banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner
banner

Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included | 2 hours

55 Reviews | Chicago
From $36.00 per person Lowest Price Guarantee
Select Date and Travelers
You can select up to 10 travelers in total.
Adult (0-99) Minimum: 1, Maximum: 10
2
Free Cancellation For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included
2 Adults x $36.00
$72.00
Approx Total
$72.00

Inclusions / Exclusions

  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English
  • 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

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.

Meeting points

Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

  • N/A

    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.

    10 minutes

  • N/A

    Washington/Wabash "L" station

    10 minutes

  • N/A

    View Trump Tower.

    5 minutes

  • N/A

    View the Marshall Field Building

    5 minutes

  • Harold Washington Library Center

    View the Harold Washington Library and State/Van Burnen Station

    15 minutes

  • N/A

    View the Metropolitan Correction Center

    5 minutes

  • N/A

    View the Fisher Building.

    5 minutes

  • N/A

    View the DePaul Center.

    5 minutes

  • N/A

    View the Insurance Exchange Building

    5 minutes

  • N/A

    Clinton St/Lake St "L" Station

    15 minutes

  • N/A

    View the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) headquarters.

    5 minutes

  • Chicago Board Of Trade Building

    View the Chicago Board of Trade Building

    5 minutes

  • N/A

    View the LeMoyne Building

    5 minutes

  • N/A

    Washington/Wabash "L" Station

    15 minutes

  • N/A

    Return to Chicago Architecture Center

    5 minutes

Sample Menu

Additional Info

  • 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.

Free Cancellation

October 27100% refund
October 28No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews

4.7

55 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
  • 5 stars
    47
  • 4 stars
    6
  • 3 stars
    0
  • 2 stars
    0
  • 1 star
    2

Reviews by TravelOne travelers

Showing 1-5 of 47 reviews with 5 stars

L tour was terrific

Published on Jan, 2025

We greatly enjoyed the tour, despite the intense cold of the day. Our guide remained upbeat and informative throughout.It was our first tour as members. We look forward to many more.

Tour of the elevated Loop

Published on Dec, 2024

Steve our tour guide was great, very professional and knowledgeable and great stories about the history and characters involved in building the elevated system. I would highly recommend this tour.

A different and fascinating view of the Loop

Published on Nov, 2024

As part-time residents of Chicago who rarely use public transportation, this tour gave us a new perspective on buildings and neighborhoods we see all the time. Our guide Amanda was wonderful. She provided thorough historical background, described distinctive features of the many buildings highlighted in the tour, and brought to life the people and events that brought the L into being and shaped its long history. She answered the many questions we had, and we appreciated how much she enjoyed sharing the distinctive history of the Loop with us. We look forward to doing other tours with Amanda and deepening our knowledge about the great city we live in.

Best CAC tour so far

Published on Nov, 2024

We've visited the CAC for years and taken many of their walking tours. While they've all been very enjoyable, this was the best tour so far. Our docent Matt was warm, extremely enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and very considerate of individual attendees' needs (e.g., getting a stroller and young kids around the Loop). Thank you, Matt! The individual audio systems were easy to use and made it simple to hear Matt despite background city noise. Great experience and very highly recommended.

El Tour Outstanding

Published on Oct, 2024

Chris did an amazing job with this tour. We enjoyed it so much. We are members and go on 5-6 tours each year. He is one of the best as is the tour.

Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Chicago Architecture River Cruise
5580ARC
time

1 hour

time Free Cancellation
14,058
From
$49 /   Person
Chicago: Gangsters and Ghosts Walking To ...
61552P8
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
7,121
From
$35 /   Person
Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightsee ...
5096CHICAGO
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,953
From
$50 /   Person
Skydeck Chicago Admission Ticket
5671SKYDECK
time

1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

time Free Cancellation
1,538
From
$44 /   Person
Chicago in a Day: Food, History and Arch ...
5713P139
time

5 hours

time Free Cancellation
927
From
$132 /   Person
Chicago River Architecture Tour with Sma ...
Likely To Sell Out
92538P1
time

1 hour 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
817
From
$49 /   Person
Lake Michigan Skyline Cruise in Chicago
5580SKY
time

30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
761
From
$33 /   Person
Chicago Walking Food Tour With Secret Fo ...
Special Offer
7812P19
time

3 hours

time Free Cancellation
649
From
$80 /   Person
Chicago's Secret Interiors Architectural ...
92538P4
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
613
From
$29 /   Person
Chicago Gangster and Food Walking Tour
61552P17
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
472
From
$75 /   Person
2-Hour Guided Segway Tour of Chicago
85696P1
time

