Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included
Overview
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.
What's 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.
- Food or drink
- Storage for luggage or strollers
- Coat check
Meeting Location
East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Chicago Architecture Center
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Marshall Field and Company Building
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Harold Washington Library Center
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
MCC Chicago, Federal Bureau of Prisons
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
567 W Lake St
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chicago Board of Trade Building
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Chicago Architecture Center
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.
- Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking or standing.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included?
A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT). Read more Apr 2025
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.85 out of 5 stars based on 60 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
5-Day Tour in Detroit, Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Cleveland
$1,014
Chicago Food Tour: Deep Roots to Deep Dish
$245
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
90-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour
$45
Chicago Lake and River Architecture Tour
$45
45-Minute Chicago River Architecture Tour from Magnificent Mile
$28
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CDT).
- Fare to ride the Chicago Elevated Rail system.
- Admission to the galleries of the Chicago Architecture Center.
- Narration by a professional and certified guide.
- Food or drink.
- Storage for luggage or strollers.
- Coat check.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.
- Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking or standing.
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's 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.
- Food or drink
- Storage for luggage or strollers
- Coat check
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- This tour is not ADA accessible. Stairs are required.
- Not recommended for travelers with difficulty walking or standing.
- 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.
Report Product Issue
