Chicago Elevated Architecture Tour: Train Ticket Included

Discover Chicago’s iconic architecture on an elevated train tour. Learn about the history of the ‘L’ system and explore the city’s famous buildings from a unique perspective. Train ticket included!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Start your tour at the Chicago Architecture Center. The fare for the Chicago Elevated Rail system is included. Be sure to get a “Ventra” card from the Chicago Architecture Box Office when you check in for the tour.
  • Washington/Wabash - Washington/Wabash “L” station
  • Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago -…
What's Included
  • Ride on the Chicago Elevated Rail
  • Access to Chicago Architecture Center galleries
  • Guided narration by a certified professional
What's Not Included
  • Food or drink
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
Additional Information

Experience the awe-inspiring architecture of Chicago from the distinctive vantage point of its elevated rail and station platforms. Discover the history of the renowned ‘L’ system and its influence on the development of the Loop’s buildings. The inaugural elevated train, a significant emblem of Chicago, began its operation in 1892. Now, the ‘L’ offers…

Location
111 E Wacker Dr
East Wacker Drive
Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(81 Ratings)
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Carolkl6537ej
Jul 24, 2025
A New Perspective of Chicago - The Elevated Architecture Tour gave us a new perspective of Chicago. Our guide showed us many unique buildings from the El platforms, and while riding the El, at a vantage point new to us. So wonderful to hear the history of how the El was developed, along with the history of Chicago and these fantastic buildings. Being from the area, we have walked below the El and heard its rumble several times, but this was an eye-opening experience for us. Highly recommend! Read more about - Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included - https://www.viator.com/tours/Chicago/Chicago-Tour-Elevated-Architecture/d673-3173P21?m=65553&nid=VR.9ffbbab4-e835-4a7c-a1d0-bc7e9a60306c.VT_EMAIL_TRV?mcid=56757
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carol_k
Jul 23, 2025
See Chicago Anew from the El - The Elevated Architecture Tour gave us a new perspective of Chicago. Our guide showed us many unique buildings from the El platforms, and while riding the El, at a vantage point new to us. So wonderful to hear the history of how the El was developed, along with the history of Chicago and these fantastic buildings. Being from the area, we have walked below the El and heard its rumble several times, but this was an eye-opening experience for us. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Anonymous
Jul 22, 2025
Great tour - Loved this tour as it gives a perspective that you simply don’t get from the ground. Bert our guide was excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Welshie_on_tour
Jul 22, 2025
Brilliant tour - Loved this tour with Bert. Looking at buildings from the L gives a perspective on buildings that you simply don’t get from the ground. Bert was very knowledgable and had a mass of interesting anecdotes. There are lots of tours to choose from and you get entry to the exhibitions at the Center.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kevindeanw
Jul 12, 2025
Excellent History of the El and More - Chris P. Gave an excellent tour and historical background about the El and its stations. Well done and depth of knowledge was impressive.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Z3935cvlisak
Jun 22, 2025
Thank you, Howard, for a wonderful tour! - We did the L-tour with our docent, Howard this past Friday. Howard gave an excellent tour. His enthusiasm and love for Chicago architecture is obvious from his presentations and he communicated that enthusiasm to our group. Howard was very knowledgeable about the long history of Chicago architecture and we hope to see him on another tour the next time we visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Rhonda_h
Jun 17, 2025
St. Patricks' River Boat Experince - This was so exciting! We were there on St. Patrick's Day and the water in the river was tinted GREEN! Awesome experience.
Review provided by Viator
270bhaveshp
Jun 8, 2025
CTA El tour from the Chicago Architecture Center - Steve did a great job of combining history of Chicago, history of the El, architecture of the El stations and architecture of near by buildings along the ride. I definitely recommend this your.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Evelyn_j
Aug 10, 2025
Architectural Train Tour - I guess it was my mistake, but I was anticipating more of a train trip than it was. It was more lecturing and very little train rides.
Review provided by Viator
Andrea_b
Jul 12, 2025
Be aware - Starts with a 15 min walk. Stairs and lots of walking. INCLUDES TRAIN FARE....vender charged us again for this.
Review provided by Viator
From $41
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).