Your Ultimate Guide to McCormick Place Parking

The scale of McCormick Place in Chicago makes parking ease of access crucial, for it sets the tone of the event. A well-planned parking selection fosters calm control, but a poor attempt could add unwanted anxiety. In this guide, we will explore all there is to know to ensure a smooth experience. Expounding on the parking lots, highlighting apps to save on costs, and tailoring to every visitor need, all the way to the custom oversized vehicle exhibitors. Our focused approach will allow attending the event without the heightened parking related anxiety.  

Official Lots: Choosing Between Lot A, B, & C

All public parking Lots A, B, and C have been constructed by McCormick Place Management. Each parking facility serves a different zone of the campus and therefore has a different impact on convenience, cost, and walking distance. In a nutshell, viewing the parking lots as completely interchangeable is the root of your mistakes. Each lot has its own character shaped by the location and structure.

Lot A: The Premier Choice

Lot A, commonly called North Garage, is the most convenient and desirable of the official options. It is a covered, multi-level parking garage located on Martin Luther King Drive, with convenient access from South Prairie Avenue, and is adjacent to the West Building. Its most notable advantage is the enclosed sky bridge which connects the garage to McCormick Place Convention Center and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place hotel. These covered and climate controlled walkways are invaluable during the biting cold of a Chicago winter or a summer downpour.

This level of convenience is only available at a higher price of the three available. It is also the only official lot that provides guaranteed overnight parking, which makes it the preferred option for multi-day attendees or exhibitors who are housed at the connected hotels. While clearance height is generous for larger vans and SUVs, it poses restrictions for RVs or commercial trucks. Given the area it is located, it is the first lot to fill during major shows. If your event is in the West or North Building, Lot A is the most comfortable and direct option.

Lot B: The Value Option

Lot B, known as the 31st Street Lot, is situated south of the main campus, and is a vast outdoor surface lot. This is the best of the official lots for daily parking in terms of cost. The main downside is the distance from the parking lot to the convention halls. While the distance is walkable, it is a significant distance to travel, especially when carrying materials or during bad weather. To help with this, McCormick Place often provides complimentary shuttle bus service from Lot B to the Grand Concourse during major events. Be sure to check if shuttle service is available for your specific event. Lot B does not allow overnight parking and, while there are no height restrictions making it seem appealing for trucks and RVs, this open lot is not designed for those larger vehicles. While this lot is not ideal for everyone, it is best suited for visitors looking to save money on parking and don’t mind a walk or shuttle.

Lot C: The Lakeside Garage

Located beneath the Lakeside Center on Fort Dearborn Drive is an underground garage known as Lot C. This garage is most convenient for events in the Lakeside Center and the Arie Crown Theater as well. Accessing the rest of the McCormick Place campus from Lot C requires a walk across the Grand Concourse, which can be quite a distance. Lot C provides covered parking which protects your vehicle from the weather. It does not, however, have a minimum clearance height that is quite an issue for those who drive tall vans or vehicles with roof racks. Overnight parking is not available, as is the case with Lot B. This garage’s pricing is about the same as Lot B, sitting in the middle of Lot A and Lot B’s pricing. It does have some specialized use, for the events at Lakeside Center, but is not as useful for those in the North or West buildings.

To clarify these details, here is a direct comparison:

Note: Rates are subject to change and may vary for specific events. Always check the official McCormick Place website for the most current pricing.

Unlock Savings: The Off-Site & Pre-Booking Playbook

While official lots are located closest to the venue, they are not the most affordable options. Additionally, they do not guarantee a space during busy hours. A technology-enabled and well-planned approach is optimal. This playbook focuses on two overarching goals: cost and time savings.  

The Money-Saving Strategy: Using Parking Apps

Visiting McCormick Place during events can put a strain on one’s finances, but for those on a budget, private parking lots and garages around McCormick Place are often more affordable, albeit harder to find. This is where parking apps like ParkWhiz and SpotHero come in handy.  

These apps centralize parking spots from different lots which makes it possible to assess pricing, location, and past reviewer’s comments all from one place. The process is simple:  

1. Enter Your Destination: Type “McCormick Place” and input your preferred date and time.  

2. Compare Options: The app displays a map with available parking spots and their prices for the duration selected. A ten minute walk versus a fifteen minute walk can substantially differentiate pricing.

