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Big Bus Tours: Chicago Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour

Discover the best of Chicago with the Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour and explore the city’s famous landmarks at your own pace. Choose from 24, 48, or 72-hour tickets and enjoy flexible sightseeing with informative audio commentary.

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Highlights

  • Enjoy the freedom to explore Chicago with the Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
  • Choose from flexible ticket options, including 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour passes
  • Travel comfortably on an open-top double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off bus
  • Visit some of Chicago’s top attractions, landmarks, buildings, and museums
  • Learn more about Chicago’s history through pre-recorded audio commentary
  • Explore the city conveniently through well-located stops along the Red Route
  • Smartphone Voucher Acceptable! No need to Print the Tickets

Overview

Chicago is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the United States, known for its stunning skyline, rich culture, famous architecture, delicious food, and lively atmosphere. The Chicago Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour is a perfect way to discover the city comfortably while enjoying complete freedom to explore at your own pace. The tour takes visitors across the city through the popular Red Route, covering many of Chicago’s most famous attractions and neighborhoods. Travelers can get on and off the bus at different stops as many times as they like during the validity of their ticket. The open-top double-decker bus offers fantastic panoramic views of the city’s skyscrapers, waterfront, parks, and historic buildings. Along the journey, passengers can listen to entertaining audio commentary available in English and Spanish to learn more about Chicago’s history, architecture, and culture. Visitors can choose between the Discover Ticket for 24 hours, the Essential Ticket for 48 hours, or the Explore Ticket for 72 hours based on their travel plans. With digital tickets, flexible travel dates, live bus tracking, and frequent bus service, this tour makes sightseeing in Chicago simple, relaxing, and enjoyable for all kinds of travelers.

Itinerary

Chicago, the Windy City, is among the best tourist destinations across the globe. In many ways, the Windy City has everything you could want from a great tourist destination—amazing food, beautiful buildings, great entertainment, and a history of contributing to art, culture, and technology. The miles of lovely beaches and world-class museums attract several tourists every year. With the Chicago Hop-On, Hop-Off Bus Tour, you can be your own guide, picking and choosing which top sights are right for you and getting on and off as you please. You will see the famous landmarks spread across the city as the bus takes you along the red route. Choose from the following three options: Discover Ticket (24 hr), Essential Ticket (48 hr), and Explore Ticket (72 hr). Along your journey on the Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Chicago, you'll learn all about the city's famous architecture, landmarks, and history through the entertaining audio guide.

Discover Ticket
The Discover Ticket offers a 24-hour Chicago hop-on hop-off Bus tour to explore Chicago’s top landmarks and attractions at your own pace along the red route. Enjoy unlimited rides across one comprehensive route with buses arriving every 20–30 minutes. The tour includes pre-recorded audio commentary in English and Spanish for an informative sightseeing experience. Digital tickets make boarding simple through the Big Bus Tours app, where tickets can be activated instantly before travel. The ticket also includes a free mobile app with live bus tracking and flexible travel dates for added convenience.

Essential Ticket
The Essential Ticket offers 48 hours of Chicago Hop-On, Hop-Off sightseeing across Chicago’s top landmarks and attractions. Enjoy unlimited rides on a red route with the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. The ticket includes pre-recorded audio commentary in English and Spanish, along with free Vox self-guided walking tours for a deeper city experience. Digital ticket access through the Big Bus Tours app allows quick and easy boarding with live bus tracking available on the free mobile app. Flexible travel dates and buses running every 20–30 minutes make sightseeing convenient and stress-free.

Explore Ticket
The Explore Ticket offers 72 hours of Chicago Hop-On, Hop-Off sightseeing to discover Chicago’s top landmarks, attractions, and experiences. Enjoy unlimited rides across a comprehensive red route with more than 10 stops, allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. The ticket includes pre-recorded audio commentary in English and Spanish, along with free Vox self-guided walking tours for added sightseeing experiences. Digital tickets through the Big Bus Tours app provide easy boarding, live bus tracking, and convenient travel planning. With flexible ticket dates and buses arriving every 20–30 minutes, the Explore Ticket makes city touring simple and comfortable.

