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. Instead, when you hop on a tour bus, you only have to think about sightseeing and listening to your guide. As an added bonus, some tours include refreshments.

There are many Chicago bus tours available for less than US$50 per person, although private tours can exceed US$125. Still, most travelers consider taking a bus tour in Chicago well worth the cost. Many tours add additional value beyond straightforward sightseeing, whether that’s getting an in-depth introduction to Chicago’s mob history, learning about its African-American heritage, or enjoying a pizza crawl, depending on the option you choose.

Most Chicago bus tours last between two and four hours. If you don’t have that much time free, some express tours are capped at an hour or 90 minutes. On the other hand, if you’ve got all day, you can find also find excursions that last up to a full day. These can include lunch, museum visits, and other perks, depending on the option selected.

Chicago bus tours cover the city’s best attractions, neighborhoods, and restaurants, though the specifics will vary depending on the option you choose. 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, the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, and more.

Chicago bus tours typically include narration, whether provided by a live guide or an audio guide. Audio guides are particularly common on hop-on hop-off bus itineraries, and are usually available in many different languages. More generally, bus tours typically offer a mix of culture, history, and sightseeing, and some also include stops at attractions and restaurants (with admission and food sometimes included, respectively).

Yes, all tours can be booked online in advance, which is a convenient option (and is particularly recommended for popular tours). After booking, you will typically receive a confirmation that you can show on your phone. Hop-on hop-off bus tours are most often sold as 24-, 48-, or 72-hour passes. Choose the duration that’s best for your sightseeing schedule, and then enjoy a flexible way to explore.

Many different 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, 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. In winter, consider booking a sightseeing tour that passes highlights but doesn’t require getting off the bus to explore.

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

Starting points for Chicago bus tours tend to vary by operator. Many popular sightseeing and hop-on hop-off tours depart near downtown Chicago landmarks, such as the Magnificent Mile, Chicago Riverwalk, or Navy Pier. Smaller neighborhood tours can start from a wide range of locations, and some may offer hotel pickup. It’s best to confirm itinerary details in advance.

Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tours typically depart once per hour between 10am and 4pm, so you’re free to board and disembark where and when you wish along the route. If you don’t want to leave your timings up to chance, go for a bus tour that has a specific departure time, and consider a private sightseeing itinerary.

Many Chicago bus tours are great for visitors of all ages, from kids to seniors, particularly as they offer a fun way to see the city without too much walking. Small-group minivan and private tours are particularly ideal for travelers with limited mobility or those exploring the city with younger kids. Wheelchair accessibility varies; it’s best to contact tour operators for specific guidance.