3. Filter & Read Reviews: You can filter for amenities like “valet” or “covered parking.” Most importantly, read the most recent reviews. Recent reviews can reveal the actual conditions of safety, cleanliness, and accessibility of the parking lot.  

4. Book & Pay: After choosing, you book and pay directly through the app. You will also receive a digital parking pass with QR code and entry and exit instructions.  

For example, you can secure a garage spot a half a mile away for $18 for the entire day, a considerable discount compared to the official lot rates. Another option is a surface lot further out near a CTA station for $12, but you will need a short bus or train ride to complete the commute. These apps put you in charge of a real cost-benefit analysis of parking fees and walking distance.  

The Time-Saving Strategy: Official Pre-Booking

If saving time is your only concern, the McCormick Place parking portal offers the option to pre-book your space in Lot A. This option focuses more on reducing parking anxiety more than saving dollars.

The main advantage is the guaranteed space. During peak periods like the Chicago Auto Show, it’s common to see signs flashing “Lot Full” by midday. With pre-paid reservations this is avoided entirely. During busy periods, your space is guaranteed.  

In addition, pre-paid parking is often the only method of gaining in-and-out privileges. Daily parking does not allow re-entry without an additional payment. If you consider leaving the campus for an errand or a meal, a pre-paid pass becomes necessary. This allows you to pay a flat fee for the day with the option to freely come and go. This is a useful advantage, as it means that your parking space shifts to a flexible home base for the day, which pay-on-arrival parking does not provide.  

Finding Cheaper Parking Near McCormick Place

For budget-savvy visitors, spending a few minutes looking for parking a short distance away is worth it. As noted, your go-to apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz will guide you in this quest. They simplify the maze of private lots in Chicago, IL, by turning it into a user-friendly marketplace.

When searching for parking deals, don’t just zoom in on the area’s price pins. Make sure to click on the details of each prospective lot. As you do this, take special notice of the following two matters:  

1. Operating Hours: This is critical. As an example, some of the smaller parking lots closer to the venue may have limited hours and could close before the event is over, especially for evening functions. Make sure the lot’s hours cover your entire planned visit. Imagine saving $15 on parking only to find your car trapped in a garage for the night.  

2. Safety and Security: Check range user reviews to get a general idea of the area’s safety. Security cameras and good lighting can be especially important to a person coming back to their car late. While most parking garages offer lit shelter, a good reputation for safety can provide added value.  

Because of thorough research, you have the ability to assess parking features and get a spot that you may not have previously considered to be in your price range, thus enabling you to spend more inside the convention hall.

A Guide for Exhibitors & Oversized Vehicles

Exhibitors and people driving oversized vehicles, such as an RV or commercial truck, have distinctly different parking needs than ordinary attendees. For these exhibitors, McCormick Place has an intricate system dedicated specifically to these needs, focusing on a facility located on South Moe Drive known as the Marshalling Yard.

All exhibiting firms with a freight truck and any carriers delivering to the show floor must begin at the Marshalling Yard. This is an enormous staging facility for freight coming in and going out. Drivers must check in to this location for directions and a dock to load or unload freight. There is parking available in Marshalling Yard, but only for a portion of it and at a fee, generally charged per day. For each specific trade show, exhibitors must inform the general contractor to receive the instructions for check-in and the detailed procedures as they differ from event to event.

For guests arriving by RV, the Marshalling Yard also serves as the parking area. Lot A, B, C and other standard parking spaces do not have the capacity to accommodate RVs. The yard offers a very rudimentary RV parking solution, but secure for the duration of the show. 

Beyond Parking: Perfecting Your Exhibitor Booth

For as long as you have not parked your truck or car, your logistical planning as an exhibitor continues. That, in fact, is the most vital phase: make sure your booth will be arranged as to wow your guests and accurately describe your brand. The first impression, and the subsequent flow of visitors, is dictated by the initial smooth and impressive design of the booth.

This is the time a professional partner can change a stressful process into a strategic strength. While you are thinking about the parking logistics, picture this: you show up, and your custom-designed booth is fully assembled and waiting for you. This is the vision that we work hard to achieve for our customers. At Aplus Expo, we specialize in turning that vision into a reality. As an exhibition booth contractor with deep experience in venues like McCormick Place, we handle the entire lifecycle of your exhibit. Starting from your 3D design concept and graphics creation to actual production in our in-house facilities, we seamlessly integrate all processes from construction, shipping, and even worry-free installation. Our teams in Chicago are geared up to offer full-featured, protective service, and you are free to drop the car and relax, knowing your most important asset, your brand presence, is flawless.