Red Route
Discover Chicago at your own pace with the Hop-On, Hop-Off Chicago Day Tour by Big Bus Tours. Travel along the Big Loop: Red Route and explore famous attractions through 11 convenient stops across the city. Visit iconic landmarks like Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Willis Tower, 360 Chicago, Chicago Riverwalk, Museum Campus, Magnificent Mile, and Adler Planetarium for a complete sightseeing experience with the freedom to hop on and off as many times as you like during your ticket validity. Enjoy entertaining onboard audio commentary as you take in the city’s stunning architecture and vibrant streets. 
 
Explore the charming city of Chicago aboard a fun and flexible Chicago Hop On, Hop Off double-decker bus. For travelers exploring the city, our tour bus in Chicago, convenient Chicago Hop-On, Hop-Off bus stops, and immersive Chicago city bus tour options make it easier than ever to see all of Chicago’s iconic attractions.  Discover the beautiful locations at your own pace, just as you wish - over 24, 48 or 72 hours. Head to the top deck for stunning panoramic views of the city and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Listen to the entertaining world-class recorded commentary on board as you enjoy the stunning views of the city.


The Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle 
The Chicago South Side & Presidential Center open‑top bus shuttle operates daily, providing a convenient connection between Downtown Chicago and the South Side. The shuttle departs from 98 E Wacker Drive and makes stops at the Obama Presidential Center and Jackson Park, followed by the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry, before returning to the starting point. Please present your digital or printed ticket at the boarding location. Kindly note that admission to the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry and the Obama Presidential Center museum is not included and must be purchased separately, and as this is a shuttle service rather than a guided tour, audio commentary is not provided on board.

Schedule

The Big Loop (Red Route):
  • First Bus: 10:00am; Last Bus: 04:00pm
  • Full Loop: 2 hours (approx.)
  • Frequency: Every 60 Minutes
  • First Stop: Stop #1 Chicago Riverwalk, 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower)

 

Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle:
  • Start Time: From 09:30am to 02:30pm 
  • Duration: 30 Minutes Approx.
  • Frequency: Every 30 Minutes
  • Meeting Location: 98 E Wacker Drive (between Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave.) 

Inclusions

Discover Ticket:

  • 24-Hours Chicago Open-Top Bus Pass
  • Pre-recorded commentary in English & Spanish


Essential Ticket:

  • 48-Hours Chicago Open-Top Bus Pass
  • Pre-recorded commentary in English & Spanish
  • Free Vox Self Guided Walking Tour


Explore Ticket:

  • 72-Hours Chicago Open-Top Bus Pass
  • Pre-recorded commentary in English & Spanish
  • Free Vox Self Guided Walking Tour
  • Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle

Exclusions

  • Hotel Transfers
  • Lunch
  • Entrance Fees (Unless Specified)

Redemption Info

  • Download the "Big Bus Tours APP" to see the most up to date bus stop locations, timings, live bus tracking and ticket redemption.
  • Activate your HOHO Bus Booking in one of the two ways :
    1. Download Big Bus App and use your booking confirmation number mentioned on your booking voucher to activate your HOHO Bus ticket when you're ready to travel. You can then board the bus from any of the stops.
    2. Present your paper or mobile voucher to a Big Bus staff member at any stop during operating hours.
  • All vouchers will now be valid for 06 months from the date of purchase.
  • Ticket redemption for Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle: Please present your digital or printed ticket at the boarding location: 98 E Wacker Drive.
  • Important Notes
    1. Each group ticket must be used on a single device, and all travellers must stay together.
    2. If you wish to travel separately, please print individual tickets before activation or contact us to split the booking.
    3. Keep your phone charged. You’ll need to show your active ticket to board, and it will continue to work offline once activated

Know Before You Go

  • Voucher Information: Mobile or Paper Vouchers are accepted!
  • Wheelchair Accessible: Yes.
  • Onboard Wi-Fi: Yes.
  • Pets Allowed: No.
  • We suggest beginning your tour at Stop #1 Chicago Riverwalk, 98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower).
  • Please note: Admission to the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry and the Obama Presidential Center museum is not included in this ticket and must be purchased separately. Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Bus is a shuttle and not a guided tour, so no audio commentary will be available on board.
  • Complimentary ear phones are provided, or you are welcome to use your own wired earphones with a jack connector.
  • Multiday tickets can only be used on consecutive days.
  • Disclaimer: Due to traffic issues, public holidays, weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances, there might be sudden changes in the route or in the schedule. Traffic congestion and road closures- may cause delays and changes to the route. We’ll do all we can to provide a smooth and frequent service! No refund will be offered for any changes or cancellations due to any unforeseen circumstances.
  • Important Instructions: We recommend our all passengers please try to board the bus at first stop if possible. During high season, specially on weekends, buses can be full, we advise you must wait for the next buses. NO REFUND possible in such conditions.

