Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Chicago Bus Tours: Prices, Routes & FAQs
By Of course! Here’s your full guide to the Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Bus Tours in Chicago, including prices, routes, and FAQs. Chicago is perfect for HOHO exploring — from its stunning skyline and lakefront to world-class museums and deep-dish pizza spots. 🚎🌆
Top 10 Hop-On Hop-Off Chicago Bus Tours
1. Big Bus Chicago Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
- Price: ~$49 (1-Day Classic), ~$59 (2-Day Premium)
- Route: Red Loop (Downtown & Museum Campus)
- Highlights: Millennium Park, Magnificent Mile, Navy Pier, Art Institute, Willis (Sears) Tower
- Map: Big Bus Chicago Map
- Extras: Audio commentary, free mobile app for bus tracking
- Best For: First-time visitors who want to see downtown and the lakefront
2. Gray Line Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Tours
- Price: ~$45 (1-Day)
- Route: Similar Downtown Loop
- Highlights: Grant Park, Museum Campus, Michigan Avenue shopping
- Tip: Smaller company, often fewer crowds
3. Big Bus Chicago + Night Tour Combo
- Price: ~$65
- Includes: Daytime HOHO tour + Evening Panoramic Night Tour
- Night Highlights: Chicago River skyline, Navy Pier lit up, Buckingham Fountain lights
- Best For: Those wanting to experience the city during golden hour and evening glow
4. City Sightseeing Chicago (Seasonal)
- Price: ~$48
- Route: Downtown Loop
- Availability: Mostly summer (May–October)
- Best For: Budget-conscious travelers during warmer months
5. Go City Chicago Pass (Includes HOHO Tour)
- Price: ~$124 (1-Day Pass), ~$159 (2-Day Pass)
- Includes: Big Bus HOHO + 25+ attractions (Skydeck, 360 CHICAGO, River Cruise)
- Best For: Power travelers hitting many sights
6. Tiqets Combo: HOHO + 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck
- Price: ~$80
- Includes: 1-Day HOHO pass + Entry to 360 CHICAGO (John Hancock Center)
- Great For: Combining ground-level exploring with epic skyline views
7. GetYourGuide HOHO Bus Pass
- Price: ~$49
- Route: Downtown Core
- Includes: 1-Day unlimited hop-on hop-off access
- Tip: Flexible cancelation and mobile tickets
8. Chicago Architecture HOHO Bus + Walking Tour Combo
- Price: ~$69
- Includes: 1-Day HOHO + guided architecture walking tour
- Highlights: Historic skyscrapers, Chicago River area
- Best For: Architecture fans — Chicago’s specialty!
9. Big Bus Chicago + Chicago River Cruise Combo
- Price: ~$95
- Includes: Full-day HOHO pass + 1-hour architecture river cruise
- Best For: Getting both street and water-level views of the city
10. Museum Campus Express HOHO (Short Tour)
- Price: ~$35
- Route: Downtown + Museum Campus only
- Duration: ~1–1.5 hours loop
- Best For: Families visiting Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium, Field Museum
🗺️ Typical HOHO Stops in Chicago
| Key Stops | Nearby Attractions |
|---|---|
| Millennium Park | “The Bean” (Cloud Gate), Pritzker Pavilion |
| Art Institute of Chicago | World-class museum, historic lions at the entrance |
| Willis Tower (Skydeck) | Glass floor ledge views from 103rd floor |
| Navy Pier | Shops, restaurants, Chicago Children’s Museum, Centennial Wheel |
| Magnificent Mile | Shopping, Tribune Tower, Water Tower Place |
| Museum Campus | Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Adler Planetarium |
| Riverwalk | Restaurants, boat tours, beautiful riverside strolls |
| Chicago Theater | Iconic landmark, marquee photo ops |
❓FAQs – Hop-On Hop-Off Chicago
✅ Is the HOHO bus worth it in Chicago?
Absolutely! Chicago’s attractions are relatively close together, but HOHO buses save your legs, especially with the heat in summer or chilly winds in fall.
🕒 How long does the full loop take?
- About 1.5–2 hours without hopping off
- Buses run from about 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Frequency: Every 20–30 minutes
📍 Where do most tours start?
Most HOHO tours start at Maggie Daley Park / Millennium Park area (near “The Bean”).
🎧 Is there live commentary?
Big Bus Chicago offers recorded audio guides (in English and Spanish); some special tours like night tours feature live narrators.
📶 Are buses accessible?
Yes — most buses are ADA-compliant with wheelchair lifts and accessible seating.
📅 When do the HOHO buses run year-round?
- Big Bus runs year-round (weather permitting), but fewer buses operate in winter months (November–March).
- Best time: April–October when the weather is perfect!
Would you like me to also help you plan a full-day self-guided route using the HOHO stops — including lunch and dinner recs? 🍕🌆
I can even create a custom Google Map with all the key points if you want! 🚍✨
