Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
Chicago, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Skip the hassle of planning your Chicago itinerary with this convenient hop-on hop-off tour, covering the city's must-see sights. With multiple strategically located stops, explore the Windy City at your own pace, hopping off to visit top attractions like the iconic Art Institute and famous skyscrapers. Enjoy insightful audio commentary as you cruise through the city, learning about its rich history and vibrant culture. Perfect for first-time visitors or those short on time, this tour offers flexibility and ease, ensuring you don’t miss any of Chicago’s highlights. Book your ticket today and experience the best of Chicago hassle-free!
- See top attractions such as Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Grant Park
- Capture unobstructed views from the open-top, double-decker bus
- Learn about Chicago’s sights and history from the onboard audio commentary
- Choose a 24-, 48-, 0r 72hour tour ticket to suit your schedule
Why Travelers Choose This Tour
A full circuit introduces you to the city’s top attractions, with none of the logistical headaches.
What's Included
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
- Professional digital commentary in multiple languages
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Enclosed/Climate Controlled Lower Deck, Top Deck Open
- 4 Self-guided Digital Walking Tours to explore the city (if option selected)
- Panoramic Sunset Live Guided Tour (Included with 72-Hour Ticket)
- Free Vox Self-Guided Walking Tour app download (included with 48-Hour and 72-Hour tickets)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Admission to attractions
Meeting and Pickup
Departure Point
- You may start this tour at any of the stops listed.
Itinerary
Purchase a 24-, 48-, or 72-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 two hours but many travelers like to make full use of the pass, which allows you to get on and off whenever you like at the designated stops. The Big Bus sightseeing route includes many Chicago must-visits, such as the Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Listen to the audio guide along the way to learn more about the so-called Windy City. Buses depart every hour from each of 11 stops, so you’ll never have to wait long for your next pickup.
Completing the sightseeing route in one go takes about two hours but many travelers like to make full use of the pass, which allows you to get on and off whenever you like at the designated stops. The Big Bus sightseeing route includes many Chicago must-visits, such as the Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Listen to the audio guide along the way to learn more about the so-called Windy City. Buses depart every hour from each of 11 stops, so you’ll never have to wait long for your next pickup.
Red Loop
11 Stops
35 Points of Interest
Duration: 2 hours
Operating Schedule: Operates daily: First Bus 10AM, Last Bus 4PM. Loop duration: 2 hours. Download the free Big Bus app for stop locations, city information and live bus tracking.
1
Chicago Riverwalk
2
Skydeck Chicago
3
Millennium Park
4
Grant Park
5
Adler Planetarium
6
Field Museum
7
Chicago Architecture Center
8
Navy Pier
9
Magnificent Mile
10
360 CHICAGO
11
Mc Donald’s
Points of interest passed by on this route
Skydeck Chicago - Willis Tower
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Chicago Theatre
Field Museum
Adler Planetarium
360 Chicago Observation Deck
Grant Ulysses Park
Navy Pier
Millennium Park
Water Tower Place
BigBus Chicago
Clarence F. Buckingham Fountain
Cloud Gate
Financial District
Maggie Daley Park
The Magnificent Mile
Tribune Tower
Holy Name Cathedral
Chicago River
Chicago Riverwalk
Soldier Field
The Rookery Building
Centennial Wheel
Chicago Cultural Center
Wrigley Building
American Writers Museum
The McCormick Bridgehouse & Chicago River Museum
Northerly Island
Jay Pritzker Pavilion
Lyric Opera of Chicago
Symphony Center - Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Monadnock Building
Chicago Fed's Money Museum
The Art Institute of Chicago
The Field Museum Store
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- Choice of audio tours: Chicago Architecture, Public Art, Chicago Riverwalk, and Millennium Park
- Download the Big Bus Tours app to access and activate your ticket, track buses in real time, and board easily using your mobile ticket.
- Redeem tickets via Big Bus app or in person
- Please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
- The Sunset Tour is a non-stop panoramic tour and is guided in English only.
Supplied by
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q:How often does a bus arrive at each stop during the Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour?
A:A bus arrives approximately every 30-45 minutes.
Mar 2022
The answers provided are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.9
based on 2,272 reviews
Kathleen_W, Jun 2026
Good overview of the city. Audio needs to be better synced with the travel. We had already passed some landmarks when audio reviewed them.
Wendy_E, Jun 2026
The driver continually requested tips. He gave some information but mostly relied on the recorded information through ear buds.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We're sorry to hear that aspects of your experience did not meet expectations. We appreciate your comments regarding the driver and onboard experience, as this is not the standard of service we aim to provide. Your feedback will be shared with the relevant team for review, and we thank you for taking the time to bring this to our attention.
