360 Chicago: 94th Floor Views & Fast Pass Entry

1,000 Feet Above Michigan Avenue in 40 Seconds

You ride one of North America's fastest elevators to the 94th floor and spend time on an observation deck 1,000 feet above Chicago with 360-degree views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. Your fast pass skips the entry line, and you get access to CloudWalk's art installation, the interactive concourse exhibits, and CloudBar. Bring your phone for the Magnicity app, which identifies what you're seeing.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Travel to 94th floor in fast elevator
• Experience panoramic city views
• Explore interactive lower concourse exhibit
• Walk on CloudWalk art installation
• Enjoy Chicago-themed cocktail at CloudBar

The Experience

The elevator at 360 Chicago moves so fast you feel it in your chest. Forty seconds from the lobby to the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan, and suddenly you're standing 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile with the entire Chicago skyline spreading out in every direction. Lake Michigan sits flat and enormous to the east. On a clear day you can see all the way to the horizon where the water meets the sky. The fast pass means you don't wait in line downstairs — you go straight to the elevator, which matters if you're visiting during the afternoon when the concourse gets crowded.

The 94th floor itself is split into a few different spaces. There's the main observation deck with floor-to-ceiling windows running the full perimeter, so you can walk the whole circle and see the city from every angle. CloudWalk is the newer piece — an open-air art installation with vibrant floor designs and window murals of Chicago neighborhoods. It's genuinely worth the walk, and it's the best spot for photos if that's what you're after. The lower concourse, which you pass through on the way up, has interactive exhibits about Chicago's history and architecture, so you get some context for what you're looking at up there instead of just staring at buildings you can't name.

CloudBar is on the 94th floor serving drinks and snacks — Garrett's popcorn (the Chicago thing), cocktails made with local breweries, that kind of stuff. Beverages cost extra, but if you want to sit with a drink and watch the city for a while, it's there. There's also TILT, which is a separate experience where the windows tilt out at a 30-degree angle so you're basically leaning out over the city. It's not included in your ticket and costs more, but it's available if you want it. Most people skip it and spend their time on the regular deck, which is plenty.

Your ticket includes access to the Magnicity app, which gives you information about what you're looking at — buildings, neighborhoods, distances. It's useful if you want to actually learn something instead of just taking in the view. The whole visit usually takes between one and two hours depending on how long you linger, and since you've got the fast pass, you're not burning time in a queue.

What’s included

• Fast-pass entry to skip the line.
• access to the 94th floor observation deck with 360-degree views of Chicago and Lake Michigan.
• CloudWalk open-air art exhibit with neighborhood-themed murals.
• lower concourse interactive exhibits on Chicago history and architecture.
• CloudBar access (beverages and snacks purchased separately).
• Magnicity app for identifying landmarks and neighborhoods.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck (Formally John Hancock Center)

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to see Chicago from above without spending time in an entry queue — the fast pass gets you straight to the elevator and the views, which is what makes a quick visit actually work.

Top questions

How long does the elevator ride take?

40 seconds from the lobby to the 94th floor.

What's included with the fast pass ticket?

Line-skip entry, access to the 94th floor observation deck, CloudWalk art exhibit, the lower concourse exhibits, and the Magnicity app. CloudBar drinks and snacks cost extra, and TILT is a separate paid upgrade.

Is 360 Chicago the same as the Willis Tower observation deck?

No. 360 Chicago is at 875 N. Michigan Avenue (the former John Hancock Center). Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) is a different building and a different observation deck.

Can you buy TILT on the day of your visit?

Yes, you can purchase it on-site at the lower concourse or at the TILT desk on the 94th floor.

What happens if the weather is bad or visibility is low?

Tickets are non-refundable due to inclement weather or low visibility, but you can reschedule your visit for up to a year.

Is the deck accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible, and service animals are allowed.

Can you bring children and strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller.

How do you get to 360 Chicago?

It's located at 875 N. Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile. Public transportation options are available nearby, and the building is accessible by wheelchair-accessible transportation.