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Route name: The Big Loop - Red Route
Attraction timings: 9am to 10pm
Chicago Big Bus Hop On Hop Off 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.
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
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.
Why choose the Big Bus Chicago tours?
Flexibility
With Big Bus Chicago, you can hop on and off at any of the 12 conveniently located stops to explore the city at your own pace.
Comprehensive route
The tour covers all the major landmarks and attractions in Chicago, including Millennium Park, Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, and the Willis Tower.
Informative commentary
Pre-recorded commentary in multiple languages provides fascinating facts and stories about Chicago's history and culture as you pass by the city's must-see sights.
Scenic views
Enjoy panoramic views of Chicago from the open-top bus. Capture stunning photos of the skyline, Lake Michigan, and architectural marvels from a unique vantage point.
Convenient and affordable
The tour offers excellent value, combining convenience, comfort, and affordability. Save up to 10% by booking your tickets online, and choose from a variety of packages to suit your needs and budget.
Big Bus Chicago routes, stops and maps
The Big Loop - Red Route
Hop on Big Bus Tours to explore Chicago's best on the Red Route. Enjoy 11 convenient stops near top landmarks, with entertaining audio guides and unlimited reboarding.
- First stop: Chicago Riverwalk
- Timings: 10am to 5pm
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
- Number of stops: 11
- Full loop duration: 2 hours
Highlights of your Big Bus Chicago tour
Skydeck Chicago
Suggested Big Bus Chicago Itineraries
Chicago in 1 day/24 hours
Chicago in 2 days/48 hours
The Big Loop - Red Route
If you have just one day in Chicago, the Big Loop - Red Route of the Big Bus Tours is perfect for exploring the city's highlights.
- Start your day at the Chicago Riverwalk, enjoying scenic views and nearby attractions like the Wrigley Building.
- Hop off at Skydeck Chicago to experience breathtaking views from the Willis Tower's observation deck.
- Visit Millennium Park to see Cloud Gate and the beautiful gardens, then explore the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Continue to Navy Pier for entertainment, dining, and stunning lakefront views.
- End your day at the Magnificent Mile, perfect for shopping and dining before reboarding the bus.
Day 1: The Blue Loop - Red Route
Explore Chicago over two days with the Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Blue Loop - Red Route to experience the city's highlights.
Day 1:
- Start at Navy Pier, enjoying the waterfront views and attractions.
- Hop off at the Adler Planetarium for stunning skyline views and interactive exhibits.
- Visit the Museum Campus, including the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, to delve into natural history and marine life.
- Explore Grant Park and Millennium Park, taking photos at Cloud Gate.
- End the day at the iconic Willis Tower, experiencing breathtaking views from the Skydeck.
Day 2: The Blue Loop - Blue Route
Explore Chicago over two days with the Big Bus Tours, focusing on the Blue Loop - Red Route to experience the city's highlights.
Day 2:
- Begin at the Magnificent Mile for shopping and sightseeing.
- Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art for modern masterpieces.
- Head to the Water Tower for a historical perspective.
- Spend the afternoon at Lincoln Park Zoo, perfect for all ages.
- Finish the day at Wrigley Field, soaking in Chicago’s sports culture.
Big Bus Chicago: FAQ's
How do Big Bus hop-on hop-off buses work in Chicago?
Big Bus Chicago allows you to hop on and off at designated stops throughout the city, giving you the flexibility to explore attractions at your own pace.
What is included in a Big Bus Chicago Tour ticket?
Tickets include unlimited hop-on hop-off access, informative audio commentary, and optional add-ons like river cruises or admission to popular attractions.
How often are the Chicago Big Bus hop-on hop-off buses?
Buses run every 30 minutes.
How many Big Bus Chicago routes are there?
Big Bus Chicago offers one main route, The Big Loop - Red Route, which covers all major attractions.
Are there audio guides on the Big Bus Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tours?
Yes, Big Bus Chicago offers audio guides in multiple languages, providing interesting facts and stories about the city's history and landmarks during your tour.
Are the Big Bus Chicago hop-on hop-off bus tours accessibility-friendly?
Yes, the buses are wheelchair accessible.
How long is my ticket valid for?
Tickets are typically valid for 1 or 2 days, depending on the type of ticket purchased.