Willis Tower is Chicago's tallest building (and one of the world's loftiest). Breathe deeply during the ear-popping, 70-second elevator ride to the 103rd-floor Skydeck, then stride to one of the glass-enclosed ledges that jut out in midair for a knee-buckling perspective straight down some 1400ft.

The elevator ride to the Skydeck on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower (formerly the Sears Tower) in Chicago takes approximately 60 seconds. These elevators are among the fastest in the world, traveling at a speed of about 1,600 feet per minute (roughly 18 miles per hour). During the ascent, multimedia screens inside the elevator cabins display interesting facts about the building’s history and architecture, timed perfectly to end just as the doors open at the top. Because the ascent is so rapid, many passengers experience a "popping" sensation in their ears due to the quick change in atmospheric pressure. In 2026, the Skydeck remains one of Chicago’s most popular attractions, particularly for its "Ledge" experience—glass-bottomed balconies that extend four feet out from the building. To avoid long waits for these elevators, it is highly recommended to purchase a timed-entry ticket or an "Expedited Entry" pass, as the physical elevator ride is much shorter than the typical queue time, which can exceed an hour during peak summer weekends or sunset hours.