THE 10 BEST Chicago Bus Tours
Bus tours in chicago.
- Sightseeing Tours
- Historical & Heritage Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Up to 1 hour
- 1 to 4 hours
- 4 hours to 1 day
- 5.0 of 5 bubbles
- 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
- Chinese (Traditional)
- Likely to Sell Out
- Special Offers
- The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.
1. Chicago City Minibus Tour
2. Chicago Pizza Tour
3. Chicago Private Custom City Tour with Hotel Pick Up
4. Best of Chicago Small-Group Tour with Skydeck and River Cruise
5. Chicago Small-Group City Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise
6. Private Shopping Tour from Chicago to Chicago Premium Outlets
7. Chicago Evening Crime Tour by Bus
8. 4-Hour Chicago City Tour by SUV
9. Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour
10. Chicago Full-Day City Tour
11. The Devil in the White City: A Haunting History Tour
12. Small-Group Tour of Chicago Neighborhoods - North and South Side
13. Chicago Tour - South Side
14. Private Chicago Highlights Driving Tour
15. African American Heritage Tour of Chicago
16. Saturday Chicago Pizza History and Tastings Bus Tour
17. Big Bus Chicago Sunset Tour
18. Chicago Architectural Highlights Bus Tour
19. Untouchable Tours Chicago's Original Gangster Tour
20. Private Chicago Tour with Driver and tour Guide. Hotel pick up included
21. Private Shopping Tour from Chicago to Fashion Outlets of Chicago
22. Private Chicago Architecture Tour
23. Private Chicago Scenic Driving Tour
24. Chicago Private Instagram Car Tour (Private & All-Inclusive)
25. Private Haunted History of Chicago Ghost Tour
26. Chicago Small-Group Night Tour with Skydeck and Boat Cruise
27. Windmill Island-Tulip Festival Day Tour from Chicago
28. Lake Superior,Lake Huron,Lake Michigan 4-Day Tour from Chicago
29. 4 Hours of Chicago City Tour Sedan
30. Chicago Sightseeing Tour by Luxury Stretch Limo
What travellers are saying.
- Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
- Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour
- Chicago City Minibus Tour
- Chicago Small-Group City Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise
- Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour
- Pizza City USA
- Chicago's Finest Tours
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- Go City | Chicago
- SEE Chicago Today
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Big Bus Tours Chicago
- Next open Thursday 10:00AM Closed
- 98 East Upper Wacker Drive Chicago 60601 United States
- (877) 285-4796
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Price — $20.00 – $65.00
Hop-on and discover Chicago from the best point of view. Hop-off and explore the best experiences Chicago has to offer.
Hop-On and Discover! Hop-Off and Explore!
Your visit to Chicago isn’t complete without an open-top sightseeing bus tour; join us on an adventure at Big Bus Tours Chicago !
Hop-on and hop-off at any of our 11 Stops in the city and make your own adventure. Our 2-hour ‘Big Loop’ tour showcases Chicago by day, with stops conveniently located close to key landmarks and attractions. Start at Navy Pier, shop on the Magnificent Mile, scale the Willis Tower, and take fun selfies at Millennium Park all while learning about the history of Chicago.
Don’t worry about driving, we have that covered!
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Willis Tower & Skydeck
- Millennium Park & Art Institute
- Hilton Chicago & Grant Park
- Adler Planetarium
- Museum Campus
- Sheraton Grand Hotel
- Water Tower Place
- John Hancock Center & 360° Chicago
- Hard Rock Café
Discover: Adult: $54, Child: $39
- Valid 1 Day
- ‘Big Loop’ tour
Essential: Adult: $64, Child: $44
- Valid 2 Days
Explore: Adult: $85, Child: $49
- Panoramic Sunset Tour
Additional Information:
- We recommend that guests bring sunscreen and water.
- Download our Big Bus Tours app in the App Store or Google Play to have live bus tracking and start planning your Chicago adventure!
- Mon-Fri 10:00AM – 5:00PM
- Saturday 10:00AM – 5:00PM
- Sunday 10:00AM – 5:00PM
Marathon Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day: Closed
- Accepts Credit Cards
- Wheelchair Accessible
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Not sure what to do this weekend? We have your days planned for you, filled with variety of one-of-a-kind experiences for all ages you can only find on Michigan Avenue.
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Tours From Chicago
1-day chicago city tour tour code : gol-chi-115.
Departure City : Chicago IL
Available Days : Mon & Wed
Highlights : Welcome to the amazing city of Chicago. Check out the classical landmarks in Chicago while getting amazed by its post-modern architectures. Discover the stories behind the city’s most significant buildings such as Cloud Gate and Chicago Theatre. Take an in-depth tour of the city of Chicago and visit 360 Chicago for a full 360-degree panoramic view of Chicago from above. Explore Millenium Park and Grant Park.
- Minimum of 2 guests required.
