Plan your visit
Plan Your Pedway Visit
Prepare for variable tunnel temperatures, fast-walking commuters, and strict weekday schedules.
Chicago Pedway & Loop Landmarks Tours
Downtown Loop (entrances vary, including 108 N State St, Block 37), Chicago
GPS 41.8834, -87.6284
Open directionsGetting there
Direct CTA and Metra connections make access easy.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walk: Access the Pedway on foot from street level via marked subway stations, government buildings, and office lobbies in the Loop. | Immediate from downtown | Free | Look for the black and yellow compass rose logo indicating a Pedway entrance. |
| Train: Take the CTA Red or Blue line to Lake, Washington, or Monroe stations, which integrate directly into the Pedway tunnels. | Varies by origin | $2.50 per CTA ride | Millennium Station (Metra commuter rail) is also a major hub connected to the eastern end of the Pedway. |
| Tour: Join a guided walking tour (e.g., Chicago Architecture Center or Inside Chicago Walking Tours) that starts at designated landmarks like the Cultural Center. | 1.5 to 2.5 hours | $35 - $45 | Tour guides help navigate the confusing segments while explaining the architectural history of the buildings above. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The best time to visit is during business hours on weekdays. Plan to arrive between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Many segments are closed entirely on weekends and evenings.
The tunnels are most popular from December through March. They provide a comfortable escape from freezing weather and snowstorms.
What to bring
Your ticks are saved in this browser only.
Navigating the Pedway can be notoriously difficult.
Download the official City of Chicago map before you arrive.
How the day runs
Follow this route for a self-guided overview.
A 2-hour walk focusing on the main civic and retail hubs before lunch.
- Enter at the Cultural Center
Start at 78 E Washington St and view the interior before descending.
- Millennium Station
Walk through the busy Metra hub. Keep to the right.
- Block 37
Navigate to this retail intersection and grab a coffee.
- City Hall
Pass through the local government lower concourse.
Navigating the Tunnels
Finding your way can be confusing. Signage is inconsistent. Look for the black and yellow compass rose logo indicating an official entrance. See our guide on Pedway entrances for specific locations.
Remember that the tunnels route through basements of private buildings. Respect private property. Public restrooms are rarely available in the passages themselves. Utilize facilities inside connected public buildings like the Cultural Center.
Easiest way to do it
Chicago Architecture Tour: Underground Pedway and the Loop
2 h 4.9 (585)
- Local guide
From$35per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Are there bathrooms down there?
Public restrooms are rarely available in the tunnels. You must use facilities inside connected public buildings, like the Chicago Cultural Center.
Can I ride a bike in the Pedway?
No. Bicycles, skateboards, and rollerblades are strictly prohibited in all pedestrian tunnels.
Is the entire system wheelchair accessible?
Not entirely. Some transitions require stairs. Not all routes are fully ADA accessible. Read our advice on Accessibility Guide.