If you are looking for Willis Tower Skydeck tickets, this is the straightforward option: timed entry to the 103rd floor observation deck and The Ledge, the glass balcony that juts out 4.3 feet from the building, without having to plan anything else around it.
What makes the Willis Tower Skydeck special
Skydeck sits on the 103rd floor of Willis Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere until 1996 and still the tallest in Chicago. The observation deck is enclosed and climate controlled, so the view works in any weather, and on a clear day you can pick out landmarks up to 50 miles away across four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin. The Ledge is the part most people come for. Four glass boxes extend past the building's edge, and standing on one with nothing but air and the street 1,353 feet below is a different experience than looking through a window, even for visitors who are not usually bothered by heights.
What does the Willis Tower Skydeck ticket include?
Your ticket covers timed access to the 103rd floor, entry to The Ledge, the museum style exhibits on the way up (including a full scale CTA train replica and a virtual fly through of the skyline), a short theater presentation on the building's history, free WiFi and the Skydeck app, which works as a free digital viewfinder to label what you are looking at. There is a Fast Pass add on at booking that gives you express elevator access and priority entry to The Ledge, which is the better choice if you are visiting during the midday rush.
Want a closer look? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See timesWhat to expect when you visit
Plan on 45 minutes to an hour once you are inside, more if the exhibits are busy. Security screening at the entrance is similar to an airport checkpoint, so leave bags at your hotel if you can since large luggage is not allowed inside. The Ledge moves in a rotation, with each pair of visitors getting about 60 seconds for photos before the next group steps on, so decide your shot before it is your turn.
Short on time? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See timesWho should book this ticket
This is the right choice for first time visitors who want the view and The Ledge without paying for a guide or a bundled tour. It also suits anyone on a tight schedule, since the standard line moves faster than people expect once your timed slot arrives. If you want a local explaining the skyline as you go, the guided Skydeck tour adds that layer for a bit more.
Ready to see prices? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See timesIs the Willis Tower Skydeck worth it for families?
Yes, mostly because of the exhibits rather than the height itself. Kids tend to enjoy the hands on sections, like posing with the tower antennas in the architecture display or trying a joke on the Second City stage, as much as the view from The Ledge. The deck itself is fully enclosed and barrier protected except for The Ledge glass, which is optional to step onto.
Want a closer look? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See timesPrices and what is included
Standard entry starts at $47.10 per adult as of this writing, with the Fast Pass option priced higher at checkout. Prices vary by date and time slot, so check the live calendar for your exact day. Free cancellation applies up to 24 hours before your visit, and you can reserve now and pay later if your plans are not locked in yet.
Short on time? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See timesGetting to Willis Tower Skydeck
The entrance is on South Wacker Boulevard between West Jackson Street and West Adams Street, in Chicago's West Loop. The closest CTA stops are Quincy on the Brown, Orange, Pink and Purple lines, and LaSalle on the Blue Line, both a short walk away. If you are coming from Navy Pier or Millennium Park, budget 15 to 20 minutes by rideshare or public transit.
Ready to see prices? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See timesInsider tips for your visit
Arrive right at opening or after 5pm for the shortest lines and the clearest light for photos. Weather and visibility are not refundable reasons to cancel, so check the forecast before you book a specific time slot if the view matters more to you than the schedule. Wear comfortable shoes since the exhibit path before the elevators involves some walking.
Want a closer look? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See timesHow this compares to other Skydeck options
If you want the view plus a guide, look at the Skydeck Guided Tour. If you would rather pair your Skydeck visit with a boat ride, the walking tour with a river cruise bundles both into one afternoon. Travelers also visiting several Chicago museums should compare the price against the Chicago CityPASS, which includes Skydeck along with four other attractions.
Short on time? Willis Tower Skydeck and The Ledge Ticket, from $47.10 See times