1-Day Chicago to Holland Michigan Tulip Festival Tour Tour code : GOL-CHI-142
Available Days : Special Dates
Highlights : [Safe travel] Vehicles are regularly disinfected throughout the journey, and professional drivers and guides provide considerate service, making travel more at ease. [Heart-warming service] The Chinese-speaking tour guide will lead the team throughout the journey, use the car comfortably, and start a comfortable journey. [Selected Attractions] Indulge in the sea of tulips, take you to feel the windmill island in spring; stroll in the Holland Village, enjoy the European style; run in Sobetak, deeply search for the lost town of Singapore.
3-Day Chicago to Pittsburgh, Amish Village and Washington DC Cherry Blossom Festival Tour Tour code : GOL-CHI-156
Available Days : 2024-03-29 | 2024-04-05
Highlights : Visit Pittsburgh, Point State Park, Washington, Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Vietnam Veteran Memorial, Potomac River, Jefferson Memorial, Amish Village, White House, and much more a guided bus tour from Chicago inclusive of hotel stay and bus transportation.
Guided group tour with a minimum of 2 guests.
4-Day Chicago to Indianapolis, Chattanooga, Nashville and Great Smoky Mountains Sightseeing Tour Tour code : GOL-CHI-123
Highlights : Here is the opportunity for you to go and explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Knoxville, Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum, Dixie Stampede, Chattanooga, Nashville, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Tennessee, Indiana state Museum, Indiana state House, Mammoth Cave National Park, and more on this exciting Chicago Guided Bus Tour.
4-Day Chicago to Detroit, Milwaukee, Mackinac Island and Great Lakes Tour Tour code : GOL-CHI-124
Available Days : Thursday
Highlights : Four famous lakeside cities: Milwaukee and Traverse City along Lake Michigan, Green Bay along Green Bay, and Sault Ste. Mackinac Island, which was once selected as one of the top ten most beautiful islands in the world and known as the treasure of the Great Lakes in North America.
- During maple season from September to October, the hotel will charge an additional $60.00 per room per night.
5-Day Chicago to Millennium Park, Milwaukee, Holland, Great Lakes and Chicago City Tour Tour code : GOL-CHI-125
Highlights : Five days to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the three major lakes in the Great Lakes region of the United States, all of which are located in Lake Michigan in the United States, Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, and Lake Huron, which has the longest shoreline among the Great Lakes. Famous cities along the five great lakes: Chicago, Milwaukee and Traverse City along Lake Michigan, Green Bay along Green Bay, and Sault Ste. Mackinac Island, which was once selected as one of the top ten most beautiful islands in the world and known as the treasure of the Great Lakes in North America; Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Scenic Area with beautiful beaches. Itinerary for departure schedule on Thursday: DAY1 Chicago - Green Bay - Escanaba DAY2 Lake Superior - Sault Ste. Marie - St Ignace DAY3 Mackinac Island - Traverse City DAY4 Holland - Chicago DAY5 Chicago City Tour
- Hotel breakfast.
- During the maple season from 09/21/2023 to 10/12/2023 , an additional $60.00 per room per night will be surcharged.
5-Day Chicago to Indianapolis, Great Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, Chattanooga and Mammoth Cave National Park Tour Tour code : GOL-CHI-165
Available Days : Wed & Thu
Highlights : 1. Explore Motorsports Hall of Fame. 2. Be in the National Park with most visitors in US -- Great Smoky Mountains. 3. Southern dinner show Dixie Stampede featuring America’s civil war. 4. Tour in Lookout Mountain: Rock City, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway. 5. Discover the stories behind the city’s most significant buildings such as Cloud Gate and Chicago Theatre. 6. Take an in-depth tour of the city of Chicago and visit 360 Chicago for a full 360-degree panoramic view of Chicago from above.7. Explore Millenium Park and Grant Park. Itinerary for Thursday departures is as follows:DAY1 Chicago - Indianapolis - London, KYDAY2 London, KY - Great Smoky Mountains National Park - ChattanoogaDAY3 Chattanooga - Lookout MountainDAY4 Mammoth Cave National Park - Chicago DAY5 Chicago City Tour
6-Day Chicago to Milwaukee, Lake Huron, Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Traverse City and Chicago Night Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-CHI-166
Available Days : Wednesday
Highlights : Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the three lakes in the Great Lakes: Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan! Explore the lively city of Chicago, Milwaukee, Green Bay, a port city on the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the ancient city of Sault Ste. Marie. Discover the Painted Wall National Lakeside Park on the shoreline of Lake Superior, hike the huge sand dunes, and visit the unique town of Holland Village. Itinerary for departure schedule on Wednesday: DAY1 Chicago Airport Pick-up DAY2 Chicago - Green Bay - Escanaba DAY3 Lake Superior - Sault Ste. Marie - St Ignace DAY4 Mackinac Island - Traverse City DAY5 Holland - Chicago DAY6 Chicago City Tour
- During the 09/19/2023-10/11/2023 maple season, an additional $240 per room will be surcharged.