Denis @Big Bus Tours
Joyce_W, Jun 2026
It was fun but one of the riders in our group got smacked in the face with tree branches!! Watch out for low level tree branches!
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your review! We're delighted to hear that you had fun on the tour, although we're sorry to learn that one member of your group was struck by tree branches during the journey. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention and will share your comments with the relevant team. We hope to welcome you back on board again for another enjoyable sightseeing experience.
Denis @Big Bus Tours
Staci_B, Jun 2026
This was a great way to see so many parts of Chicago and get our bearings. We hopped on and off several times. The audio presentation was interesting. We really liked it. I will say that some drivers are better than others with friendliness and speaking about landmarks, announcing stops, etc.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi, Staci!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed exploring Chicago with us and found the audio commentary interesting. It's great to know the Hop-On, Hop-Off experience helped you discover the city and get your bearings.
We also appreciate your feedback regarding stop announcements and onboard communication, and we'll be sure to share it with the local team.
We hope to welcome you on board again for another city adventure soon!
Madalina@BigBusTours
michael_a, Jun 2026
This hop on hop off is one of the better ones in the world yes the world very easy to identify, people very nice, went out of there way to please customers, it went everywhere in the city,
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi, Michael!
We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your Hop-On, Hop-Off experience and that it ranks among the best you've experienced. It's especially rewarding to know that our team helped make your city adventure memorable through their friendliness, helpfulness, and dedication to our guests.
We're also delighted that you found the route easy to navigate and appreciated the opportunity to explore so many of the city's highlights.
Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you on board again for another wonderful city adventure in the future!
Madalina@BigBusTours
Dave_S, Jun 2026
A great way to cover a lot of ground. Bus stops are convenient to many "must see" attractions. I recommend the 48 hr pass if you like to spend a lot of time at each of the attractions. Well worth the money.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Hi, Dave!
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the flexibility of the Hop-On, Hop-Off experience and found the stops convenient for exploring the city's must-see attractions.
It's great to know that the 48-hour pass helped you make the most of your visit and that you found it to be excellent value.
Thank you for travelling with us, and we hope to welcome you on board again for another memorable city adventure in the future!
Angelia_H, Jun 2026
Very good experience highly recommend
Quality of sound system needs improvement
They deserve a raise
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you had a very good experience and truly appreciate your recommendation. We also value your note about the sound system and will share it with our team for improvement.
Florin @ BigBusTours
Crystal_H, Jun 2026
My tickets never worked was unable to do this attraction Viator blamed Big bus, Big bus blamed Viator big poop show out $200
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
We’re very sorry to hear about the difficulties you encountered with your tickets and the frustration caused by not being able to use the service. We understand how disappointing it must have been to be caught between different points of contact without a clear resolution.
Providing a smooth and straightforward experience from booking to boarding is extremely important to us, and we regret that this was not the case for you. Your feedback regarding the miscommunication between providers is particularly valuable and will be shared with our team as we work to improve coordination and ensure clearer guidance for customers.
Thank you again for bringing this to our attention.
Flavius@BigBusTours
Michael_C, Jun 2026
We have done a couple of Bog Bus tours in various cities. It is an amazing way to see a city at your own pace without feeling like your are lost or missing something
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your kind feedback! We’re delighted to hear you’ve enjoyed our tours in multiple cities and found them a great way to explore at your own pace without missing out. That’s exactly the experience we aim to provide!
Florin @ BigBusTours
Sherrie_S, Jun 2026
You can see the entire city and enjoy the ride. The views from the top of the bus are amazing, and you can use this service to reach the city's highlights.
irose, Jun 2026
bus driver was courteous. it was nice to have the earbuds to learn about the city. did not have to miss any of the information since it was all recorded.
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your lovely review! We're delighted to hear that you found our driver courteous and enjoyed using the audio guide to learn more about the city. It’s great to know the recorded commentary helped you enjoy all the information without missing a moment along the way. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back on board again soon for another great experience!
Denis @Big Bus Tours
Amber_A, Jun 2026
No live commentary other than announcing stops. Audio is off compared to location. All you get is ear buds and audio from plug in
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re sorry to hear that the audio commentary did not align with your location and that the experience did not meet your expectations. We understand your disappointment regarding the lack of live commentary and appreciate you taking the time to share this feedback. Please feel free to contact us at info@bigbustours.com so we can review this situation further for you. Adrian @BigBusTours
Amy_O, May 2026
First driver didn't narrate. Got left at a stop since driver didn't stop and had to wait 45 minutes for next bus
Response from Host, Jun 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re sorry to hear that the first driver did not provide narration and that the bus did not stop for you, leading to a longer wait time. We understand how frustrating this must have been and appreciate you bringing it to our attention. We kindly invite you to contact us at info@bigbustours.com so we can review this in more detail with you. Adrian @BigBusTours
Duane_L, May 2026
Just be patient and allow yourself plenty of time and just enjoy the experience; it's well worth it.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your advice! 😊
We’re glad you enjoyed the experience and appreciate your tip about taking your time—it really makes a difference.
