"The hop on hop off service made exploring the city straightforward. We saw several landmarks, enjoyed great views, and appreciated being able to continue our journey whenever convenient."
Big Bus Tours: Chicago Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour
Overview
The American city of Chicago is well-known for its exquisite architecture. The famous landmarks in the globe are located there. The liveliest city provides everything for everyone and well-lit streets. You'll be amazed by the top-notch museums, a wide selection of eateries, expansive shopping centres, and many other fascinating locations. Don't let the opportunity slip to make priceless memories! Start your journey by reserving your tour right now!
About the activity
Free Cancellation
Mobile Voucher
Wheelchair Access
Wi-Fi Onboard
Flexi: 6 Months
Family Friendly
Instant Confirmation
Audio Guide
English
Spanish
Highlights
- Discover iconic landmarks in Chicago, including the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and the scenic Chicago Riverwalk
- Enjoy the flexibility to hop on and off at multiple conveniently located stops across the city
- Immerse yourself in Chicago’s rich history with engaging onboard digital commentary
- Shop along the famous Magnificent Mile and explore the vibrant State Street Theater District
- Take in breathtaking views of Lake Michigan while dining at waterfront restaurants on Navy Pier
- Mobile Voucher Accepted! No need to print.
Itinerary
The windy metropolis of Chicago is one of the world's top travel destinations. Numerous people visit the museums and miles of gorgeous beaches each year. A well-liked location to spend some quality time is Millennium Park. More than 300,000 pieces of art are kept in storage at the Art Institute of Chicago, where they are on exhibit in galleries and hallways. Japanese prints and sculptures from ancient Greece are displayed in the museum's primary galleries. You can find some modern artwork if you go in the direction of the Modern Wing.
Astronomy enthusiasts can visit the Adler Planetarium. Visitors can investigate astronomy and astrophysics here. The second-tallest building in the world, the John Hancock Centre, located at 875 North Michigan Avenue, is a skyscraper that houses the miniature Gemini 12 spacecraft that tells the tale of space exploration by the United States. It's a really good illustration of architecture. 360 Located atop Hancock Centre is Chicago, an observatory. A footsore tourist enjoys viewing many states from this observatory. Lean over the edge to observe the streets below as a challenge to yourself. Still, if you're afraid of heights, you should reconsider.
Get off our open-air bus and take a leisurely stroll down Chicago's finest shopping strip, the Magnificent Mile. You may find any store you can think of here. The first double-decker bridge with roads on each level is the Michigan Avenue Bridge. The Chicago River is crossed by it. A great area to hang out with the whole family is Navy Pier. This location features a 200-foot Ferris wheel that offers an alternative viewpoint of the city. Take in the performance at the Shakespeare playhouse or go out on the boat.
Visit a Shedd Aquarium to learn about the aquatic life. This place is home to a variety of aquatic creatures, including penguins, sea lions, otters, adorable jellyfish, sharks, rays, frogs, and moray eels. Sports enthusiasts shouldn't skip a visit to Soldier Field. For all American sports, it is a significant sporting event. You will travel back in time with the Field Museum. Dinosaur bones and antique items are treasured there. A collection of dazzling stones and taxidermy is worth seeing.
At the Sky Deck and Willis Tower, be ready for an experience. Access the 103rd level via the lift and exit the building through the glass bays. Gaze downward and note pavements. Without a doubt, this will be an exciting experience.
Chicago Sunset Tour:
Discover Chicago after dark on this unforgettable evening tour through the city’s most iconic sights. Admire the sparkling skyline and illuminated landmarks as you travel past Museum Campus, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and The Magnificent Mile. Experience the energy of River North’s lively nightlife scene while taking in stunning nighttime views along the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. Perfect for first-time visitors and photography lovers, this guided night tour offers a unique perspective on the Windy City’s world-famous architecture, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. Sit back, relax, and enjoy Chicago glowing under the evening lights.
Popular Landmarks in Chicago:
- Millennium Park: Home to the iconic Cloud Gate (The Bean) sculpture, this park is a cultural hub with gardens, art installations, and performance spaces.
- Navy Pier: A popular tourist destination with restaurants, shops, a Ferris wheel, and boat tours offering stunning views of Lake Michigan.
- Art Institute of Chicago: One of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, featuring a vast collection of artworks spanning centuries and cultures.
- Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower): Visit the Skydeck for breathtaking views of Chicago from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere.
- Magnificent Mile: A vibrant shopping and dining district along Michigan Avenue, known for its upscale boutiques and iconic skyscrapers.
- Field Museum: A premier natural history museum with exhibits on dinosaurs, ancient cultures, and biological sciences.
- Shedd Aquarium: A renowned indoor public aquarium housing diverse marine life from around the world.