- During maple season from 09/18/2024 to 10/09/2024 , an additional $240 per room will be surcharged.
6-Day Chicago to Indianapolis, Great Smoky Mountain Park, Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain and Mammoth Cave National Park Tour (Free Airport Pickup) Tour code : GOL-CHI-164A
Highlights : Explore Motorsports Hall of Fame. Be in the National Park with most visitors in US -- Great Smoky Mountains. Southern dinner show Dixie Stampede featuring America’s civil war. Tour in Lookout Mountain: Rock City, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway. Discover the stories behind the city’s most significant buildings such as Cloud Gate and Chicago Theatre. Take an in-depth tour of the city of Chicago and visit 360 Chicago for a full 360-degree panoramic view of Chicago from above.Explore Millenium Park and Grant Park.
- Hotel (Nights are one day less than the total number of tour days).
1-Day Chicago to Mid-Continent Railway Museum, Wisconsin Original Ducks and Fall Foliage Sightseeing Tour Tour code : GOL-CHI-141
Available Days :
Highlights : Join the guided tour to exploreMid-Continent Railway Museum and central Wisconsin. We will also take Autumn Color Train and Wisconsin Original Ducks rideon this exc iting guided bus tour .
- Only the guides and drivers who have COVID 19 negative can provide services from now onwards. Drivers and Guides will wear the mask. They will disinfect the bus daily. Travelers have to wear masks and their temperature will be monitored regularly. Travelers will be provided with hand sanitizer and wipes. We also suggest travelers to bring their own hand sanitizer. Bus sitting will be based on the standards set by the Government.
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Big Bus Chicago + Hotel Package
Half-Day Tour with 360 Observation Deck + Big Bus Tours Chicago
Go Chicago Explorer Pass + Big Bus Tours Chicago
Chinatown Food and Walking Tour + Big Bus Tours Chicago
Big Bus Tours Chicago + Chicago's Ultimate City Bike Tour
Big Bus Tours Chicago + Lakefront Neighborhoods Bicycle Tour
Big Bus Tours Chicago + Night Crime Tours
Big Bus Tours Chicago + Chicago Crime Tours
3D Fireworks Cruise + Big Bus Tours Chicago
Mercury's Canine Cruise + Big Bus Tours Chicago
Experience the Windy City’s iconic sights with a Big Bus Chicago hop on hop off tour and explore the city at your own pace. Enjoy panoramic top-deck views of iconic skyscrapers and Lake Michigan, and hop off to explore the Magnificent Mile, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and more. Download the free Big Bus app for routes and real-time tracking. 1 or more people
Good To Know
- You can use your ticket on any date.
- Suitable for all ages.
- Hop off and hop on at your leisure. Your driver will announce hop-off stops as the bus arrives at each location.
- You can download the Big Bus app to get real-time bus stop locations and timing.
- Buses run every 30-45 minutes.
- Experience amazing views from an open-top double-decker bus.
- See all the top landmarks.
- Pre-recorded commentary.
Description
- Chicago Riverwalk
- Skydeck Chicago & Willis Tower
- Millennium Park & The Art Institute of Chicago
- Hilton Chicago & Grant Park
- Adler Planetarium
- Museum Campus
- Sheraton Grand Chicago
- Water Tower & The Magnificent Mile
- 360 Chicago
- Hard Rock Cafe
Big Bus Tours Chicago Reviews
Big Bus Tours Chicago is located at Big Bus Tours • 98 E. Wacker Drive • Chicago , IL 60602
Nearby Things to Do
- Holiday Hike: Season Sampling Food & Walking Tour
- Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour
- American Writers Museum
- Welcome to Chicago: Private Half-Day Tour with 360 Observation Deck
- Medieval Torture Museum Chicago
Nearby Hotels & Lodging
- Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown
- River Hotel
- InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, an IHG Hotel
- Central Loop Hotel
- Club Quarters Hotel, Central Loop
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Bus Tours Chicago
What is the schedule and how often do the buses run.
The Big Loop (Red Route): - First Bus: 10:00am from Stop #1: Chicago Riverwalk (98 E. Wacker Dr.) - Last Bus: 5:00pm at Stop #1: Chicago Riverwalk (98 E. Wacker Dr.) - Full Circuit Time: 2 hours (approx.) Bus Frequency: every 35-40 minutes.
What stops are made along the route?
