Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour by Open-Top Bus

The Big Bus Chicago offers a convenient and flexible way for visitors to explore the city’s top sights. Operating daily, the hop-on, hop-off tour takes passengers on a journey through the heart of Chicago, showcasing iconic landmarks like Millennium Park and Navy Pier. With digital commentary in multiple languages and unobstructed views from the open-top buses, the tour provides an immersive experience. Whether you have 24 or 48 hours, the tour’s pricing options cater to different travel needs, making it a practical choice for those looking to make the most of their time in the Windy City.

Key Points

• The Big Bus Chicago Tour is a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing experience operating daily from 10 AM to 5 PM with buses every 60 minutes.
• The tour offers 24-hour or 48-hour passes and covers 11 stops with 37 points of interest, including Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier.
• Key attractions accessible through the tour include Grant Park, Art Institute of Chicago, and 360 CHICAGO, with self-guided tours on topics like architecture and public art.
• The open-top, double-decker buses provide unobstructed views and climate-controlled lower decks, with digital commentary available in multiple languages and complimentary WiFi.
• Pricing for the tour starts at $49 for a 24-hour adult pass and $59 for a 48-hour adult pass, with options for online booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Tour Overview

The Big Bus Chicago Tour is a popular hop-on, hop-off sightseeing experience that allows visitors to explore the city’s top attractions at their own pace.

The tour operates daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with buses running every 60 minutes. Visitors can choose between 24 or 48-hour passes, starting at the Riverwalk (98 E Wacker) stop.

The full circuit takes approximately 2 hours to complete, offering access to 11 stops and 37 points of interest, including Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier.

The open-top, double-decker buses provide unobstructed views, while the lower deck is climate-controlled.

Key Attractions

The Big Bus Chicago Tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the city’s top attractions, including Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, Grant Park, Navy Pier, Art Institute of Chicago, Skydeck Chicago, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum, and 360 CHICAGO.

In total, the tour features 11 stops with 37 points of interest. Passengers can enjoy self-guided tours on topics like Chicago Architecture and Public Art.

The tour’s key features include:

1. Open-top, double-decker buses for unobstructed views.
2. Professional digital commentary in multiple languages.
3. Live bus tracking via the free Big Bus app.

Tour Features

Open-top, double-decker buses provide unobstructed views of the city’s top attractions for passengers on the Big Bus Chicago Tour. On-board, riders enjoy professional digital commentary available in multiple languages. The free Big Bus app allows for live bus tracking, ensuring a seamless journey. The lower deck offers a climate-controlled, enclosed space for added comfort. Complimentary WiFi keeps passengers connected throughout the tour.

Tour Features
Open-top Double-decker Buses	Professional Digital Commentary	Live Bus Tracking via App
Enclosed Climate-controlled Lower Deck	Complimentary WiFi	Accessibility for Wheelchairs and Strollers

Customer Feedback

While the Big Bus Chicago Tour has received mixed reviews from customers, many have highlighted positive experiences that showcase the flexibility and convenience of the service.

Passengers praised the tour’s informative digital commentary, which is available in multiple languages. Some customers specifically mentioned the engaging narration provided by drivers like Candace and Dorothy.

However, challenges noted include:

1. Difficulties with the tour’s mobile app for live bus tracking.
2. Long wait times at certain stops due to traffic delays.
3. Concerns about the overall organization and efficiency of the tour.

Despite these issues, the Big Bus Chicago Tour remains a popular choice for sightseeing in the Windy City.

Accessibility and Policies

Although the Big Bus Chicago Tour offers wheelchair and stroller accessibility, infants must sit on laps during the tour.

The tour also provides free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, allowing for flexibility. Customers can take advantage of the lowest price guarantee and reserve now, pay later options.

For any assistance with bookings or inquiries, the tour’s customer service team is available.

Pricing and Booking

The Big Bus Chicago Tour offers a range of ticket options to suit different budgets and time constraints.

Visitors can choose between a 24-hour or 48-hour pass, depending on their availability and sightseeing needs.

The 24-hour pass is priced at $49 for adults and $29 for children, while the 48-hour pass costs $59 for adults and $39 for children.

Bookings can be made conveniently online or through the Big Bus app, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Passengers can also take advantage of the lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Getting the Most Out of Your Tour

To get the most out of the Big Bus Chicago Tour, visitors should plan their sightseeing route in advance. The 11 stops provide access to 37 top attractions, so a thoughtful itinerary can maximize sightseeing. The table below highlights key considerations:

Consideration	Recommendation
Time	Allocate 2 hours for the full loop or more to hop on and off
Stops	Prioritize must-see attractions and plan accordingly
Tracking	Use the free Big Bus app to monitor bus locations
Weather	Dress for Chicago’s changeable climate when riding on the open-top deck
Accessibility	Utilize the enclosed lower deck or request wheelchair assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Bus?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the bus. However, the tour company may have policies regarding consumption and disposal of items, so it’s best to check with them before the tour.

Are Dogs or Other Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are generally not allowed on the tour. However, service animals that assist passengers with disabilities are permitted. Passengers should check with the tour operator for any specific policies regarding animals before booking the tour.

Is There a Bathroom on the Bus During the Tour?

The buses have enclosed, climate-controlled lower decks, but there are no bathrooms on board. Passengers can exit the bus at any of the designated stops to use restroom facilities provided at those locations during the tour.

Do the Buses Have Audio Guides in Additional Languages?

The buses offer professional digital commentary in multiple languages, allowing passengers to enjoy the tour in their preferred language. This feature enhances the accessibility and overall experience for international travelers.

Can I Get a Refund if I Don’t Finish the Full Tour?

Yes, Big Bus Tours offers a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of the tour. However, no refunds are provided once the tour has started, even if you don’t complete the full circuit.

The Sum Up

The Big Bus Chicago offers a flexible and convenient way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks at your own pace. With 11 stops, digital commentary, and 24-hour or 48-hour pass options, it’s an ideal choice for sightseeing in Chicago. Whether you’re looking to visit Millennium Park, Navy Pier, or discover the city’s rich culture and history, the Big Bus Chicago tour provides an unforgettable experience.