Booking choice: The Wendella 90 minute architecture tour, from $45 per person. Check dates Compare the options below
The two lengths sound like the same experience, one cut in half. On the water they are different trips. The shorter boat shows the heart of downtown and turns back. The longer one keeps going.
This guide compares the Wendella 45 and 90 minute tours, the Shoreline 75 minute cruise in the middle, and the cases where the shorter ride is the smarter choice.
The quick answer
Take the 90 minutes if you can spare them: the Wendella 90 minute tour at $45 follows the river through its branches. Take the 45 minute tour at $28 with small children, a tight schedule or a cold day. Shoreline at $39 runs 75 minutes between the two.
What is the difference between the 45 and 90 minute river cruise?
The 45 minute tour covers the downtown core, while the 90 minute tours add the other branches of the river.
The 45 minute listing names the Chicago Riverwalk, the Michigan Avenue Bridge, the Wrigley Building and the Willis Tower. The 90 minute listings, including the enclosed S Wells St boat, say they cruise all three branches. The Chicago Architecture Center says the same of its 90 minute First Lady cruise.
Routes can change on the day, so use that as a guide, not a promise.
| 45 minutes | 75 minutes | 90 minutes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example | Wendella 45 | Shoreline | Wendella 90 |
| From | $28 | $39 | $45 |
| Route | Riverwalk, Michigan Avenue Bridge, Wrigley Building, Willis Tower | Landmarks along the historic river | All three branches, per the 90 minute listings |
| Best for | Kids and short stays | Value | First visit |
How much more does the 90 minute tour cost?
At Wendella, $17 more for an adult and $6 more for a child.
The Wendella FAQ lists the 45 minute tour at $28 for adults and $14 for children aged 4 to 12, and the 90 minute tour at $45 and $20. On Viator the gap is the same: $28 against $45. For a first visit that is the better value per minute.
What do you see on the 90 minute cruise that you miss in 45?
The branch junctions and the quieter stretches: Wolf Point where the three branches meet, Goose Island and the south branch toward Chinatown.
The Wendella landmarks guide names Wolf Point, Goose Island and the Chinatown stretch as parts of the architecture route, along with the Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Marina City and the Willis Tower. The Marina City towers were finished in 1967. Expect the long tour to give you more time with each of them, not just more of them.
Is 45 minutes enough with kids?
Often yes. It is billed as family friendly, and a restless child will last through 45 minutes more easily than 90.
The 45 minute tour has an open top deck and a sheltered lower deck, so children can move between them. Children under 4 need a ticket that costs nothing on Wendella, and the child fare for 4 to 12 is $14. For older children who like facts and heights, the longer cruise holds up. Our guide for families covers strollers, restrooms and what to pack.
Is there something between 45 and 90 minutes?
Yes: the Shoreline architecture cruise runs about 75 minutes at $39.
It is the most reviewed cruise on Viator, at 17,246 reviews and a 4.8 rating, with live commentary and a restroom on board. Pets are allowed, which none of the Wendella boats offer. You choose Michigan Avenue or Navy Pier when you book. Pick Michigan Avenue if you want to start in the middle of the Loop.
The 75 minute middle option, with live commentary and two dock choices.
Explore the Shoreline architecture river cruiseWhich length suits bad weather?
The 45 minute tour, if the day is cold or wet, because it has an enclosed climate-controlled lounge and you are out for less time.
On a clear, warm day the longer cruise wins, since the open deck is the best seat. When the wind off the lake bites, 45 minutes in a heated lounge beats 90. All Wendella boats have heated cabins in fall, winter and spring. Every cruise runs rain or shine.
Should you add the lake?
Only if you want the skyline from a distance. The 90 minute lake and river tour at $48 swaps some river time for open water.
It goes through the Chicago Harbor Lock to Lake Michigan and back. If the buildings up close are what you came for, the plain river tour is the better use of the same time. If you want both, see the river or lake guide.
The 90 minute classic from the Michigan Avenue Bridge, with indoor and outdoor seats.
Check dates for the Wendella 90 minute architecture tourFrequently asked questions
How long is the Chicago River architecture cruise?
From 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the tour. The Shoreline cruise is about 75 minutes, and the First Lady cruise is 90.
Is the 45 minute Chicago River tour worth it?
For a short stay, a cold day or very young children, yes. It shows the downtown core. For a first visit with time to spare, the 90 minute tour covers more of the river.
How much cheaper is the 45 minute cruise?
On Wendella's own price list it is $28 for adults against $45 for the 90 minute tour, and $14 for children against $20.
Do the 90 minute tours go on Lake Michigan?
Not the standard one. The 90 minute lake and river tour does, and the sunset cruise continues to the lake. The classic 90 minute tour stays on the river.
Ready to book
Choose your Chicago River cruise
Every option here can be cancelled for a full refund; the deadline is on each listing. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.
Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour
The cheapest way onto the water, with a heated lounge for cold days
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- About 75 minutes on a Shoreline Sightseeing boat with live expert commentary
- Pick the Pioneer Court (Michigan Avenue) or Navy Pier meeting point when you book
- Restroom on board and pets welcome
Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour
- About 90 minutes with a trained guide and narration of the buildings on all three branches
- Indoor climate-controlled seating and an outdoor deck
- Departs from the Wendella dock at 400 N Michigan Ave, by the Wrigley Building