The Big Loop – Red Route includes the following stops: - Chicago Riverwalk: 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower) - Skydeck Chicago & Willis Tower: 319 W. Jackson Blvd (opposite Willis Tower/Skydeck entrance) - Millennium Park & The Art Institute of Chicago: 112 S. Michigan Ave (in front of Citibank) - Hilton Chicago & Grant Park: 800 S. Michigan Ave (outside Kitty O'Shea's Pub) - Adler Planetarium: 500 E. Solidarity Drive (bus loading zone near entrance) - Museum Campus: 425 E. McFetridge Drive (next to Field Museum car park) - Sheraton Grand Chicago: 441 N. Columbus Drive (across the street from NBC Towers) - Navy Pier: 600 E. Grand Ave (Big Bus tent @north end of park) - Water Tower & The Magnificent Mile: 163 E. Pearson St (near the corner of Michigan Ave) - 360 Chicago: 150 E. Chestnut St (near the corner with Chestnut St) - Hard Rock Cafe: 614 N. Clark Street (in front of the Rock 'n' Roll McDonald's)
Are there any dates the bus tours do not operate?
Big Bus Tours Chicago operates every day except Thanksgiving (November 25) and Christmas Day (December 25).
Are child tickets available?
Yes, child tickets are available for passengers aged between 3–12 years. Children 2 and under may travel free of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 16.
Are accommodations available for persons with disabilities?
Yes, Big Bus Tours operates wheelchair accessible vehicles with lifts that can accommodate a weight up to 650 pounds. Please be advised that their entire Chicago fleet is not wheelchair accessible. If you or your travelling partner(s) requires an ADA accessible vehicle, please contact the number on your e-ticket 48 hours prior to your tour. They can then arrange for a suitable vehicle to be available at the time and location required.
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Which Chicago Bus Tours Are Best?
City, gangster, and beer tours.
Sometimes when we're leading one of our many tours in Chicago, we'll receive questions about whether or not any of the bus tours in this city are worth the time and money.
With that in mind, we've created this helpful guide to give you an idea of how much each bus tour costs, what you can expect to see, how long it lasts, and other important details.
This post reviews and compares the many different Chicago bus tours, double-decker hop-on-hop-off, gangster, and more, some of which are included for free with tourist passes.
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
- Sightseeing Non-Stop Tours
- Night Tours
- Gangster Tours
- Beer + Distillery Tours
- Combos + Deals
Tips From Locals and Travelers
Disclosure: We think you should consider our free tours, but we have also provided other options. While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text .
HOP-ON-HOP-OFF DOUBLE-DECKER BUS TOUR
A popular option for bus tours is the hop-on-hop-off tour variety.
All the double-decker buses in this section run continuously along mapped routes, and riders have the option to board at several predetermined locations throughout the city.
Travelers can get off the bus at any of these stops and discover the landmarks for themselves. After exploring various areas of Chicago, hop back onto the bus and continue your journey!
There are pre-recorded commentaries that tell you about what you're seeing.
Each ticket will be valid for a certain amount of time (typically 24-48 hours) and you can come and go as you please.
Ticket prices range from $19-$49 for adults and $14-$35 for children, depending on which kind of tour is chosen from which company.
Read our full comparison post on hop-on-hop-off bus tours , where we detail the pros and cons, route maps, and options for discounts.
NON-STOP SIGHTSEEING TOURS
Although hop-on-hop-off bus tours can be very informative, they are designed for exploring the city to allow you to pick your stops and explore at your own pace.
Non-stop sightseeing tours are about guiding you through a specific area, with a live guide's commentary covering the significance of iconic landmarks and the history of an area.
Note that "non-stop" is a bit of a misnomer, as they do stop from time to time, but they make the choice about which sites they will be taking people to.
While some trips are focused on how Chicago became such a bustling city of industry, other tours center their attention on the architectural history of the Windy City.
Most of these services are very highly rated and tickets will cost between $30-$50 for adults and $15-$37 for children.
1. See It All Mini Tour
See It All offers a two-hour experience that allows you to experience a large part of the city, with three great photo stops!
Expert guides will provide information about the interesting parts of the windy city while you take in the various sights and sounds.
This company offers hotel pick-ups at most locations downtown . Simply select your hotel (or the hotel nearest you) at the time of booking.
This tour company has a 5 out of 5 stars rating on TripAdvisor ( read the reviews ).
Several comments suggest that the See It All tour is a great introduction to the city for visitors who may not be familiar with their surroundings.
The tour passes by and through many of Chicago's major attractions and neighborhoods with guides discovering the rich history of the city.
Tour Highlights
- The Magnificent Mile | Tribune Tower, 360 Observation Deck, John Hancock Building , Wrigley Building
- Navy Pier | Lake Michigan
- Millenium Park | The Bean, Pritzker Pavillion, Crown Fountain, and more. Read about 9 Things to Do in Millenium Park here.
- Chicago River | Wrigley Building, Tribune Tower, Marina City
- Buckingham Fountain | Grant Park , Art Institute of Chicago
- Museum Campus | Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Soldier Field, Adler Planetarium, and much more
- Lincoln Park | Lincoln Park Zoo, gardens, fountains, sculptures, and more. You can take our Lincoln Park Blues and Gangster Tour while you're there.