We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Raul@BigBusTours
BethCarol_B, May 2026
This is a good experience if you are trying to see a lot in a short amount of time. And you can get on and off where and when you want. The audio was a little out of sync with the actual sights. However, I was on the bus with a great driver named Felicia. She pointed out all the stops and added her own personal narrative. She should narrate the audio.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback! 😊
We’re glad you enjoyed the flexibility and had a great experience with Felicia—she sounds fantastic!
We’re sorry about the audio timing and will share your comments with our team to improve it.
We hope to see you on board again soon!
Raul@BigBusTours
Tiffany_E, May 2026
Nice experience to see most of Chicago. Best seats are at the top for great photos. The stops are at great locations to hop off and see Chicago; the walking is doable
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed seeing Chicago and found the tour a great way to take in the highlights. It’s great to know you made the most of the top deck for photos and appreciated the well‑located stops for exploring on foot.
We’re so glad you had a positive experience and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Shameeka_W, May 2026
It was a good experience. Only thing that was confusing was where to start! There was no clear directions on where to go. The big bus app did not recognize my reference number and customer service for viator was no help. We eventually wandered upon stop one! Once we got on everything else went smooth sailing
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you had a good experience overall once on board. We’re very sorry for the confusion around the starting point and the difficulty with the app recognizing your booking. We understand how frustrating that can be at the beginning of your journey.
Your comments have been shared with our team as we work to improve directions and app functionality. We’re pleased everything went smoothly after you got started and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Peter_M, May 2026
Great way to see Chicago and stop at key points to further take in the experiences of your choosing. Buses are pretty frequent so enjoy your time in Chicago.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your great feedback! We’re delighted to hear you found the tour a convenient and enjoyable way to explore Chicago, with the flexibility to stop and discover key attractions at your own pace. It’s also great to know the bus frequency helped make your experience smooth. We’re glad you had a wonderful time and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
DAVID_H, May 2026
Always do a hop on hop off tour , this wasn’t the best! Not many stops , and pre recorded commentary. No input from the driver.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re sorry to hear that the tour did not fully meet your expectations, particularly regarding the number of stops and the pre recorded commentary. We understand that some guests prefer more live interaction from the driver, and your comments are very helpful in guiding our improvements.
We’re glad you chose to explore the city with us and appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Mashella_D, May 2026
Very informative. You have the option of sitting on the top deck where it's open or sitting inside. I like the fact that ear buds are provided, but they're not wireless.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you found the tour informative and appreciated having the choice between the open top and indoor seating. It’s great to know the earphones added to your experience as well.
We appreciate your note regarding the earbud style, and your feedback has been shared with our team. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Cyndi_L, May 2026
Nice tour about the mobsters that were killed in Chicago. If you’re expecting anything more, book another tour. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and appreciated your guide’s knowledge and sense of fun. It’s great to know the experience was engaging and informative.
We also value your comments regarding expectations, as this helps us better communicate what guests can expect from each tour. Thank you for riding with us, and we hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Elizabeth_V, May 2026
The last bus for stop # 8 is scheduled for an 6:10 p.m. pick up. The bus neither drove by or drove by before 6:10 p.m., waited until 6:20 p.m. Did not finish seeing the last 3 stops and had to walk to my vehicle. The driver was not informative.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your feedback.
We’re very sorry to hear that the bus did not arrive as expected at Stop #8 and that you were unable to complete the full route. We understand how frustrating this must have been, especially after waiting past the scheduled time and having to make alternative arrangements.
We also regret that the driver did not provide the level of information you were expecting. Your comments have been shared with our team so we can review the service and improve the overall experience.
Please reach out to us through our website; we would love to help resolve any issues.
Florin @ Big Bus Tours
Frederick_L, May 2026
Definitely a must in Chicago to see the sites. Easy off and on bus ride. It was sunny so definitely need sunscreen or a hat if you plan to be at the top of the bus. Recommend that the explanation of sites would have been better.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your great feedback! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and found it an easy and convenient way to explore Chicago. It’s great that you had a sunny day to take in the views from the top deck, and we appreciate your helpful tip about sunscreen or a hat.
