Bus Tours
1 hour
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$44.99
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BigBus Chicago
BigBus Chicago
4.5
City Tours • Hop-On Hop-Off Tours • Sightseeing Tours • Bus Tours
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9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Hop-On and Discover! Hop-Off and Explore! Your visit to Chicago isn't complete without an open-top hop on hop off sightseeing bus tour; let us take you on an adventure with Big Bus Tours Chicago! Our hop on and off service includes the two-hour 'Big Loop' showcasing Chicago by day, with 12 stops conveniently located close to key landmarks and attractions. Tweet, snap, and live stream your Chicago tour experiences! Our double decker buses are ADA compliant and temperature controlled lower sections. Explore Navy Pier, shop on The Magnificent Mile®, stand on air at the Willis Tower, and take fun selfies at Millennium Park all while learning about the history of Chicago. As our Chicago Bus Tour rolls down The Magnificent Mile and crosses the Chicago River, you can admire the ever-changing architectural styles on a historic avenue!
Tours and Tickets by BigBus Chicago
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,636 reviews
Excellent
1,695
Very good
509
Average
182
Poor
102
Terrible
148
Josephine S.
Portland, OR40 contributions
Sep 2022 • Solo
I love the hop on hop off double decker bus tour in any city! If you’re lucky, the driver will enjoy being a newsy tour guide. Chicago ought to re-record their ridiculous and stupid recording on this bus. It really insults the audience w lack of sophistication.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello Alwayswelltraveled, we appreciate you taking the time to leave us this feedback.
Written September 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gary
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Couples
Our Hop on Hop off experience was a great because of our driver Candice. She went over and above to personalize the tour and highlight Chicago. When we switch buses other drivers were disappointing with no dialogue and faulty audio. Hope everyone gets to be on Candice's bus, she was exceptional.
Written December 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello Gmolz23, we appreciate you taking the time to leave us this feedback. Thank you, and have a fantastic day!
Written December 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AmyC201529
New Albany, IN440 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
This was a great way to see the highlights of Chicago and get a feel for what we wanted to see more of! Our tour guide Rich and driver Tyrone were great! Rich provided lots of interesting facts and even allowed us time to get a photo op of the Chicago skyline! This is a safe cheap way to get around the city. In the winter the only downside is they only come back to stops once an hour. I learned some new and interesting things even though I have been to Chicago several times before. This was my kids first visit to Chicago and provided a great overview of the city! We will definitely do this again!
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for choosing Big Bus during your stay in Chicago! We are thrilled you had a wonderful time, and look forward to your return and would be happy to show y'all the sights again.
Written February 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BasingstokeDaddy
Basingstoke, UK144 contributions
Feb 2020
Without any shadow of doubt the best hop on hop off tour we have ever been on! The guides were engaging, fun facts and anecdotes and the drivers navigated the streets like pros! Would advise taking a trip on your 1st couple of days.
Cannot recommend this enough, rather than wander around looking at this lovely city get your bearings and learn about Chicago's interesting history.
Travelled with my youngest son (13) who really enjoyed the delivery of the tour guide "He's really funny!"
The Hop on Hop off works well allowing you time to wander a few blocks, grab a coffee or lunch to then jump back on at your convenience.
The RED route tour takes approx 2 hours from start to finish, if you get off the bus will be back around again an hour later.
You'll find out about the best hotdogs, how the fire 'may or may not' have started, how the Chicago got it's name and why it is really called the windy city and so much more.
Cannot recommend this enough, rather than wander around looking at this lovely city get your bearings and learn about Chicago's interesting history.
Travelled with my youngest son (13) who really enjoyed the delivery of the tour guide "He's really funny!"
The Hop on Hop off works well allowing you time to wander a few blocks, grab a coffee or lunch to then jump back on at your convenience.
The RED route tour takes approx 2 hours from start to finish, if you get off the bus will be back around again an hour later.
You'll find out about the best hotdogs, how the fire 'may or may not' have started, how the Chicago got it's name and why it is really called the windy city and so much more.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We greatly appreciate your lovely words and are so happy you and your son enjoyed riding the Big Bus Tour of downtown Chicago. We really do look forward to y'all's return and hope you'll consider us again!