- Gold Coast | restaurants, upscale neighborhoods, the Original Playboy Mansion
- Skydeck Chicago | The Willis (Sears) Tower
- The Rookery Building | Frank Lloyd Wright-designed
- The Art Institute of Chicago
Standard Prices
- Adults: $46.95
- Children: $36.95 (ages 4-12)
- Infants Free (0-3)
- Purchase tickets here .
Note that the tour makes a stop for photos at the Museum Campus because it has one of the best views of the Chicago Skyline.
You're also able to add on an upgrade for an open-top boat ride down the Chicago River.
2. Chicago Architecture Foundation Tours
Chicago is world-renowned for its architecture, and you can see the best of it on this bus tour!
Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) has been the cultural ambassador of Chicago architecture since 1966 and is the world’s largest public architecture organization.
With a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor, the Chicago Architecture Foundation is one of the highest-rated attractions in the city.
They have partnered with Big Bus Tour to bring you 4 tours that cover various points of interest, some of which they'll stop at.
Churches by Bus
- Visits Church on the South and Near West Sides of Chicago
- Cost: $50 public | $43 CAC Members
- Duration: 5 hours
- Find more information
- Purchase tickets here
- Not currently available.
Devil in the White City
- Visits locations from the book Devil in the White City one which covered a dark side of Chicago history
- Dates: 1st & 3rd Saturday from May - August
- Duration: 3.25 hours
Murals By Bus: Bronzeville
- Visits the historic Bronzeville neighborhood, covering a range of important topics while taking in its notable public murals
- Duration: 3.5 hours
Gothic Chicago by Bus
- Covers how the Gothic style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries was captured by Chicago architects
TIP: If you are interested in Chicago architecture, check out our pay-what-you-wish architecture tours .
NIGHT BUS TOURS OF CHICAGO
As with most cities, Chi-town really changes when the sun goes down. All of the buildings begin to light up and the city really starts to shine.
Thankfully, some of the bus tour companies in the area provide services during the night.
Night tours in Chicago are very highly rated. Most of these options are offered for free with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour.
Big Bus Night Tours
Discover how the Windy City changes when the sun goes down with this memorable panoramic night bus tour!
Reviews of the night tour from Big Bus Tours are mostly positive. They have a 4.5-star rating out of 5 stars on Trip Advisor.
Many of the positive comments mention that the tour guides are very informative and make the experience even more fun.
Some guests were happy with the comfort of their air-conditioned buses, while others were simply pleased that this was a live guided tour rather than a pre-recorded informative trip.
There are a few negative comments, but they all take issue with different problems that do not appear to have anything in common.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chicago 🏙 Travel | Hotels | Food | Tips (@chicago.explore)
Sunset Live Tour
- Visits Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, the Museum Campus, Loop, and more.
- Cost: Adult from $45 | Children from $31.50
- Dates: May-October
- Starts: 7:30 at Navy Pier
- Duration: 90 minutes
Sunset Live Tour + 360 Chicago & Cocktail
- Stops at the John Hancock 360 Observation Deck for a cocktail
- Cost: starts at $90
- Duration: 90 minutes for the tour plus extra time for the visit to the observation deck
Note that Big Bus has a free mobile app that can be downloaded to see where the bus is along the route. It can be downloaded here .
DARK BUT INTERESTING TOURS
Chicago has a noted history of criminal organizations and unusual crimes. Unfortunately, the tales we’ve heard from Hollywood don’t often tell the whole story.
In order to learn more about what really happened in the windy city, it’s important to learn the history from an expert.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Crime Tours (@crimetours)
Several bus tour companies in the area provide trips around some of the more historically relevant sites in the city, detailing some of the more infamous events that took place.
These bus tours are typically rated very well, and guests enjoy learning a lot about Chi-town’s disturbing past. Ticket prices range from $30-$46 per adult.
1. Chicago Mob and Crime Bus Tour
Curious about the world-famous mobsters, crime lords, and gangsters from the 19th century on?
Take a ride in style with the climate-controlled Black Limousine Bus and see the underworld of Chicago in an hour and a half guided tour.
- The Untouchables
- H.H. Holmes
- St. Valentine’s Day Massacre
- Biograph Theatre
- Holy Name Cathedral
- John Dillinger
The bus operates 7 days a week at the below times. The website advises guests to arrive 10 minutes early to check-in. Tours last 90 minutes.
- Standard price: $46
- Tour length: 1.5 hours long
- Departing from: 163 E. Pearson Street
- Tours take place 7 days a week
2. Weird Chicago Tours
This tour company a number of different tours covering some of the darker parts of Chicago's past.
If you want to take a peak into the seedier side of Chicago's history, you will be sure to find one of these tours interesting.
