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Hop-on Hop-off Chicago Bus Tours
Routes
TimelineMap
1. Chicago Riverwalk
Chicago Riverwalk
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Wendella Boat Tours
3 minutes walk2. Skydeck Chicago & Willis Tower
Skydeck Chicago
1 minute walkWillis Tower Lobby Murals
1 minute walkThe Rookery Building
4 minutes walk3. Millennium Park & The Art Institute of Chicago
Millennium Park
3 minutes walk
Lurie Garden
3 minutes walk
Chicago Cultural Center
4 minutes walk4. Hilton Chicago & Grant Park
Hilton Chicago
1 minute walk
Grant Park
2 minutes walkBuddy Guy’s Legends
2 minutes walk5. Adler Planetarium
Adler Planetarium
12th Street Beach
8 minutes walk6. Museum Campus
Museum Campus
2 minutes walk
Field Museum
1 minute walk
Shedd Aquarium
3 minutes walk7. Sheraton Grand Chicago
Sheraton Grand Chicago
2 minutes walkChicago Architecture Center
3 minutes walk
Centennial Fountain
2 minutes walk8. Navy Pier
Navy Pier
4 minutes walkChicago Shakespeare Theater
5 minutes walkCrystal Gardens
2 minutes walk9. Water Tower & The Magnificent Mile
The Magnificent Mile
3 minutes walk
Tribune Tower
6 minutes walk
The Wrigley Building
6 minutes walk10. 360 Chicago
360 Chicago
1 minute walkThe Drake Hotel
3 minutes walk
Oak Street Beach
2 minutes walk11. River North
Hard Rock Cafe Chicago
2 minutes walk
Holy Name Cathedral
3 minutes walkSee Chicago's 11 top sights on 1 to 3-day bus tours & upgrade for a walking tour!
- See Chicago’s best sights stress-free on a 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus with unlimited rides, flexible stops, and no travel hassle along the way.
- Hop on the Red Loop to 11 must-see Chicago stops, with buses every 30-45 minutes so your adventure never slows and sightseeing stays easy and fun.
- Upgrade your pass for access to one out of four self-guided Vox walking tours on the app, to peel back Chicago’s hidden gems and stories!
- Climb aboard a double-decker, soak in the 360° Windy City vistas, and let the audio guide in English and Spanish whisk you through must-see landmarks.
- From the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park to the Willis Tower and John Hancock Tower, get a front-row seat to Chicago's legendary landmarks.
See Chicago's 11 top sights on 1 to 3-day bus tours & upgrade for a walking tour!
- See Chicago’s best sights stress-free on a 24/48/72-hour hop-on hop-off bus with unlimited rides, flexible stops, and no travel hassle along the way.
- Hop on the Red Loop to 11 must-see Chicago stops, with buses every 30-45 minutes so your adventure never slows and sightseeing stays easy and fun.
- Upgrade your pass for access to one out of four self-guided Vox walking tours on the app, to peel back Chicago’s hidden gems and stories!
- Climb aboard a double-decker, soak in the 360° Windy City vistas, and let the audio guide in English and Spanish whisk you through must-see landmarks.
- From the Magnificent Mile and Millennium Park to the Willis Tower and John Hancock Tower, get a front-row seat to Chicago's legendary landmarks.
Inclusions
- 24/48/72-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off tour
- Access to Red route
- Vox self-guided walking tour with audio guides (based on option selected)
- Audio guide in English and Spanish (on the bus)
- Complimentary headphones
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
You can join the tour at any stop and get on and off throughout your ticket's validity.
Hop-on hop-off tour - Red route
This loop sweeps you from the Chicago Riverwalk to towering skyscrapers, leafy Grant Park, Millennium Park’s art, Navy Pier’s waterfront breeze, and the lakefront museums, serving a breezy, picture-perfect crash course in Chicago’s greatest hits.
Popular stops: Magnificent Mile, Willis Tower, John Hancock Tower
Accessibility
- Not all buses are wheelchair accessible. You can contact the service operator 48 hours before your trip, and they'll try to assist you.
- Your safety comes first, so visitors with mobility impairments may be restricted from accessing the upper decks.
