Skydeck - Willis Tower Admission

Enter the Willis Tower Skydeck with an admission ticket from Skydeck Chicago. Visits run from 30 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, giving time to take in the view from the deck. Tickets start at 44 dollars and the visit holds a 4.3 rating from 1911 reviews.

Overview

This is a straight admission ticket to the Skydeck at Willis Tower, with no guide and no transport, and it typically takes somewhere between 30 minutes and 1 hour 30 minutes depending on crowds. The route up passes through exhibits on Chicago history and the building itself before the elevator ride to the 103rd floor. Once at the top, the main draw is The Ledge, a glass-floored balcony extending 4.3 feet beyond the side of the tower, along with video and interactive exhibits.

The queue for the glass boxes is the one bottleneck. One traveller reported very long lines there, while others hit short or nonexistent queues on morning visits. You can step onto the ledge more than once if you want, according to one reviewer. Souvenir photographs are available to purchase afterward, since they are not part of the ticket.

It suits independent visitors who want the view without a guided commitment, and it works for most ages and mobility levels, with wheelchair, scooter and stroller access throughout. Anyone who dislikes heights should think twice, as one reviewer described feeling queasy on the glass floor.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Willis TowerMake your own way to the building, which the listing notes is near public transportation.
2. Arrival and entryPresent your admission ticket, which is confirmed at the time of booking, and head toward the elevators.
3. Museum walk-throughExhibits on Chicago history and the building line the route toward the elevators. One reviewer mentioned being able to go back through the museum after the Skydeck visit.
4. Elevator to the 103rd floorThe elevator takes you to the observation level, where views are available from the windows as well as The Ledge.
5. The Ledge and exhibitsStep onto the glass-floored balcony, which sits 4.3 feet outside the tower. One reviewer said you can go into the ledge several times if you want. Video and interactive exhibits are included.
6. Optional souvenir photosPhotos taken at the ledge cost extra and are not included in admission.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape the visit more than anything else, mostly around timing, queues and the glass floor itself.

• Go early. Several reviewers reported little or no waiting when they visited in the morning, including one at 9:30am on a weekday. Another recommended going earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience.
• Wear walking shoes. One reviewer advised bringing walking shoes and being ready to wait in line. The visit involves standing, queuing and moving through the museum section before reaching the top.
• Heights hit hard. One reviewer discovered a fear of heights on the glass floor and described feeling queasy. You can still enjoy the window views without stepping onto The Ledge at all.
• Photo logistics. One reviewer noted smudged windows and difficulty finding a clean spot for pictures. Souvenir photographs are available to purchase afterward, though they cost extra.
• Use the app. The listing recommends downloading the Skydeck mobile app for a free viewfinder that points out notable Chicago sites. It is available in English, French, Spanish and Mandarin.
• Getting there. The listing notes the attraction is near public transportation.

Common issues. One reviewer reported long lines for the glass boxes and smudged windows that made photos difficult. Another traveller called the experience overpriced relative to other Chicago activities, and one reviewer received a booking text for a service they never used, so check your confirmation details. Tickets are non-refundable for limited or zero visibility, long waits, early closures or events outside the Skydeck's control, which means a hazy day is a real risk. Cancellations for a full refund must be made at least 24 hours before the start time, and the listing notes that weather-related cancellations come with a different date or a full refund.

Common Questions