Chicago Tour: Bus and River Cruise Combo

Explore Chicago’s iconic architecture by bus and river. Create your own itinerary with a 48-hour hop-on, hop-off ticket and 75-minute river cruise.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Red Route: Hop-on Hop-off (Route)

Operating Schedule: Single loop journey on the red loop is 2 hours. Guests may enter or exit at any stop to explore the city. Pass is valid for 2 days.
1. Chicago Riverwalk
98 E. Wacker Drive (across the bridge from Trump Tower)
2. Willis Tower
Skydeck Chicago - 319 W. Jackson Blvd (opposite…

What's Included
  • 48-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket with unlimited access
  • Open-top double decker bus
  • Big Bus Tours app (ticket storage, live tracking and ticket activation)
  • Save 20% off retail when you bundle these two experiences!
  • 75-minute Chicago River Architecture Cruise
  • Professional Digital Commentary on bus tour with souvenir earbuds
  • Expert architecture…
Additional Information

Enjoy a 20% discount when you combine two legendary Chicago adventures!
Explore Chicago by land and water with a 48-hour Hop-on Hop-off Ticket and Shoreline Architecture Cruise package! This offer includes a 48-hour pass for the hop-on, hop-off Chicago sightseeing bus tour, along with admission to Shoreline Sightseeing’s essential 75-minute Architecture…

Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.1
(41 Ratings)
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Joanne
May 27, 2026
Chicago's best! - We chose the 48 hour tour and easily took our time and was able to see all the stops and more. Memorial weekend, busy streets, stop #2 was close on 1st day, public parking available 3 blocks from meet up. We were able to see stop #2 the second day, more shopping, and sightseeing. The bus is just so convenient to get from one place to the other. For the river cruise, I walked towards the counter and was greeted right away by staff. Through my Big Bus app she reserved and claimed the ticket I didn't do in the morning. We walked up at 2:35 and got on for 2:45 cruise. The cruise was the highlight for us, we love chicago architecture and the stories behind them.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brianso8812sf
Apr 24, 2026
Best river tour ever! - Amazing Chicago Architecture River tour! The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining! We learned so much about Chicago and its architecture. First Rate🤩
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Julius_j
Sep 22, 2025
River tour - Guide was very informative about the history behind each of the buildings and their cultural significance to the city
Review provided by Viator
Annid1313
Sep 18, 2025
Hop on Hop off bus+Architectural boat Cruise - Both the Hop on Hop off bus and the Shoreline River Cruise were great! The bus was very easy. The first day we (6 women) did the entire loop to get our bearings and learn about the city. We bought a 48 hour pass and used a couple times each day we were there. The architectural boat cruise was fantastic. The guide made the tour enjoyable with not only his knowledge but humor. Would highly recommend both.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jill
Oct 20, 2025
Adventurous boat tour - I loved the boat tour . Our tour guide told us all about the history of Chicago River and all the buildings around it and he was funny. The bus tour was good because it stopped and you could see around the city -just make sure you know you might get commentary from your guide or it might be just a bus ride.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carlton_c
Sep 22, 2025
I had trouble finding the... - I had trouble finding the actual tour location because there was a lack of signage. Nevertheless it was a good day and great architecture River tour
Review provided by Viator
Laurent_l
Sep 20, 2025
Nice boat tour - Nice boat tour going along the river. Nice insights into the history of Chicago. Only slight downside was volume of speakers onboard the boat which was too low and difficult to hear the comments at time.
Review provided by Viator
Eon_g
May 24, 2026
Chicago Visit - The hop on hop off bus tour was excellent. The driver Felisha did a great job. However I was not sure which river tour operator to approach with this booking.
Review provided by Viator
Debmey11
Sep 29, 2025
Boat yes; Bus no - We loved the Architecture Boat Tour. It was outstanding. We learned so much and completely enjoyed our docent. In contrast, the bus tour is no with a live docent and the recording was not fun or entertaining. We listened to music that was piped in more than interesting information about Chicago - and there had to be more to learn! The bus part was disappointing- but the boat was GREAT!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sidney_h
Oct 16, 2025
Disappointed - The driver was not friendly and needs some driving lessons. I can overlook the driving issues, but I do not tolerate rude behavior. At the next to final stop, a couple of his friends boarded with a brown bag to share and next thing we knew, he "can't make it to the last stop due to traffic", so he threw us all off the bus. I'm sorry I didn't get his name or the number of the bus.
Review provided by Viator
From $99
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).