Chicago Tourist Bus
The Chicago Tourist Bus is a great way to get to know the Windy City. You can hop on and hop off at any of the stops to explore its iconic landmarks at your own pace.
Route and stops
The Chicago Tourist Bus has 14 stops along a route that takes a total of two hours (red line). You'll discover Chicago's main places of interest and admire its impressive skyline on a double-decker open-top bus. Throughout the journey, learn fun facts and fascinating history from the recorded audio commentary about the places visited along the way.
Don't miss stopping at Millennium Park, the home of the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture also called 'The Bean'; the Field Museum, one of the largest natural history museums in the world; the historic Water Tower, and the Sears Tower, the second tallest skyscraper in the United States.
You can discover the bus route and all of its stops on a map via the following link:
Options
Choose any of the following options to tailor your trip to your needs and interests:
- 1 day ticket: includes unlimited access to Big Bus Chicago for one day.
- 2 day ticket + Chicago Architecture Center: as well as unlimited use of the Big Bus Chicago buses for two days, you'll also get a ticket to the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), a must if you're interested in finding out more about the history behind the city's buildings.
- 2 day ticket + Chicago Architecture Center + Night Tour: as well as unlimited use of the Big Bus Chicago buses for two days and a ticket to the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), you'll also enjoy the Centennial Wheel (in winter) or a night tour on a panoramic bus (in summer).
- Night tour (May to October): exclusively includes a night time panoramic tour in an open-top bus, allowing you to admire the beautifully illuminated Chicago skyline. Only from May to October.
How does it work?
Your ticket will have a validity of 1 or 2 days from first use. During this time, you can get on and get off the bus as many times as you'd like.
Although you must select a date when booking, your ticket will be valid for 12 months following this date. When you book we'll send you a voucher by email which you'll need to hand in on the first bus you take.
Timetable and frequency
- Red Line (day): Daily from 9 am to 5 pm, every 10-15 minutes (May-Oct) and 9 am to 4 pm, every hour (Nov-Apr). The complete line takes 2 hours to complete.
- Blue Line (night): Daily from May to September from Navy Pier (stop 11) at 7:45 pm, 8:15 pm, and 8:45 pm and daily in October at 7 pm. The complete route takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
Covid-19 Measures
All of our providers comply with local legislation and applicable health recommendations regarding protection and safety, to help avoid the spread of Covid-19. Specifically, the provider of this tour will apply the following measures:
- Tours or activities will not consist of more than 25 people per group.
- A safe distance of one metre between clients will be maintained whenever possible.
- The use of masks is obligatory. The client must bring their own mask.
- Alcohol gel will be available before, during, and after the service.
- All those running the service (guide, driver etc...) will wear a mask throughout its duration.
- Disinfected radio units will be provided, and headphones will be single-use.
- Handing out of printed material such as maps or brochures will be avoided.
- The temperature and wellness of all those taking part in the service will be monitored daily, excluding and maintaining in quarantine any who display fever or symptoms.
- The transport used will be disinfected before and after each service and deep-cleaned every 24 hours.
- The capacity of all means of transport will be reduced to 50% of their maximum capacity.
- Showing your voucher on your phone will be enough, and it is not necessary to print anything.
Price
More Information
Duration
1 day - 2 days.
Language
The tour includes audio commentary in English.
Included
Unlimited use of Big Bus Chicago during selected time.
Travel by bus to Chicago's main tourist sights.
Headphones for each passenger.
Access to the Centennial Wheel (optional, between 1 November and 30 April).
Night tour on panoramic bus (optional, between 1 May and 31 October).
When to book?
Book as soon as possible to guarantee availability, especially during public holidays and festivities.
Ticket
Once your booking has been confirmed, you will receive an email containing your booking voucher. Please print it out or download on your smartphone/tablet to show on the day of the activity.
Frequently asked questions
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Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you still have more questions, check out our section on frequently asked questions. If you need help to book an activity or have any enquiries, please contact us.
Accessibility
Yes (most of the buses are accessible).