Additional information
- Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets, like the Vox self-guided walking tours, will be shared in the ticket post-booking.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
4.5(418)
Combo (Save 10%): Chicago Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour + 360 Chicago Observation Deck Skip-the-Line Tickets
from $75
$67.50
10% off
Explore Chicago's streets by bus, then soar to 360 Chicago for elevated views (bus drop-off nearby).
- Grab these combo tickets with a flexible hop-on-hop-off tour and 360 Chicago observation deck, and get the best of the windy city while saving money.
- Beat the daytime crowds with skip-the-line tickets to the Chicago 360 Observation Deck and get entry to see the trippy 3D cloud-walking mural.
- Wind down at the CloudBar like a Chicago local with neighborhood-inspired cocktails and local brew while you soak up insane lakefront views!
- Tour 11 Chicago sights like the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park on a 24 or 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass, with departures every 30-45 minutes.
- Ride in comfort on double-decker buses, soaking in panoramic views of Chicago while listening to an informative audio guide. Upgrade for self-guided walks!
Explore Chicago's streets by bus, then soar to 360 Chicago for elevated views (bus drop-off nearby).
- Grab these combo tickets with a flexible hop-on-hop-off tour and 360 Chicago observation deck, and get the best of the windy city while saving money.
- Beat the daytime crowds with skip-the-line tickets to the Chicago 360 Observation Deck and get entry to see the trippy 3D cloud-walking mural.
- Wind down at the CloudBar like a Chicago local with neighborhood-inspired cocktails and local brew while you soak up insane lakefront views!
- Tour 11 Chicago sights like the Chicago Riverwalk, Millennium Park on a 24 or 48-hour hop-on-hop-off bus pass, with departures every 30-45 minutes.
- Ride in comfort on double-decker buses, soaking in panoramic views of Chicago while listening to an informative audio guide. Upgrade for self-guided walks!
Inclusions
Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tour
- 24/48-hour unlimited hop-on hop-off pass by Big Bus
- Access to the Red route
- Vox self-guided walking tour with audio guides (based on option selected)
- Audio guide in English & Spanish (on the bus)
- Complimentary headphones
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
360 Chicago Observation Deck
- Skip-the-line tickets to the observation deck (near stop #10 on the Red route)
- Access to CloudBar
- Access to CloudWalk
Please click here for the detailed route map and boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
Hop-on hop-off tour - Red route
- First bus: 10am from Chicago Riverwalk
- Last bus: 5pm from Chicago Riverwalk
- Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes
- Popular stops: Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Hard Rock Cafe
What to bring
360 Chicago Observation Deck
- Clothing: It’s recommended to take along a light jacket or sweater as it can get a bit chilly at 1,000 feet, even in the summer.
Accessibility
Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Some of the buses are wheelchair accessible, but the upper decks on the buses aren't.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on board the bus.
Additional information
Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tour
- All children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 16.
- Pets are allowed on the bus.
360 Chicago Observation Deck
- Items sold at CloudBar may contain the following ingredients: milk, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Pick from top sites like Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, (2-7 choices) & visit them on your own schedule.
- Everything you get: Mix-and-match from 39 Chicago attractions like Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, bus tours, cruises, guided walking tours and more, to build your ideal itinerary and explore at your own pace!
- Why choose this: Pay only for the experiences you want and save up to 50% versus individual tickets. Upon pass activation, you’ll have 30 leisurely days to visit the attractions you choose.
Pick from top sites like Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, (2-7 choices) & visit them on your own schedule.
- Everything you get: Mix-and-match from 39 Chicago attractions like Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium, bus tours, cruises, guided walking tours and more, to build your ideal itinerary and explore at your own pace!
- Why choose this: Pay only for the experiences you want and save up to 50% versus individual tickets. Upon pass activation, you’ll have 30 leisurely days to visit the attractions you choose.
