, allowing you to gaze at the streets below.
Multimedia Elevator Experience: The journey to the SkyDeck starts with a multimedia show in the elevator. As you ascend, you’ll learn fascinating facts about the Willis Tower and its significance in Chicago history.
Photography Opportunities: The SkyDeck provides various opportunities for photography. Whether you’re photographing the skyline, the city’s architectural marvels, or your reflection in the glass-ledged floors, keep your camera or smartphone ready.
Gift Shop: There is a gift shop at the SkyDeck where you can purchase apparel and keepsakes. This is a great spot to find Chicago-themed souvenirs to remember the experience.