What's Included
What's Included
- 24/ 48-Hours Big Bus Chicago Bus Ticket
- Pre-recorded Audio Commentary in English & Spanish
- Free Vox Self-Guided Walking Tour app download (With Essential & Explore Ticket)
- Chicago Sunset Tour (With Explore Ticket)
Schedule
The Big Loop - Red Route:
- Schedule: Buses running between 10:00am to 4:00pm
- Frequency: Every 60 minutes
- Tour Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)
- Meeting Point: Chicago Riverwalk, 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower)
Night Tour (Blue Route):
- 7:30 PM: 14 May – 29 July 2026
- 7:00 PM: 30 July – 19 August 2026
- 6:30 PM: 20 August – 9 September 2026
- 6:00 PM: 10 September – 29 September 2026
- Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Meeting Point: Stop 11, River North, 618 N Clark St (SW corner of Clark St and Ontario St, next to McDonald's)
Redemption Info
- Passengers can board at any stop.
- Your booking voucher will expire after you exchange it for a ticket.
- The company or bus operator will not provide a refund if a voucher or ticket is misplaced.
Introducing Digital Tickets
We’ve made boarding even easier with digital tickets, available in the Big Bus Tours app. Your ticket will no longer be emailed to you - instead, you’ll manage everything directly in the app. It’s the fastest way to access your ticket, track buses in real time, and plan your day.
How it works:
- Download the Big Bus Tours app: Before your tour, download our free app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Add your booking: Open the app, tap ‘Add Booking’, and enter your booking reference number.
- Activate on the day: On the day of your tour, tap ‘Activate’ in the app to start your ticket. Your ticket will then be valid to show the driver and board the bus. Activation can only happen on your booked travel date.
Important Notes: Each group ticket must travel together using one device. If you want to travel separately, please print individual tickets before activating or contact us to split the booking. Keep your phone charged – your active ticket must be shown to board, and it works offline once activated.
Know Before You Go
Voucher Validity:
- Remember that your vouchers will remain valid for the 6 months from the date of purchase.
Important Info:
- There may be disruptions due to weather, traffic, and events. Refunds due to weather will not be issued unless the service is suspended due to weather.
- Infants will continue to travel free of charge and without a ticket while placed on the lap of a paying adult (up to two infants per adult). If the infant needs a separate individual seat, a kid category ticket must be ordered.
- Multiday tickets may only be used on consecutive days.
- Complimentary ear phones are provided, or you may use your own wired earbuds with a jack plug.
- Mobile App: Download "Big Bus Tours" mobile app to find the nearest bus stops, interactive route map, daily operational updates and city monuments.
- Road closures and heavy traffic can result in delays, reduced trips, and route modifications. We'll make every effort to deliver a seamless and regular service! Under these circumstances, there will be no refund.
Free Vox Self-Guided Walking Tours:
- Selected tickets include a code for free Vox App walking tour downloads.
- For more information about the tours, languages and how to download, please visit our Walking Tours Page.
- You will need a smartphone with wifi or data enabled to download the app and self-guided tour content
- Walking Tours do not include admission to landmarks or attractions.
- Walking Tours do not include food or beverages.
- Walking Tours are self guided, so you can go at your own pace - there is no time limit.
Cancellation Policy
- To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the activity/tour start time.
- If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time, you will not get any refund.
- Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time. You must contact us through email.
- The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.
Disclaimer
- There may be unexpected changes in the route or timetable due to traffic, public holidays, weather conditions, cruise ship arrivals, or other unanticipated situations. During major events, summer vacations, and weekends, the city will be quite busy. We will do everything we can to provide a smooth and consistent service! In such cases, no reimbursement is allowed.
- Tours run regardless of the weather. Weather-related refunds will not be issued unless the service is discontinued due to inclement weather.
- The service provider preserves the right to amend or cancel the itinerary due to city events or force majeure.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.
After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.
We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.
Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.
You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.
Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.
If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.
Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.
Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.
Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.
Customer Reviews
4.5
based on 2,226 reviews
Rating Distribution
"This tour was a convenient way to explore popular attractions. We enjoyed informative commentary, comfortable transportation, and the flexibility to spend extra time at places we liked."
"We loved seeing the city from the upper deck. The route covered many interesting areas, and the freedom to hop off whenever we wanted was extremely useful."
"The entire tour was enjoyable from beginning to end. Beautiful views, helpful commentary, and convenient stops made it easy to experience the city without feeling rushed."
"The service made our sightseeing day much easier. We enjoyed comfortable seats, excellent city views, and convenient stops that allowed us to explore attractions without unnecessary travel."
Choose Date, Ticket & Participants
Select Date
Choose Your Ticket
Choose Participants
Explore more
more tours in Chicago
Travel guides