Inclusions
- Access to 2/3/4/5/6/7 attractions
- Access to:
- Museums: Field Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago & more
- Zoos & Aquariums: Lincoln Park Zoo, Shedd Aquarium & more
- Landmarks: Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower), Navy Pier Centennial Wheel & more
- Bus tours & cruises: Hop‑on Hop‑off Big Bus Chicago, Shoreline Architecture River Cruise & more
- Guided tours: Chicago River Architecture Cruise, Magnificent Mile Architecture Walking Tour & more
- Activities: FlyOver Chicago, Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour & more
- Transportation: Two‑Hour City Bike Rental by Bike and Roll Chicago
- Discounts: Exclusive deals at restaurants, shops, tours & more
- Free digital guidebook
- Get all details here
Exclusions
- Transportation to and from Chicago attractions (e.g., airport transfers, taxis, rideshares)
- Meals, snacks, and beverages, unless explicitly listed in an attraction’s inclusions
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, or service staff
- Specialty/add-on tours or VIP upgrades at attractions (beyond the standard entry)
- 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
- Skydeck Chicago (Willis Tower)
- Hop‑On Hop‑Off Big Bus Chicago: 1‑Day Discover Tour
- Seadog Architectural River Tour from Navy Pier
- Shedd Aquarium
- Shoreline Architecture River Cruise
- Field Museum
- Seadog Lakefront Speedboat Tour
- Adler Planetarium
- Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
- Chicago River Architecture Cruise
- Magnificent Mile Architecture Walking Tour
- Lincoln Park Zoo
- Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago
- Museum of Science and Industry
- American Writers Museum
- LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Chicago
- Chicago History Museum
- 10pin Chicago Bowling & Pizza
- FlyOver Chicago
- Two‑Hour City Bike Rental by Bike and Roll Chicago
- Paddleboard Rentals at Ohio Street Beach
What to bring
- Bring along a valid photo ID.
Additional information
- You can visit each attraction only once.
- The pass cannot be used by another person.
- Opening hours and terms and conditions of certain attractions may sometimes vary. It is recommended to check the website(s) of the attraction or museum before your visit.
- Download the Go City app.
- After you complete the booking, you will receive an email with all the essential information and an order confirmation number. Use this confirmation number to add your pass to the Go City app on your mobile.
- Find all the information about the venues and tours. Access pre-recorded commentary, suggested itineraries, a handy map, and more, available at your fingertips!
- Your pass will automatically get activated when you use your pass to enter the first attraction on the list.
- Some attractions may require booking in advance. Remember, your pass must be valid on the day of the reservation. Follow the instructions present on the app.
Validity
- Before activation: Valid for 1 year from the date of purchase.
- After activation: Your pass is activated as soon as you visit your 1st attraction and is valid for 30 calendar days after first use until you visit the number of attractions chosen.
- Free cancellation anytime before the start of your experience
From happy customers
Qazi
Canadaout, 2025
The Chicago Architectural Cruise was absolutely fantastic and one of the best ways to experience the city! The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable, blending fascinating facts with humor and storytelling that brought Chicago’s architectural history to life. Cruising along the river offered stunning, up-close views of iconic landmarks while learning how the city rebuilt itself after the Great Fire. The boat was comfortable, the pace was perfect, and the skyline views were breathtaking especially after sunset. Highly recommended for architecture enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike.
45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Maira
United Statesout, 2025
+ 1 more
It was a wonderful experience. Even though it was raining, the architectural cruise was amazing: the views of the skyline reflected in the water and the guide's explanations made each building come alive. The atmosphere was very pleasant, with soft music and attentive staff giving recommendations and fun facts. Seeing Chicago from the river, even in the rain, has a special charm that makes this tour not to be missed. If you visit the city, it definitely deserves a place on your itinerary.
View original review in Spanish
45-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Maria
Canadaout, 2025
The guide was great! So easy to listen to and went out of her way to ask people personally if they had any questions. It's a great way to see the city from a different vantage point
90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Sharon
United Statesout, 2025
Dave's knowledge of the architecture and architecture and history was amazing. His sense of humor was both dry and punny which added humor to facts. He kept a straight face through stating outrageous "facts" then hit the punchline. The city is beautiful and it was a great 90 minutes
90-min Chicago River Architecture Cruise
Tyler
Canadaout, 2025
+ 2 more
Such a great trip and vantage point of the city. We stood at the back of the boat on the bottom deck and had unobstructed views the entire time!