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
stuartsutton
Saskatoon, Canada7 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
My wife and I had Go Chicago cards and having enjoyed the hop on hop off double-decker tour in New York we thought this would be a good way to see Chicago but boy were we wrong. We got our Big Bus tickets at the Palmer House Hilton 10:30 and by 11:30 a bus still had not come by despite the fact that they are supposed to run every 15 mins. In that same time period we saw 4 buses go by from the other company (Chicago Bus and Trolley). We ended up walking to the Willis Tower and did the Skydeck tour. Afterwards we did manage to catch bus and got Josh as our guide. He was definitely energetic but seemed more interested in shouting at people on the sidewalk than in describing the sights. He for some reason thinks it is entertaining to shout "idiots!" At people riding segways. We would have gotten off if we had been confident in being able to catch another bus. We stayed on for 2 hours but didn't use the system again in the 48 hour window we had. Definitely avoid Big Bus tours!
Written June 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We are so sorry to hear about you experience. Our mission statement is to give informative tours with low wait times. We are constantly adding vehicles and training our tour guides so we can offer the best tours available. Please know that your experience is not indicative of our brand, and we will do our absolute best to insure that this won't happen again. While we don't enjoy hearing about a bad experience, it is something that we need to hear. It is the only way to grow and learn from an honest guest experience. Thank you for sharing, and we are taking every measure to erase this type of experience from future customers of Big Bus.
Written July 3, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
IMZMZMZMZ
Lakeland, FL18 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
BUT where is the list of those stops we could catch this Big Bus?????
Should we hire CIA to fnd out?
Should we hire CIA to fnd out?
Written April 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danell L
Springdale, AR1 contribution
Jul 2018 • Family
We purchased tickets at about 5pm on July 4th at the Navy Pier Kiosk. We were told we could buy tickets now and because they would end at 7pm we would be able to be dropped back off at Navy Pier, but have no time to get off. We were ok with that. We got on the bus and after 4 stops we were told that they were were stopping all tours and we would have to get off. We only rode the bus for 30 minutes and they charged us 110.00. We were dropped off 10 blocks from the Metro and I called the next day to request a refund. I was told I had to fill out a request online. It's been five days and I still haven't heard back. Beware of crooked salespeople who are just trying to make a sale.
Written July 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Danell L
We are so sorry for the confusion and miscommunication on our behalf. Our last full tour departs from Stop 1 at 5:00pm, all ticket agents know this and should mention that there is no guaranteed drop offs after 5:00pm if you're not on the Last Bus of the day. We see that there is some more training that needs to happen in order for us to provide the best service.
If you have any more questions, please email us at 'infoCH@BigBusTours.com'.
Best
The Big Bus Tours Chicago Team
Written July 20, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
999Destination642173
Newark, DE3 contributions
Aug 2019
My cousin, sister and I boarded the bus on Michigan Avenue last Saturday around 1:00.
We took off but the driver saw a friend or coworker and they chatted, he hopped on for about 100 feet, we stopped and they continued to talk a little more and the fellow hopped off. What was that? The guide, Ken, shouted where to look several times, to the left, to the left, to the left, began to explain what it was but by the end of the explanation he was out of wind and we often couldn't hear what it was. We sat below until we could move up. There was absolutely NO air moving down there. No fan, no window air, NOTHING. We finally moved upstairs. The guide and driver took
2 breaks that were more than 10 minutes each of what was a 1 hour tour. We were
left sitting in the hot August full sun during that time. I am well traveled and this was
the worst tour I have ever taken. I read the ad on TripAdvisor and it mentions free items when you pay for the tour. Save your $41. Find another place tour operator to spend it.
