McCormick Place parking rates 2026 — all lots compared
McCormick Place has three official on-site lots operated by the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA). Rates below reflect standard daily pricing. Expect event-day surge pricing up to $40/day during marquee conventions.
| Lot | Type | Daily | Event-Day | Closest To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lot A | Covered garage | $25 | $30–40 | West & South Buildings |
| Lot B | Surface | $25 | $30–40 | North Building |
| Lot C | Surface | $22 | $25–35 | Lakeside / overflow |
| Soldier Field North Lot | Surface | $15–25 | $40+ (Bears games) | 15-min walk |
| Street (S Prairie / S Indiana) | Meter | $7–15 | Restricted | Variable |
Rates effective 2026. Official lot rates from MPEA / McCormickPlace.com.
Which McCormick Place lot should you pick?
McCormick Place sprawls across four interconnected buildings — West, South, North, and the Lakeside Center — totaling 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space. Pick your lot based on which building your event is in.
- Lot A (covered, $25): The default choice for most attendees. Direct indoor access to the Grand Concourse, West Building, and South Building. Stay dry in Chicago winter weather. Fills by 8:30 a.m. on major show days.
- Lot B (surface, $25): Best for North Building events. Outdoor lot; short covered walkway to the building. Often still has space when Lot A fills.
- Lot C (surface, $22): Cheapest on-site option. Longer walk via indoor skybridge to the South Building. Good pick for small events or if you don't mind the 8–10 minute indoor walk.
Getting to McCormick Place without driving
On peak convention days — Auto Show week, IMTS, RSNA, ASCO — parking surges to $40 and lots fill before 8:30 a.m. Transit is often faster and cheaper:
- CTA Green Line: Cermak-McCormick Place stop opens directly onto a pedestrian bridge to the Grand Concourse. 5-minute walk. $2.50 one way.
- METRA Electric District: From Millennium Station (Loop) to McCormick Place station, 7 minutes, drops passengers directly under the convention center. $4.25 one way.
- Free Convention Bus: Many large shows charter a free shuttle between downtown hotels and McCormick Place — check your show website.
- Ride share: Uber/Lyft have a dedicated pickup zone on Level 2.5 at Gate 40 (West Building). Expect $12–20 from downtown.
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McCormick Place parking tips for convention days
- Arrive before 7:45 a.m. on major show days — Lots A and B typically fill between 8:00 and 8:45.
- Pre-book through the MPEA portal. Advance online reservations lock in a spot at the posted daily rate and often save $5–10 vs. drive-up.
- Check the Bears schedule. On Bears home game Sundays, Soldier Field overflow disappears and McCormick lots fill by noon.
- Bring cash or a credit card. McCormick Place lots accept both, but the fastest lanes are credit-only.
- Know your exit gate. Lot A has three exits; during peak conventions, exit via Gate 41 to avoid the 25th Street backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is parking at McCormick Place?
Standard McCormick Place parking rates in 2026 are $25/day at Lot A (covered), $25/day at Lot B (surface), and $22/day at Lot C. Event-day surge pricing can push rates as high as $40/day during major conventions.
Which McCormick Place lot is closest to the building?
Lot A is the closest parking option, with direct covered access to the West Building and South Building. Lot B serves the North Building, and Lot C is farthest but cheapest at $22/day with a short indoor walkway connection.
Is there cheaper parking near McCormick Place?
Yes. Soldier Field parking lots (about a 15-minute walk north) often run $15–20 on non-Bears days and are the cheapest walkable option. Street parking along South Indiana and South Prairie can also run under $15 on non-event days.
Can I take public transit to McCormick Place?
Yes. The CTA Green Line Cermak-McCormick Place stop is a 5-minute walk at $2.50 one way. METRA Electric trains from Millennium Station take 7 minutes and drop passengers directly under the building.
Does McCormick Place parking get full?
Yes. During major shows like Auto Show, IMTS, or RSNA, Lots A and B routinely fill by 8:30 a.m. Arrive before 8 a.m., reserve in advance, or plan to use Lot C, Soldier Field overflow, or transit.