Tours On Offer
- Devil and the White City Bus Tour | Chicago's First HH Holmes Tour
- Haunted History Bus Tour | Chicago's Best Ghost Tour
- Al Capone Daydrinkers Pub Crawl | Adults Only Pub Tour
- True Crime and Mystery Bus Tour | The City's Most Macrabre Tour
- Roaring 20s Speakeasy Bus Tour | The Probhibition Tour of What Made Chicago Wild
- Blood, Guns & Valentines Gangster Bus Tour | An Authenic "Public Enemies" Tour
- Bus Tours | $30 per adult | $25 per child (under 12)
- Pub Crawls | $35 per person
- Departing from: 600 North Clark Street
- Tours take place on Saturdays
3. Untouchable Tours
Step into the 1920s with this 2 hour themed, guided tour! Known as the original Gangster Tour of Chicago, you’ll listen to the guides talk in slang as you learn about the true 1930’s Windy City.
There is no walking, so you’ll see all of the infamous spots from the comfort of the climate-controlled bus.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Untouchable Tours (@untouchabletours)
- Get the inside scoop on the windiest politicians, the red light district, and the notorious crime scene of the Prohibition Era
- St. Valentine's Day Massacre
- The Biograph Theatre
- By a 30-year-old company
- Bus Tours | $45 per person + $2.18 service fee
- Departing from 600 block of North Clark
- The tour schedule varies from month to month
BEER AND DISTILLERY TOURS
Discover the history behind Chicago’s finest alcoholic beverage by taking a bus tour.
These companies will actually drive you to a variety of different breweries and distilleries in the Chi-town area. Each location you visit will typically offer a variety of free drinks and taste-testing opportunities.
These trips will last for between 3 and 5 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore each of the stops on the tour of your choice. Expect to pay $65-$75 per ticket.
The Barrel Run
Last but certainly not least, this tour provides samples of local brews and liquors with their Chicago Breweries tour and their Distilleries tour.
Did we mention you ride around in a large barrel-shaped bus?
View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Barrel Run (@thebarrelrun)
Brewery Tour
- Visits Chicago-area breweries with beer samples and an in-depth tour
- Cost: Adult $99.60
- Tours take place Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
- Duration: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Picks up from 600 N Clark Street
- Find information and book tickets here
Distillery Tour
- Visits three local craft distilleries with samples at each and a tour of one of the facilities
- Find information and book tickets here
They do offer a private Gangster Prohibition Tour , and you can contact them to find out more information.
9 CHICAGO BUS TOUR DEALS
Many Chicago tour bus companies provide a variety of discounts on tickets. This section will describe a few of the best ways to get a good deal on Chicago bus tours.
We will also cover some common deals that might not be available at the moment but could be offered at some point in the future.
1. Tourist Passes
Companies like Big Bus offer their tours through Chicago tourist passes.
Chicago All-Inclusive Passes, Chicago Explorer Passes, and Prepackaged passes allow you to pay one flat price for multiple activities and attractions throughout the city.
You can use a tourist pass to save up to 50% off a variety of fun things to see and do in the Windy City, including the following:
- 360 Chicago
- Skydeck Chicago
- Shedd Aquarium
- Shoreline Architecture Cruise
- Museum of Science and Industry
- LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Read about each service and what they have to offer in our post about Chicago tourist passes .
2. Combo Packages
These combinations can provide decent savings for travelers who are looking to experience multiple activities in Chicago.
Tour companies sometimes combine their services with other popular activities and attractions in Chicago to give tourists and travelers a chance to save some money on tickets.
Learn more about combo packages for Chicago bus tours .
3. Deal Sites
Chicago bus tour companies often provide their services through websites such as Groupon and Living Social . Each of these websites provides deals on local activities.
At times, they will also provide promotional credits you can apply in addition to whatever deal they are already offering in order to save even more money!
4. Children's Tickets
Some Chicago bus tour companies will offer discounts of up to $20 off for children's tickets. Most of them also provide free tickets for children under the age of 3.
5. Senior Discount
There are not currently any senior discounts offered by any of the companies listed above, but that could change with time.
We recommend contacting them to ask whether or not their policy has changed before purchasing your ticket.
6. Student Discount
This is another common type of deal which is not currently offered by any of the companies listed above. Make sure to ask ahead of time to see if they have changed this recently.
7. Military Discount
Sadly, this type of deal is also not available with any of the tour companies listed above, but they may change their minds if you call to ask about it!
8. Group Rates
Some Chicago bus tour companies do offer group rates for large groups of people, but you have to call ahead and order your tickets directly to get this deal.
Currently, Big Bus is the only hop-on-hop-off bus tour offering group rates.
9. AAA Deal
There aren't currently any AAA deals available for the services listed above, but we recommend checking your own account to see if they have any deals you can take advantage of before purchasing a ticket.
Although we do our absolute best to provide all the details you'll need to enjoy a Chicago bus tour, there's always a chance that we might miss something.
That's one of many reasons that we have a Chicago Travel Tips group on Facebook, where travelers can ask questions about any tour or activity of interest.
