Top Chicago Bus Tours

There are plenty of high-quality bus tours in Chicago. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
• Chicago Small-Group City Tour with Optional Architecture River Cruise
• Chicago Pizza Tour
• Chicago Evening Crime Tour by Bus
• Chicago City Minibus Tour

Yes, taking a bus tour in Chicago is worth it. You can cover so much ground without the hassle of parking, public transportation, or trying to navigate the city yourself. Hop on a tour bus, and you only have to think about sightseeing and listening to your guide. Plus, some tours include refreshments.

There are many Chicago bus tours under US$50, although private tours can reach upwards of US$125. Still, most travelers consider taking a bus tour in Chicago well worth the cost. Themed tours include learning about Chicago’s mob history, African-American heritage, deep-dish pizza, craft brews, and more.

Most Chicago bus tours last 2–4 hours. If you don’t have that much time, plenty of tours only last one hour. On the other hand, if you’ve got all day, you can find tours that last up to 10 hours—these usually include lunch, museum visits, and more.

Chicago bus tours take you to the city’s best attractions, neighborhoods, and restaurants. Some tours cover architecture or history, while others focus on food or beverages. Depending on the tour, you can see Cloud Gate (“The Bean”), Lincoln Park, The Magnificent Mile, Willis Tower, The Art Institute of Chicago, and more.

Chicago bus tours offer an audio and visual experience combining culture, history, and sightseeing. As you ride the bus, you’ll learn about the city’s sites from a local guide. Many tours feature stops at museums or restaurants (some with admission or food included), and others offer a hop-on/hop-off option. Typically, gratuity for your guide is not included.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Chicago aside from bus tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Architecture Tours

• Sunset Cruises

• Dinner Cruises

• Night Cruises

• Hop-On Hop-Off Buses

Chicago bus tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Chicago's Original Gangster Tour by Bus

• Chicago City Minibus Tour

• Chicago City Tour With Architecture River Cruise Option

• Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

• Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

Many different kinds of bus tours are available in Chicago, so you should be able to find one that suits your interests. If you’re a first-time visitor, you may want to pick a tour that provides an overview of the city and passes many places; if you’ve been to Chicago before, you might prefer a tour that focuses on architecture or an area you haven’t been to. Excursions vary from those that drive around without stops to tours that allow passengers to get off at specific areas or attractions.

To make the most of your Chicago bus tour, consider how comfortable you are sitting in a vehicle for extended periods. A private or small-group tour by minivan that stops frequently may be most enjoyable if you’re traveling with kids or need to stretch your legs often. In winter or periods of bad weather, consider booking a sightseeing tour that passes highlights but doesn’t require getting off the bus to explore.

While bus tours can provide shelter from cold winter weather, visit Chicago between April and October to see the city at its best. While the city is a year-round travel destination, winter is typically very cold and exploring outdoors may be less enjoyable.