Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
Overview
Discover Chicago at your own pace with Big Bus. Travel aboard an open-top, double-decker bus and enjoy panoramic views of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, Willis Tower, The Bean, Navy Pier and more.
Hop on and off at conveniently located stops to explore Chicago's top attractions, vibrant neighbourhoods, world-class dining and shopping. Use the free app to track bus arrivals in real time and plan your day with ease.
Enjoy multilingual digital commentary throughout your journey, packed with fascinating stories, local insights and recommendations.
48-hour and 72-hour tickets also include 4 Self-Guided Audio Walking Tours, covering topics such as Architecture, the Chicago Riverwalk and Public Art.
The 72-hour Explore option also includes the Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle, connecting Downtown Chicago with the Obama Presidential Center & Jackson Park and the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry.
What's Included
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
- Chicago South Side & Obama Presidential Center Shuttle (with 72-Hour option)
- Enclosed/Climate Controlled Lower Deck, Top Deck Open
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Professional digital commentary in multiple languages
- 4 Self-guided Digital Walking Tours to explore the city (if option selected)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Admission to attractions
What To Expect
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.
Riverwalk
Skydeck Chicago
Millennium Park
Grant Park
Adler Planetarium
Field Museum
Chicago Architecture Center
Navy Pier
Magnificent Mile
360 CHICAGO
618 N Clark St
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle operates daily from 9:30am–2:30pm, every 30–45 minutes, connecting Downtown Chicago with the Obama Presidential Center & Jackson Park and the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry. Pick-up location: 98 E Wacker Drive (between Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave.)
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-5096CHICAGO
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.09 out of 5 stars based on 2,188 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus.
- Chicago South Side & Obama Presidential Center Shuttle (with 72-Hour option).
- Enclosed/Climate Controlled Lower Deck, Top Deck Open.
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation).
- Professional digital commentary in multiple languages.
- 4 Self-guided Digital Walking Tours to explore the city (if option selected).
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Admission to attractions.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 3. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus
- Chicago South Side & Obama Presidential Center Shuttle (with 72-Hour option)
- Enclosed/Climate Controlled Lower Deck, Top Deck Open
- Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
- Professional digital commentary in multiple languages
- 4 Self-guided Digital Walking Tours to explore the city (if option selected)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Admission to attractions
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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
- Chicago South Side & Presidential Center Shuttle operates daily from 9:30am–2:30pm, every 30–45 minutes, connecting Downtown Chicago with the Obama Presidential Center & Jackson Park and the Griffin Museum of Science & Industry. Pick-up location: 98 E Wacker Drive (between Michigan Ave. and Wabash Ave.)