We also value your comments regarding the site explanations, as we understand how important clear and engaging information is to the experience. Your feedback has been shared with our team. We hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
stacey_d, May 2026
Felicia was a wonderful guide/driver. She was fun and very informative. We got a nice overview of the city
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re delighted to hear Felicia made such a great impression with her fun and informative guiding. It’s fantastic to know you enjoyed the overview of the city and had a positive experience on board. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another great tour!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
David_H, May 2026
Felicia was our first driver and she was great as she gave lots of information and plenty of time to get pictures.
Get on her bus and you won't be disappointed.
I would also try to sit on the left side as it seams most things pointed out we're on that side.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re delighted to hear Felicia made such a great impression with her informative and engaging commentary, and that she gave you plenty of time to enjoy the sights and take photos. We also appreciate your helpful tip about seating, it’s great advice for future guests. We’re so glad you had a wonderful experience and hope to welcome you on board again soon!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Nancy_J, May 2026
Dress warmly if it’s not summer. It truly is the Windy City! Best views are from the top. Be familiar with where you want to get off to see more because we missed “the bean” and Sky Deck not knowing where they were.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your helpful feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed the views from the top deck and you’re absolutely right, Chicago can be quite windy outside of summer. We also appreciate your tip about planning stop locations in advance, as that really helps make the most of the experience.
Thank you for riding with us, and we hope to welcome you on board again soon for another great visit!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Renae_F, May 2026
Awesome experience and learned a bit along the way. Highly recommend and ride up top if not too windy.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We’re so glad you had an awesome experience and enjoyed learning along the way. Riding on the top deck really does make for some incredible views when the weather cooperates! We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on board again soon.
Denis @Big Bus Tours
JG3Brehmer, May 2026
Great way to see Chicago, with especially great narration from the ladies Felicia, and especially Candace. Hey Candace! We had the 2 day ticket and were even allowed to bring aboard our luggage on the 2nd day and exit at the Sears tower stop to walk to the train station. We were able to see so much more of the city by using this great travel aid. We got individual recommendations on places and restaurants to visit at each stop. We didn't feel rushed and had great conversations with other riders and the drivers as well. Great knowledge and love for the city came forth in Candaces narration.
Much thanks!! Great Bang for your Bucks....do the 2 day if you can.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for such an amazing and detailed review! We’re absolutely delighted to hear how much you enjoyed your time exploring Chicago with us. It’s wonderful to know that Felicia and Candace made such a positive impression with their knowledge, energy, and love for the city. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with them.
We’re also glad the 2 day ticket gave you the flexibility to see more of the city at your own pace, and that our team could make your journey even more convenient along the way. It sounds like you made the most of the experience, and we truly appreciate your recommendation. We hope to welcome you on board again for another great adventure!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Kathleen_S, May 2026
The bus had 11 strategic stops, mostly for sights but a few also located more conveniently near hotel areas. The most important downtown sights were included. The bus had an open top, which is helpful to see the skyscrapers (though chilly on cold days, so bundle up or head downstairs), and the recorded narration via earpieces was very informative. We rode the two-hour route in two segments, surrounding a lunch break: One driver was good and stayed quiet, but the other regularly added his own narration that a) briefly duplicated the recording and b) talked over the recording so that we couldn’t understand either – plus he added plugs for tips at each stop. One other slight negative was that the bus operator’s app that we had to download was not very accurate regarding the timing of the stops. But overall, this was a good experience to get a ground-level summary of Chicago’s highlights.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share such a detailed review. We’re glad to hear you enjoyed the strategic stop locations, the open‑top views (skyscrapers really shine from up there!), and the informative audio commentary, it’s great to know the tour gave you a helpful overview of Chicago’s highlights. We appreciate your helpful tips about dressing warmly on cooler days as well.
Thank you also for your feedback regarding the live commentary overlapping with the recording and the app timing accuracy. We understand how that can affect the listening experience, especially when trying to enjoy the narration clearly. Your comments have been shared with our team as we continue working to refine both the onboard experience and our digital tools. We’re pleased the tour worked well overall as a relaxed and informative way to explore the city, and we truly appreciate you riding with us.
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
Rachael_F, Apr 2026
We loved the tour and all the stops, but there are supposedly live updates as to when the bus is going to be at each stop, and it is not accurate. So if you use the big bus app, do not rely on the bus tracking.
Response from Host, May 2026
Thank you for your lovely feedback! We’re so pleased to hear that you loved the tour and enjoyed exploring all the stops along the way. We do appreciate your comments regarding the live bus tracking in the app and understand how important accurate timing information is when planning your day. Your feedback has been shared with our team as we continue working to improve the reliability of our real‑time updates. Thank you for riding with us, and we’re glad Big Bus Tours was part of your experience!
Ciprian @ Big Bus Tours
From $49.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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