Solving Tricky Parking: Overnight, RVs & Accessibility

For a great number of visitors, using a car is best avoided. A cheaper and more efficient way to travel is using Chicago’s, IL, extensive public transportation system which is easy to access for both driving and parking

• Overnight Parking: If you need to park a standard passenger vehicle overnight, Lot A is your only official option. It is the only facility that has a 24-hour rate of approximately $52, which covers overnight stays. Both Lot B and Lot C have strict no overnight parking policies and vehicles left after these lots close will be towed. If you are staying at one of the connected hotels, Lot A remains the most convenient and integrated option.  

• Trucks & RVs: As mentioned earlier, the McCormick Place Marshalling Yard is the only permitted parking area for all commercial trucks, freight vehicles, and recreational vehicles (RVs). This parking area is located at 31st Street and Moe Drive, serving as a dedicated staging and parking area for oversized vehicles. Parking an RV or truck in Lots A, B, or C will be denied, and you will be turned away.

• Accessibility (ADA Parking): McCormick Place is completely compliant with the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). ADA compliance is observed in both Lots A and C where accessible parking spaces are located close to the elevators and the center’s main access points. Also, Lot B, which is a large surface area, has designated accessible spaces. However, those parking in Lot B would either have to walk a considerable distance to the main buildings or wait for a shuttle. It is important to note that using these spaces requires displaying a disability plate or placard issued by the state.

Using Public Transit & Ride-Sharing

For a great number of visitors, using a car is best avoided. A cheaper and more efficient way to travel is using Chicago’s extensive public transport system which is easy to access for both driving and parking.

Metra Electric Line: The Direct Connection

The most convenient public transit option is the Metra Electric Line. It has its own “McCormick Place” station located right on the lower level of the Lakeside Center (Lot C). Trains run frequently from the downtown Millennium Station, with the trip taking less than 10 minutes. For visitors staying downtown, this is an unbeatable option, delivering you directly inside the complex without any exposure to weather or traffic. You can buy tickets on the Ventra app or from the conductor on the train.

CTA Buses and ‘L’ Trains: The Wider Network

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) also serves the area. The #3 King Drive bus route runs adjacent to McCormick Place on its way to and from downtown, with convenient connections along Michigan Avenue. For those using Chicago’s famous ‘L’ train system, the closest station is Cermak-McCormick Place on the Green Line. From the station, it is about a 10-15 minute walk to the West Building. The Red Line’s Cermak-Chinatown station is slightly further but still a viable option.

Uber, Lyft, and Taxis: The Flexible Choice

Ride-sharing services and taxis offer door-to-door convenience. They can drop you off at designated locations, typically near the main entrances of the convention center. This can be an excellent choice, particularly if you are traveling with a group to split the fare. However, be mindful of two potential drawbacks. First, traffic around McCormick Place can be extremely heavy, especially at the start of the day. Second, surge pricing can dramatically increase fares during peak departure times when an event lets out. It is often wise to walk a few blocks away from the immediate vicinity before hailing a ride to avoid the worst of the congestion and elevated prices.

Your Pre-Arrival Parking Checklist

Make sure you have prepared everything for the visit. This final pre-arrival checklist will help you ensure a smooth entry.  

[ ] Primary Building for My Event: Is my event in the West, North, or Lakeside building? This will dictate my best parking lot.

[ ] Checked My Vehicle’s Height: For SUVs and vans, am I sure I will be able to drive into Lot A and Lot C which have height limitations of 8’0 and 6’4 respectively?  

[ ] Compared My Options: Have I checked ParkerWhiz and SpotHero to see whether off-site parking is available, and whether it’s cheaper than the on-site parking?  

[ ] Made a Pre-Booking Decision: For Lot A, is it worth paying to pre-book if I gain a guaranteed parking spot and in-and-out privileges?  

[ ] Loaded My Destination in GPS: Have I inputted the address to Lot A, C, or the off-site garages into my GPS prior to commencing the drive?  

[ ] Have My Digital Pass Ready: If I pre-booked is my QR code or digital pass to be accessed on my phone easily?  

[ ] Saved My Parking Location: Have I either pinned my location in my map app or photographed the section number to easily find my parking spot instead of searching for long?