90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise
Lissa
set, 2025
+ 1 more
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Fantastic 90-Min Architecture Cruise — Jack Made It Unforgettable!
This cruise was the highlight of our Chicago trip! Jack, our tour guide, was absolutely amazing—his deep knowledge of the city’s architecture, history, and culture made every minute fascinating. He didn’t just recite facts; he shared personal stories and anecdotes from past tours that added a warm, human touch to the experience. You could tell he genuinely loves what he does, and it made all the difference.
A special shoutout to our boat captain as well, who skillfully navigated a tricky lock situation with calm and precision. It was impressive to watch and added a little adventure to the ride!
The views from both the river and Lake Michigan were stunning, and the entire experience was smooth, informative, and thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended for locals and visitors alike!
90-min Chicago River and Lake Michigan Architecture Cruise
Lin
Australiaset, 2025
+ 1 more
Wonderful experience！During the one hour tour,you can see different views of Chicago s day and night. The tour guide is very helpful,she talked a lot about Chicago.
90-min Scenic Sunset Lake Michigan Cruise
Yougourta
United Statesset, 2025
Excellent team. The captain. The barman Mike . The tour was so amazing and the view is wonderful you can see the beautiful city of Chicago. Thank you again
45-Min Lake Michigan Tour
Why the Hop-on Hop-off Chicago bus tour just makes sense
The Hop-on Hop-off Chicago bus tour is a great choice for
Discovering Chicago with Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tours
With 11 strategically placed stops, the Big Bus Chicago Red route lets you hop off to snap photos of the iconic Cloud Gate at Millennium Park, wander the stunning halls of the Field Museum, catch lake breezes at Navy Pier, or indulge in retail therapy along the Magnificent Mile. The route covers 36 points of interest, weaving through Grant Park's greenery, past the soaring Willis Tower, along the beautiful Chicago Riverwalk, and into the cultural hub of Museum Campus.
Red route
- Ideal for: first-time visitors, families, architecture lovers, and anyone wanting a comprehensive Chicago overview
- Popular stops: Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, Willis Tower (Skydeck), Museum Campus, 360 Chicago
- Timings:
- First bus: 10am from Stop 1 (Chicago Riverwalk)
- Last bus: 5pm from Stop 1 (Chicago Riverwalk) - Frequency: Every 30 to 45 minutes
- Stops: 11
- Full loop duration: Approx. 2 hours
How to book Hop-on Hop-off tickets
Step 1: Choose your tour
Each tour follows a unique route. Review the routes and stops and pick the tour that covers your must-see attractions.
Step 2: Book your tickets
Purchase your Hop-on Hop-off tickets easily using PayPal, credit/debit card, or iDEAL.
Step 3: Check your email
Receive your ticket voucher instantly in your inbox. If you don’t see it, check your spam or junk folder.
Step 4: Download the operator’s app
Track the bus in real-time, plan your journey, and explore routes with an interactive map.
Step 5: Hop-on & explore!
Head to any designated stop, show your mobile voucher to the driver or staff, and start your adventure!
Frequently asked questions about the Hop-on Hop-off Chicago bus tour
When does my Chicago sightseeing tour actually start and expire?
Your ticket activates from the moment you first board. For example, a 24-hour pass at noon is valid until noon the next day.
How long does the full loop take on the Chicago bus tour take without hopping off?
The complete Red route takes approximately two hours to cover all 11 stops around downtown Chicago.
How often do the Chicago Hop-on Hop-off buses come to each stop?
Buses arrive every 30-45 minutes at each stop, though traffic can occasionally cause slight delays.
What time do the first and last Chicago Hop-on Hop-off buses run?
First bus departs at 10am from Chicago Riverwalk, and the last bus leaves from the same stop at 5pm.
Are the Chicago Hop-on Hop-off buses wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, buses are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Advise at booking if wheelchair assistance is needed for the best experience.
Is there a live tour guide or just audio commentary on the Chicago bus tour?
Most buses feature pre-recorded audio commentary in English and Spanish.
Is the Chicago Hop-on Hop-off tour actually worth it for first-time visitors?
Absolutely. It covers 11 strategic stops across major landmarks, saves time on navigation, and gives you a perfect city overview in one or two days.