Here are a few of the more helpful comments we found:
When it comes to the hop on hop off tours, most people agree that they're a very useful way to become familiar with the city and figure out where everything is located.
That said, there are some things you might want to consider before purchasing tickets, as this next comment reveals.
As one of our group members notes, when you're using a tourist pass to get tickets for a hop on hop off bus tour, chances are it will only be a 1 day ticket.
Even if you get a 2 day pass, it's very likely the bus tour ticket will only be valid for 1 day.
Other Chicago bus tours are more hit and miss when it comes to the reviews. While some people really enjoyed the Mob and Crime tour, others felt it wasn't anything special.
Thankfully, this isn't an extremely common sentiment, and it does seem that a majority of people who took this tour had a lot of fun.
For even more helpful advice and suggestions, make sure to check our Chicago Travel Tips Facebook Group and consider leaving a comment if you can't find the information you want.
And much, much more
About the author.
Stephen Pickhardt
North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.
- Call 800.437.2323
- View Our Brochure
5 Days / 4 Nights
Departure from your location may require en route lodging. Call for details.
Chicago, Illinois
A group bus tour.
America’s most popular mid-western city! Chicago’s landmark Navy Pier is a great place to find unique shops and restaurants. View the city’s architecture on a Chicago River cruise. Try your hand at gaming at a local casino. Go eye-to-eye with a dolphin at the Shedd Aquarium. Chicago is sure to be “your kind of town!”
This package includes:
- 4 Nights Lodging
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners, including Dinner in Greek Town
- Guided Tour of Chicago
- Shedd Aquarium
- Architectural Cruise of Chicago
- Water Tower Place Mall
- "Skydeck Chicago" Observation Deck
- Federal Reserve Money Museum
- Gaming at a Chicago-area Casino
- Lincoln Park Conservatory
- Gift for All
- Luggage Handling
- All Taxes and Meal Gratuities
- 2 Comps Per Bus of 40 or more
- Untouchable Gangster Tour
- Notre Dame University Tour
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Adler Planetarium
- Museum of Science and Industry
- Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio
Please contact me about this tour
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Major Theater Shows in Chicago D ay Trips
Extended Trips Sporting Events Book Store
Canterbury Bus Tours Rockford
Welcome… canterbury tours offer an entertaining variety of deluxe motor coach trips, we purchase top price tickets and provide transportation for all the major theater shows in chicago and the surrounding area. we also do day trips, sporting events, and extended trips. please browse our web site by clicking the menu topic above to find the perfect trip for your busy schedule..
“Like” us on Facebook for lots more information on our bus trips!
Upcoming Bus Trips
2024 Trips Below …
Wed. March 27 – Downton Abbey: The Exhibition – $95 Wed. March 27 – Shopping Westfield Old Orchard Mall – $60 Wed. April 17 – Titanic: The Immersive Exhibit – $95 Wed. May 15 – Guys and Dolls & Lunch, Drury Lane – $155 Wed. May. 15 – Oakbrook Mall – $60 Wed. May 29 – Beautiful Beautiful: The Carole King Musical & Lunch, Paramount – $145 Sat. June 1 – Death Becomes Her, Cadillac Palace – $165 Fri. June 14 – Cubs vs Cards – Sec 225 Rows 15-20 – $TBD Wed. June 19 – Museum of Science & Industry/Shedd or Navy Pier – $60 Fri. June 28 – Cubs @ Brewers – Sec 214 Rows 13-18 – $125 Wed. July 31 – Hummingbird Haven and more – $TBD Wed. Aug. 28 – Back to the Future, Cadillac Palace – $185 Wed. Oct. 30 – The Cursed Child, Nederlaner,- $220 Wed. Nov. 20 – A Beautiful Noise, Cadillac Palace – $TBD
Canterbury Books and Tours ~ Highcrest Centre
1662 N. Alpine Road ~ Rockford, IL 61107
Call for Details and Reservations (815) 398-1454
Canterbury Bus Tours and Book Store has been proudly serving Rockford and Chicago Areas for over 42 years. Thank You to our many loyal and appreciated friends. Special Thanks to Marshall Computer Services!
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Essential Ticket + Shoreline Architecture Cruise (Departs Michigan Ave) 48 Hours What's included. 48h Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour Ticket. Shoreline Sightseeing 75-min Architecture Cruise. Ride these routes…. Red Loop. More Info. Adult From US$95.00. Child From US$55.00.
Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets. Blue Lagoon Tours and Tickets. Burj Khalifa Tours and Tickets. Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets. Check out reviews & photos of Chicago Bus Tours with increased safety measures & flexible booking.
Filters • 1. Sort. Sightseeing Tours. City Tours. Historical & Heritage Tours. Cultural Tours. Bus Tours. Top Chicago Bus Tours: See reviews and photos of Bus Tours in Chicago, Illinois on Tripadvisor.