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.

Useful Downloads

Route Map

Cancellation Policy

  • You must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience to get a complete refund.
  • If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience, you will not be reimbursed.
  • Any modifications made less than 24 hours before the start time of the activity/experience will not be allowed.
  • The cut-off times are determined by the activity/experience's local start time.
  • This activity/experience is weather dependent. If it is cancelled due to inclement weather, you will be given an alternate date or a full refund.

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Happy Customer Happy Customer Happy Customer Happy Customer

Driver was very unenergetic. Seemed like she really didn’t want to be there...

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L
Lynda camenzind

Tourist

22 Aug 26

My wife and I enjoyed our experience. The Big Bus gives you the option to see the city at reasonable cost and also be ed...

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J
Jeff Harris

Tourist

24 Jul 26

I was going to be in Chicago for only about 5 hours so riding the red Hop On Hop off bus allow me to get a big picture o...

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G
George Fernandez

Tourist

14 Nov 25

While we loved the format and options, I was frustrated to discover that several of the stops were rather far from the a...

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A
Amber Harrer

Tourist

05 Apr 25

This was a great way to see the city without being stressed out driving, parking, trying to navigate. One of the bus dri...

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L
Linda Buckley

Tourist

14 Nov 24

We always enjoy taking a Hop On Hop Off ride through a new city and basically the ride through Chicago was no different....

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P
Paula A Wilson Wilson

Tourist

25 Oct 24

Convenient, great destinations, comfortable seating. Only downfall was the ear buds. I did not have an adapter for my iP...

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V
Valerie Lozon

Tourist

18 Jul 24

Good tour and the stops are great as well....

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I
Ivania Romero

Tourist

07 Jul 24

Nice and practical but more frequent rides will be a good idea ...

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C
CzSzczepanska

Tourist

28 May 24

Even tho the weather was bad the drivers were courteous and were very good drivers!...

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A
Andrew Mozingo

Tourist

26 May 24

At times, the audio was slightly ahead or behind the location we were passing, but this is probably un-fixable due to tr...

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P
Paul Pierce

Tourist

24 May 24

You have to make the translation in French.
The speaker and music was nice...

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C
Cornu

Tourist

06 May 24

Everything was excellent!...

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R
Rodrigo Bolanos

Tourist

05 May 24

Regarding purchase, access and app all was ok. The WiFi onboard did not work....

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C
Claudia Szulga

Tourist

19 Mar 24

Big Bus Chicago is the Great way to see the city. Great value!...

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C
Carolin

Tourist

18 Oct 21

It was first time booking with big bus tours. Was a great feeling on memorable day and learned a lot of interesting fact...

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D
Derick

Tourist

14 Sep 21

It was convenient for everyone to hop off to go do other local activities and hop on again whenever wanted to get back o...

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A
Anonymous - Verified Customer

Tourist

07 Sep 21

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What can I see during Chicago Big Bus day tour?

Ans: Chicago Big Bus gives you the best view of all Chicago's famous sights. The Chicago routes have been carefully designed to show you The Windy City's best landmarks and attractions, including Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Willis Tower and John Hancock Tower.

Q. What is the validity of the ticket purchased for Chicago Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off?

Ans: Chicago Big Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off bus are valid from 24hrs and 48 hrs, depending on your travel plan and length of your tour you have opted for.

Q. Are the Big Bus Chicago buses wheelchair / stroller accessible?

Ans: Yes, all of the Big Bus Chicago buses are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Every bus has a dedicated space for wheelchair and stroller on its lower deck. The upper deck on entire fleet is not accessible to the wheelchair or stroller.

Q. On which days does the Chicago Big Bus tour operates?

Ans: Big Bus Tours Chicago operates most days of the year, apart from Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Big Bus Night Tour lasts for 75 minutes and is a non-stop, panoramic tour (Not a Hop-On-Hop-Off tour). Tours depart from Navy Pier at 7:30pm. Night Tours operate between May–October only.

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