As the biggest convention center in the U.S. and North America, McCormick Place comprises four buildings and hosts an array of events and shows. The complex also includes an arena that accommodates up to 10,000 visitors! On average, three million people visit McCormick place every year, and finding a convenient spot along with thousands of guests can be tough. Go through our guide to learn all about McCormick Place parking prices and options in the area! You’ll also see parking alternatives and discover the cheapest way to get to the convention center.
McCormick Place Parking Options
The McCormick Place campus offers three main event parking lots within a short walking distance of the convention complex. Learn more about each parking area below so that you could find the most suitable one.
- Lot A is a six-level McCormick Place parking garage adjacent to the West Building. It offers 2,100 covered parking spots and walkways that lead directly into McCormick Place. This is the most convenient parking service and the only one that offers overnight parking. The garage parking rate is $25 for up to 16 hours, while the maximum daily parking cost is $38.
- Lot B is an outdoor parking structure located at 3050 South Moe Drive that charges $16 per day. It’s a large area and accommodates more than 1,800 vehicles, both standard and oversized. There are no height restrictions.
- Lot C offers 1,900 spots on Fort Dearborn Drive, next to the Lakeside Center. The underground parking garage has a height clearance of 6’4″. It doesn’t allow overnight parking, and the daily rate is $25.
If going to the North, South, or West Building, park your car in Lot A, which is the primary parking facility. Lot B is the most suitable for visitors searching for low-cost McCormick Place South parking, while Lot C is ideal for those going to Lakeside Center or Arie Crown Theater. See the McCormick Place parking map for the exact locations of all visitor parking facilities.
Bus & RV Parking at McCormick Place
Surface Lot B on South Moe Drive offers oversized vehicle parking with in-and-out privileges. The overnight parking cost for all oversized vehicles is $38 per day and is subject to availability. Note that leisure camping is prohibited. Major credit cards are accepted.
Accessible Parking
Handicapped parking spaces are available at standard parking rates for all McCormick Place visitors. Each guest that occupies them needs to own a disabled parking permit, placard, or license plate. If you have any questions or need additional assistance, reach out to the McCormick Place Parking Office at mccormicksquare@spplus.com.
EV Charging Stations
If searching for electric vehicle charging stations, head to Parking Lot A at 2301 South Prairie Avenue. They are available at an additional cost and on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that you must purchase parking if you wish to charge your electric car.
Parking Near McCormick Place
The lowest on-site parking price is $16 per day, and turning to off-site parking services might be a good idea if traveling on a budget. We looked into the closest self-parking options and listed the prices below. Note that these rates apply after four hours of parking.
| Parking Location | Parking Price |
| 11 E 23rd St. Lot | $6 |
| 2421 S State St. Lot | $6 |
| 2138 S Indiana Ave. Garage | $7 |
| 20 E 21st St. Lot | $7 |
| 2050 S Indiana Ave. Garage | $10 |
The listed facilities are 10 to 15 minutes away from McCormick Place. We suggest that you learn more about Soldier Field Parking, too—the guide offers information on various lots in the area. If you don’t mind taking a long walk, you could also look into Shedd Aquarium and Field Museum, which are about a mile away.
Street Parking
Oon-street parking is also a decent option if you come across a suitable parking spot, which is tough but possible. Before you leave your vehicle on a street near McCormick Place, make sure your car is parked legally. Check the parking sign or meter to avoid Chicago parking tickets and have a stress-free day! Street parking rates start at $2.25 per hour but can be higher, based on the location.
Transportation to McCormick Place
If you wish to avoid pricey parking locations or driving, use public transportation! The Cermak-McCormick Place Green Line Station is the closest CTA rail station—it’s just two blocks away from the West Building. If you opt for“L” trains, your one-way fare will be only $2.25! GreenLine trains run approximately every 11 minutes. Alternatively, you may use METRA to get to or from downtown Chicago within 7 minutes. It’s placed on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building. If you wish to take a bus, the #3 King Drive bus line runs along Michigan Avenue and stops right in front of the McCormick Place entrance. The one-way bus fare is only $2.00.
Other Helpful Chicago Guides
In addition to McCormick Place parking, the Parking Access team offers various in-depth guides for Chicago residents and visitors searching for a discounted parking space. We can assist you in getting budget-friendly Chicago monthly parking or comparing parking services at the most popular locations throughout the city, including:
- Soldier Field
- Shedd Aquarium
- Field Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
- John Hancock Center
- Museum of Science and Industry
We can also help you find, compare, and reserve parking at: