You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included

12 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 12 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Chicago, USA
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous "L" system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop.
The city's first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most defining features, the "L" offers incredible views of downtown. By being more than 20 feet off the ground, you'll see architectural details that are missed by most pedestrians at street level. This is our most comprehensive tour in the Loop, passing hundreds of buildings and highlighting ones of architectural significance. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.

What's Included

  • Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system
  • Admission to the galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide.
  • Food or drink
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
See 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

111 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Chicago Architecture Center

Begin the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center. Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system is included. Please request a "Ventra" card from the Chicago Architecture Box Office when checking in for the tour.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Washington/Wabash

Washington/Wabash "L" station
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

View Trump Tower.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Marshall Field and Company Building

View the Marshall Field Building
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Harold Washington Library Center

View the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Burnen Station
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

MCC Chicago, Federal Bureau of Prisons

View the Metropolitan Correction Center
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

343 S Dearborn St

View the Fisher Building.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

DePaul University - DePaul Center

View the DePaul Center.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

175 W Jackson Blvd

View the Insurance Exchange Building
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Clinton

Clinton St/Lake St "L" Station
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

567 W Lake St

View the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) headquarters.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Board Of Trade Building

View the Chicago Board of Trade Building
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

180 N Wabash Ave

View the LeMoyne Building
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Washington/Wabash

Washington/Wabash "L" Station
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Chicago Architecture Center

Return to Chicago Architecture Center
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Show 14 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Only about 15 minutes of this two-hour tour is on a train, while most of the remaining tour takes place outdoors standing on the station platforms.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. 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). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-3173P21

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
12 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 12 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
12
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 15 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Chicago Exotic Auto Experience

This tour offers a personalized and stress-free way to experience Chicago, combining comfortable transportation with local insights and flexible stops. Guests enjoy a private ride …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This tour offers a personalized and stress-free way to experience Chicago, combining comfortable transportation with local insights and flexible stops. Guests enjoy a private ride...

3 to 7 hours
from
$1,800

Great Smoky Mountains,Gatlinburg 4-Day Tour from Chicago

1. Explore Motorsports Hall of Fame. 2. Be in the National Park with most visitors in US -- Great Smoky Mountains. 3. Southern dinner show …More

1. Explore Motorsports Hall of Fame. 2. Be in the National Park with most visitors in US -- Great Smoky Mountains. 3. Southern dinner show...

4 days Free Cancellation
from
$1,030

Great Lakes & Mackinac Island 4-Day Small Group Tour from Chicago

Take in three of the Great Lakes and a string of classic Midwest towns on this four-day small-group loop out of Chicago. Travel up the …More

Take in three of the Great Lakes and a string of classic Midwest towns on this four-day small-group loop out of Chicago. Travel up the...

4 days Free Cancellation
5.0 (3)
from
$995

Chicago City Tour with Architecture River Cruise Option

Uncover the Windy City on Chicago’s premier guided minibus tour! Discover 20+ top landmarks with photo stops at Cloud Gate "The Bean", Museum Campus, & …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Uncover the Windy City on Chicago’s premier guided minibus tour! Discover 20+ top landmarks with photo stops at Cloud Gate "The Bean", Museum Campus, &...

2 to 4 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (727)
from
$50

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Chicago River 90 Minute Architecture Tour

Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Be inspired by the captivating, visual art that is Chicago’s legendary architecture, and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing, dynamic legacy for all to...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (11,080)
from
$45

Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour

An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

An authentic Chicago tradition since 1935, this is the tour that started it all. This unique excursion tells the story of more than 200 years...

1 hour 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (2,424)
from
$45

Chicago River 45-Minute Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Experience Chicago's legendary architecture and the exceptional architects who created this ever-changing legacy for all to admire. This family-friendly introduction to the Windy City's rich...

45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.8 (3,586)
from
$28

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities. …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out
4.6 (3,564)

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

4.6 (3,564)

Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities....

90 to 120 minutes Free Cancellation
4.6 (3,564)
from
$49

What's Included

Activity name

  • Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system
  • Admission to the galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
  • Narration by a professional and certified guide.
  • Food or drink
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.
  • Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking or standing.
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Only about 15 minutes of this two-hour tour is on a train, while most of the remaining tour takes place outdoors standing on the station platforms.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
  • Seating at stations and on the train is not guaranteed.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers

Report Product Issue

Activity name