We took off but the driver saw a friend or coworker and they chatted, he hopped on for about 100 feet, we stopped and they continued to talk a little more and the fellow hopped off. What was that? The guide, Ken, shouted where to look several times, to the left, to the left, to the left, began to explain what it was but by the end of the explanation he was out of wind and we often couldn't hear what it was. We sat below until we could move up. There was absolutely NO air moving down there. No fan, no window air, NOTHING. We finally moved upstairs. The guide and driver took
2 breaks that were more than 10 minutes each of what was a 1 hour tour. We were
left sitting in the hot August full sun during that time. I am well traveled and this was
the worst tour I have ever taken. I read the ad on TripAdvisor and it mentions free items when you pay for the tour. Save your $41. Find another place tour operator to spend it.
Written August 12, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeremy S
Bonne Terre, MO144 contributions
I’ve done both companies for the bus tours so I come about this in the most fair way. We took our tour on July 26th and initially got on the bus with Ms. B and her driver who was female, I’m sorry I can’t remember her name. Staff were very nice and the tour had no delays. I have to say after having about 10 different guides on both tours Ms. B was by far, hands down the best. If you want someone who is absolutely hilarious and explains history very well she is the one. I rode for as long as possible with her and considered not getting off because I wanted to hear her the whole. Reluctantly we did exit. This goes without saying, her driver was also the best I’ve rode with. She drove well, smooth and easy stops.
I will say the additional drivers and tour guides we had were also very good. We enjoyed it and it’s a wonderful way to see the city.
Needless to say, in the future when I come back, Big Bus Tours, Ms. B and her driver will be only ones I ride with. Do yourself a favor and ride with her for at least one lap, it’d be well worth it!
I will say the additional drivers and tour guides we had were also very good. We enjoyed it and it’s a wonderful way to see the city.
Needless to say, in the future when I come back, Big Bus Tours, Ms. B and her driver will be only ones I ride with. Do yourself a favor and ride with her for at least one lap, it’d be well worth it!
Written July 28, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello JeremyS553,
Thank you for taking the time out to leave us a review. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed riding with us here in Chicago. We will be sure to let Ms B. and the rest of our team know how much you enjoyed the tour. We are excited to hear that you will ride with us again and we hope that you'll tell others about the great experience.
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Kind Regards,
The Big Bus Chicago Team
Written July 30, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mark G
Madill, OK6 contributions
Big bus is the perfect way to see a lot of the sights in a short time. You can hop off at any stop and do your thing and then hop back on the next Big Bus that comes by. Our guide, Jake and the driver, Mario, are so great! Jake was pretty frickin’ hilarious with his commentary. Highly recommend to all.
Written March 22, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mark
Your words couldn't ring more true! We aim to be one fo the best things in Chicago, especially when it comes to getting the lay of the land! We'll make sure that Jack and Mario get the recognition they deserve!
Best
The Big Bus Tours Chicago Team
Written April 3, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Where is the best stop for parking?
Elfma
Greenwich, CT514 contributions
Hi, their route has many stops all over the city, so I suggest you go on the website, down load their route map,and figure out where is most convenient for you. The city seems to have ample parking in general. Also, because they stop running early(I think last run was 4pm?)consider where you want to spend the rest of the evening and maybe make that your start and end point. Have fun!
rtrtech1999
Chapel Hill, NC7 contributions
Does the bus run in winter months? December 5-8?
CindyrBB
Chicago, IL
Hello.
Yes we run during the winter, with the exception of extreme weather. We will always have an announcement on our website if we do close for weather conditions. Otherwise, we are running.
Thank you
Is there a pick up spot close to union station
Bill L
Hartland, MI2 contributions
Sears tower is right around the corner from union station.
Is the ticket valid for 24 hours or a day? I mean can I get on at 4pm from one day and it will last to 4pm from the next day?
Mallory D
Michigan14 contributions
No. It just goes from when you buy it to the night shift. The night shift I think you pay separate. Enjoy Chicago!! :)
islandonearth
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania17 contributions
Does the bus only travel in one direction? i.e. in consecutive ascending order of the stop numbers? Or is there a bus that does the reverse?
Hello,
The bus only travels in one direction following the order of the stops 1-13, then returning to the initial stop.
where do I buy tickets
Hi,
You can purchase tickets from our online website, or any one of our stops in downtown Chicago. We have ticket agents available at the stops standing at our sales kiosk, they accept payments via cash, credit/debit.
