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Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company

Author: Sarah Hyde

Chicago Trolley gives visitors a chance to see different sides of the city from their trolleys and double-decker buses, driven by their talented and hilarious tour guides. Tickets are just $29 and you can hop on and off all day at any one of 18 stops. Check out the Loop and downtown on the "Signature Tour" or choose from one of the three neighborhood tours. Or, customize a private group tour or charter their vehicles for your next big event!

The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co.

Founded in 1994, The Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Company has been a favorite tour operator for visitors and locals alike. They have received two Chicago Visitor’s Choice Awards, including Chicago’s Best Tours/Transportation and Best Service, and continue to give visitors exceptional, accessible views of the Windy City.

Chicago Trolley offers four separate tours, giving you the chance to see all the sights you've dreamed about in the city center, or branch out into one of three neighborhood tours.

Hop-On, Hop-Off

One way that the folks at Chicago Trolley make it easier for you to tour is with their unique hop-on, hop-off system: disembark at any stop to explore that area, and rejoin your tour, hassle-free, when the next bus comes around every 10-15 minutes. Just remember, the last pick up is at 5:00 p.m. daily. The tours operate from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week, 362 days a year (excluding Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day), weather permitting.

The Chicago Trolley Fleet

For the best seat in the house hop onto one of the 20 double-decker buses and experience England’s traditional buses right here in Chicago, or try out one of their San Francisco-style trolleys: with 75 vehicles, they boast the largest single-city fleet in the United States. Bonus: The company is focused on being environmentally friendly and their new double-decker buses operate on biodiesel fuel, so you can tour the Windy City guilt-free!

Tour Guides at Chicago Trolley

Even with a fully stocked fleet and plenty of ground to cover, there's one ingredient that really makes the Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Co. run: their tour guides. Rather than hiring bus drivers and teaching them to give tours, Chicago Trolley hires actors and comedians and teaches them to drive their trolleys and buses.

Breaking away from industry standards, these entertainers-turned-guides go through extensive training, allowing them to lead their own, unscripted tours with their own style and insight on the city. This ensures that you get all the by-the-book background information you need, all the under-the-radar trivia you want, and a personalized, unique experience on each trip. Plus, down the road you might just see your tour guide at The Second City or on TV!

Chicago Trolley Tours/Routes

In addition to their Signature Tour, Chicago Trolley & Double Decker Bus Company offers three neighborhood tours - perfect for seasoned Chicago visitors or those looking to see a few different sides of the city.

The Signature Tour

The main downtown route is the Signature Tour, covering 13 miles and 18 stops, including stops along the Magnificent Mile, and the chance to see The John Hancock Center, Willis Tower, the Museum Campus, and much more. Wondering where you've seen that theater/bridge/underpass before? Chances are it was on the silver screen, and your tour guide is happy to tell you more about the blockbusters filmed here in Chicago.

North Neighborhood Tour

The North Neighborhood tour takes riders through Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, and a number of other neighborhoods north of the city center. This tour begins at Millennium Park and includes stops at the always popular and complely free Lincoln Park Zoo; Wrigley Field, home to the Chicago Cubs; the Chicago History Museum, for a look at Chicago's past; and plenty more.

South Neighborhood Tour

The South Neighborhood tour takes you through Obama's neighborhood and by some of his favorite haunts, including stops at the famed Museum of Science & Industry and DuSable Museum.

West Neighborhood Tour

The West Neighborhood tour takes you to some of our favorite Chicago neighborhoods: Chinatown, Little Italy, and Greektown. And no trip to Chicago would be complete without a trip to see Oprah; this tour brings you by the the Oprah Store, where you can use your coupon to redeem a free gift with purchase.

*Due to weather/traffic conditions, the three neighborhood tours are not always offered; check their website for more details and up-to-date schedules.

Custom Group Tours & Charters

Chicago Trolley is all about allowing the customer to have the best experience possible, so if you'd like a private tour, there are several options for you to choose from. Or, customize a tour suited exactly to your tastes. Requesting a quote is easy on their website, so start planning today!

If you're hosting a special event, Chicago Trolley can help your group arrive safe and sound with a private charter, popular with wedding parties, corporate/school groups, or for hosting your very own pub crawl! The staff at Chicago Trolley are no strangers to accommodating large crowds: they were responsible for transporting media and VIPs during Obama’s 2008 election night rally at Grant Park.

Another feature to keep in mind for your next special event: the land yacht. This fully-loaded super-bus is perfect for longer journeys, complete with flat-screen televisions, built-in coolers, lounge seating, and more.

Tickets to Chicago Trolley: Chicago Values

Ready to start your tour? Tickets cost $29 per person ($17 for children and $24 for seniors) and can be purchased at any of the 18 stops on the tour; just look for the Chicago Trolley booths and ticket agents wearing the red vests. Or, purchase your tickets online and get 10% off!

When you purchase your ticket, you're not only getting access to the hop-on, hop-off trolley or bus tour of your choice: your ticket is actually a Chicago guide and coupon book, and entitles you to a free t-shirt at the Chicago Trolley-managed Park Shop in Millennium Park, as well as a free gift with purchase at the Oprah Store, $15 off tickets to the Blue Man Group, and 10% off at Macy’s on State Street.

All of this sightseeing can get you a little hungry, but Chicago Trolley is a few steps ahead. Through partnerships with Hershey’s Chicago and Garrett Popcorn, every rider also receives a free Hershey’s bar and bag of popcorn!

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