Fall is officially here and so are cooler temps, making the morning commute even more grueling. Luckily for Chicagoans, our fine city is home to a network of underground pedestrian tunnels known as the “Pedway”, allowing sheltered passage between dozens of key downtown buildings.
Chicago’s Pedway provides connections throughout large portions of the loop and includes restaurants, coffee shops, and retail along the way.
Using the tunnels allows commuters to travel from the Red Line, through the Block 37 Mall, all the way to Millennium Station and beyond, without ever going above ground.
The Pedway is often shrouded in mystery, due to its hidden access points and complex layout. No fear, Secret Chicago has you covered. Here’s your guide to navigating Chicago’s Pedway!
A Brief History
According to the City of Chicago, development on the Pedway first began all the way back in 1951. The system began with two simple tunnels connecting the Red and Blue Line CTA stations at Washington Street and Jackson Boulevard.
Since then, the network has expanded to over 40 blocks in Chicago’s Central Business District, more than five miles!
The system was conceived as a convenient travel option for downtown commuters, particularly during the harsh winter months. The tunnels were also intended to increase safety along the busy center city streets, reducing conflict between pedestrians and vehicles.
Navigating the Pedway
So just where is the Pedway? How does one even get down there? Whether you’re a recent transplant or a long time Chicagoan, there’s a chance you’ve never ventured down to the Pedway. Or perhaps you’ve walked through a portion of it and didn’t even know it.
That’s because the Pedway is split up into numerous sections throughout downtown, and includes both ground level walkways, underground passages, and frequent level changes.
Orienting yourself along the Pedway can be difficult at first, but over time you’ll begin to notice that the tunnel system features signage to guide your way. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the Pedway symbol as you go along, as it can help you identify entrances and exits.
Thompson Center and City Hall
With all that out of the way, we’ll begin our Pedway tour at the Thompson Center, where the tunnel system starts on the basement floor. This section is currently off limits while the complex undergoes renovations before Google moves its Chicago headquarters there in 2026.
From the Thompson Center, the Pedway continues underneath City Hall and Daley Plaza before connecting to the Washington Blue Line station.
Block Thirty Seven to the AON Center
One of the largest and most traveled portions of the Pedway begins at the Washington Blue Line stop. This portion of The Pedway crosses through the basement level of Block 37, with numerous restaurants and shops lining the way, before connecting to the Lake Red Line stop.
After traveling from the Blue Line to the Red Line, commuters can travel onward through a network of tunnels underneath Macy’s in the Loop. Be sure to take in the stained glass art that adorns the walls as you pass through!
From there, the tunnel travels beneath the Heritage building and the Chicago Cultural Center before connecting to the Millenium Park Metra station and food court. The Pedway then continues through the Prudential complex, connecting to the AON Center and the Fairmont Hotel.
Illinois Center and Michigan Plaza
From here, the Pedway continues underneath the Illinois Center, connecting the building complex to the nearby Hyatt and Swiss Hotels, Michigan Plaza, the Southwater Metra station, and other buildings.
This portion of the Pedway allows for easy access between the many corporate offices in the vicinity, with restaurants, shops, and seating areas to accommodate the downtown workforce.
This section also contains a number of vacant areas with a decidedly spooky feel, making it a prime spot for some urban exploration.
Merchandise Mart, Ogilvie Station, and other areas
The Pedway also encompasses the tunnel between the Jackson Red and Blue line CTA stations, and a ground level section that runs through the Merchandise Mart. Additionally, Ogilvie Station falls under the Pedway umbrella.
The Pedway’s post-pandemic rebound
Since the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic, foot traffic along the Pedway has seen a sharp decline, but that’s beginning to change. A 2023 report from ABC7 found that Pedway usage climbed to 20,000 weekly commuters last year, about a third of pre-pandemic levels.
The Chicago Loop Alliance has been working to revitalize business along the Pedway and attract new tenants by keeping the tunnels well maintained.
With more people returning to the office and downtown traffic beginning to stabilize, the Pedway’s future looks bright!
Time to explore
You’ve got the tools, now it’s time to explore! We can describe the Pedway to no end, but the best way to really familiarize yourself with the system is to traverse it yourself.
Even if work doesn’t bring you to the Loop every day, there’s still plenty to see and do along the underground route. Grab your friends on a rainy day for a spontaneous adventure and uncover the hidden maze beneath Chicago’s busy streets!
Click here to view a comprehensive map of the Pedway, complete with key areas, entrances, and other information.