Purchase a 24- or 48-hour Big Bus pass, download the app for timetable information, and head to one of the designated stops to begin your hop-on, hop-off tour of Chicago. The first bus departs at 10am and the last at 5pm, so you can choose a time and route to fit your schedule. Completing the sightseeing route in one go takes about one hour but ...
15 Nashville. 16 San Diego. 17 St. Augustine, Florida. 18 Everglades City. 19 Niagara Falls, USA. 20 San Antonio. Explore Chicago at your own pace with a Big Bus hop-on hop-off tour or sunset tour. See Chicago's landmarks including Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Magnificent Mile from an open-top double-decker bus.
These experiences are best for bus tours in Chicago: Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour; Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour; Chicago Night Crimes Bus Tour; Chicago Small-Group City Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise; Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour; See more bus tours in Chicago on Tripadvisor
Best Bus Tours in Chicago, IL - Big Bus Tours Chicago, Chicago Trolley & Double Decker, Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences, The Barrel Run, Gray Line Sightseeing Tours, Family Secrets Tour, South Shore Brew Bus, Irish Express, Untouchable Tours, The 312 Limo
About. Known as a world-famous hub for architecture, art, and politics, the lakeside city of Chicago has a wealth of must-see sights. Know exactly where to go in the Windy City on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour, complete with several stops covering everything from the famous Thorne Miniature Rooms in the Art Institute to the Adler Planetarium.
Your visit to Chicago isn't complete without an open-top sightseeing bus tour; join us on an adventure at Big Bus Tours Chicago! Hop-on and hop-off at any of our 11 Stops in the city and make your own adventure. Our 2-hour 'Big Loop' tour showcases Chicago by day, with stops conveniently located close to key landmarks and attractions.
With a flexible hop-on, hop-off policy, engaging guides and comfortable, open-top buses, exploring Chicago's best attractions and sights is as easy as it gets with Big Bus Tours. Choose a one-, or multi-day ticket, and you'll get the time and the insider's knowledge to size up the city on your own schedule. Big Bus Tours also offers ...
Chicago Helicopter Experience Tour, IL ; Blue Earth, MN ; Portillo's Hot Dog, IL ; Famous Cottage Cheese Store, MN ... White House, and much more a guided bus tour from Chicago inclusive of hotel stay and bus transportation. $379.05/ $399.00 Save:$19.95 View Details. Guided group tour with a minimum of 2 guests. 4-Day ...
Experience the Windy City's iconic sights with a Big Bus Chicago hop on hop off tour and explore the city at your own pace. Enjoy panoramic top-deck views of iconic skyscrapers and Lake Michigan, and hop off to explore the Magnificent Mile, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, and more. Download the free Big Bus app for routes and real-time tracking.
Optional Upgrade: For more sightseeing by water upgrade your tour to include a boat ride down the Chicago River. This open-top boat tour provides an in-depth look at the architecture of Chicago. Additionally, learn about the role the river has played in the city's history. The Magnificent Mile (Pass By) Navy Pier (Pass By) Show 10 more stops.
Several bus tour companies in the area provide trips around some of the more historically relevant sites in the city, detailing some of the more infamous events that took place. These bus tours are typically rated very well, and guests enjoy learning a lot about Chi-town's disturbing past. Ticket prices range from $30-$46 per adult.
Reviews on City Bus Tour in Chicago, IL - Big Bus Tours Chicago, The 312 Limo, Chicago Trolley & Double Decker, Loopr, Untouchable Tours
48 Hours What's included. 48h Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour Ticket. Shoreline Sightseeing 75-min Architecture Cruise. Ride these routes…. Red Loop. More Info. Adult From US$90.00. Child From US$50.00. Discover Chicago.
1. Big Bus Tours Chicago. "Perfect way to see the city when you have limited time. Candace was a blast - friendly and knowledgeable and fun" more. 2. Chicago Trolley & Double Decker. "Looking for something new and different to do on Black Friday we took the Holiday lights tour this year. We have a tremendous driver, he was a lot of fun ...
Bus Tours & Group Tour Packages to Chicago, Illinois. The White Star Difference. 5 Days / 4 Nights. $589. Per Person / Double Occupancy. Plus Bus Transportation. Year Round. 800.437.2323. Departure from your location may require en route lodging.
Discover Ticket. 24 Hours What's included. 24h Hop-on, Hop-off Bus Tour Ticket. Fully Flexible Bus Ticket (free date change) Ride these routes…. Red Loop. More Info. Adult US$54.00 From US$48.60. Child US$39.00 From US$35.10.
Bus Tours in and around the Rockford Chicago Areas 815-398-1454. ... IL 61107. Call for Details and Reservations (815) 398-1454. Canterbury Bus Tours and Book Store has been proudly serving Rockford and Chicago Areas for over 42 years. Thank You to our many loyal and appreciated friends. Special Thanks to Marshall Computer Services!