Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included
+4 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $35 / person
- Location
- Chicago, United States
- Rating
- 4.8 / 5 · 103 reviews
- Languages
- EN
- Group
- Small group, up to 10
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Chicago Architecture Center
- Meeting point
- Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive.
Description
Explore Chicago’s amazing architecture from the unique perspective of elevated trains and station platforms. Learn the history behind the famous "L" system and hear how it has shaped the development of buildings within the Loop. The city's first elevated train started making trips in 1892. Now considered one of Chicago’s most defining features, the "L" offers incredible views of downtown. By being more than 20 feet off the ground, you'll see architectural details that are missed by most pedestrians at street level. This is our most comprehensive tour in the Loop, passing hundreds of buildings and highlighting ones of architectural significance. As a certified nonprofit, all CAC ticket purchases directly support our education efforts and community engagement projects.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Tue, Fri, and Sun
- Start times
- 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM
- Next available
- Sun, Nov 1
- Adult
- $35
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 31.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin the tour at the Chicago Architecture Center. Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system is included. Please request a "Ventra" card from the Chicago Architecture Box Office when checking in for the tour.
Washington/Wabash "L" station
View Trump Tower.
View the Marshall Field Building
Harold Washington Library Center
View the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Burnen Station
View the Metropolitan Correction Center
View the Fisher Building.
View the DePaul Center.
View the Insurance Exchange Building
Clinton St/Lake St "L" Station
View the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) headquarters.
Chicago Board Of Trade Building
View the Chicago Board of Trade Building
View the LeMoyne Building
Washington/Wabash "L" Station
Return to Chicago Architecture Center
What's included
Included
Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system
Admission to the galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
Narration by a professional and certified guide.
Not included
Food or drink
Storage for luggage or strollers
Coat check
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
103 reviews
How it compares in Chicago
- Starting price $35 is 36% below the typical $55 for tours of similar length in Chicago
- Price unchanged over the last 29 days
Excurgo comparison of 522 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Only about 15 minutes of this two-hour tour is on a train, while most of the remaining tour takes place outdoors standing on the station platforms.
- Pets are not allowed.
- The itinerary of this tour is subject to change without notice.
- Seating at stations and on the train is not guaranteed.
- This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.
- Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking or standing.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does this tour take?
Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 15 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $35 per person for this Chicago experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting at 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 10 participants.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 103 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Chicago Architecture Center.
Reviews(103)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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from$35
4.8(103) Free cancellation