2 hours

time Free Cancellation
422
From
$65 /   Person
Chicago Buffet Dinner Cruise on Lake Mic ...
5042CHISUN
time

2 hours to 3 hours

time Non Refundable
347
From
$122 /   Person
Recently Viewed
Alicante Private Bike Tour (min 2p) MEDI ...
88803P3
time

2 hours 50 minutes

time Free Cancellation
13
From
$64 /   Person
Punta Cana Private Beach Small Group Sno ...
19114P3
time

3 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
244
From
$799 /   Group
Donuts and Discovery Walking Tour
Likely To Sell Out
8105P12
time

2 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
7
From
$55 /   Person
Istanbul Ancient Monasteries Full-Day To ...
5744BYZANTINE
time

6 hours 40 minutes to 7 hours 30 minutes

time Free Cancellation
14
From
$199 /   Group
Skip the Line: Flamingo Gardens Admissio ...
6550FLGARD
time

4 hours

time Free Cancellation
195
From
$24 /   Person
Connect with TravelOne
Louise Berg
Destination Expert
Customize Your Trip
TravelOne Subscribe
We organise unforgettable vacations.
Subscribe for trending deals.
© Copyright 2025 TravelOne Technologies Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
Visa Card Mastercard Maestro Amex Discover
TravelOne uses cookies to give you the best possible service. If you continue browsing, you agree to the use of cookies. More details can be found in our privacy policy.

Do you have a destination in mind, or should we recommend one?

Where do you want to go next?

Is this your first time visiting ?

When do you plan to travel?

Select the general vibe you're looking for on this trip

What theme best captures the vibe you want for this trip?

Choose your preferred travel flow

Customize your trip's activity flow

Who's traveling and how many of you?

Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Adults
Ages 12 or above
Child
Ages 8-12
Child
Ages 3-7
Infant
Ages 0-2
Women Only
Join A Group

What kind of accommodation do you prefer?

Preferred Star Rating?

Property Preference?

Property Location?

Preferred Hotel Chain?

Meal At The Hotel?

Choose Hotel Options

We’ll help find the meals that suit your taste

Which meal package would you like to choose?

What are your meal preferences?

Dining Style Preferences?

Cuisine Preferences?

Dining Atmosphere Preferences?

Preferred Meal Times?

Tell us how you’d like to travel between places

What are your preferences for Arrival/Departure Airport Transfers?

What are your preferences for internal transfers?

Select your preferred guide style

What kind of guide support do you prefer during your trip?

Preferred Language for Guide?

Preferred Type of Guide?

Group Size for Tours with Guides?

Desired Role of the Guide?

Specific Guide Personality/Style Preference?

Do you need dining recommendations/reservations support from the guide?

Let us know if you want flight assistance

What are your preferences for onward and return flights?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What are your preferences for internal flight?

Cabin Class

Preferred Departure Time

Preferred Arrival Time

Preferred Airlines

What type of experiences do you seek while traveling?

Reset keyword
    Theme
    Adventure & Outdoor Activities
    Air & Water-Powered Thrill Rides
    Airboat Tours Flyboarding Jet Boat Rentals Jetpacks
    Climbing & Vertical Challenges
    Caving Climbing Ice Climbing Rock Climbing Sea Caving
    High-Adrenaline Aerial Adventures
    Air Tours Hang Gliding Heli-Hiking Helicopter Tours Helicopter Transfers Paragliding Parasailing Skydiving Ziplining
    Land-Based Extreme Driving
    4WD Tours ATV Tours Buggy Rentals Dune Bashing Go Kart Hummer Tours Motor Sports Motorcycle Tours Off-Road Tours Performance Car Driving Road Trip Vespa Rentals
    Sand & Desert Adventures
    Camel Rides Sandboarding
    Snow & Ice Adventures
    Dog Sledding/Mushing Husky Dog Tours Ice Fishing Ice Skating Snowboarding Snowmobiling Snowshoeing
    Unique & Unconventional Challenges
    Bungee Jumping Escape Rooms Flight Simulator Fun & Games Scavenger Hunts Shooting Shooting Ranges Tubing Zorbing
    Water & Surf Sports
    Freediving Kitesurfing Rafting Scuba Diving Surfing Lessons Wakeboarding Waterskiing White Water Rafting
    Theme
    Cruises & Water Journeys
    Classic & Scenic Cruises
    Canal Cruises Catamaran Cruises Dhow Cruises Gondola Cruises Sightseeing Cruises Water Tours
    Multi-Day & Extended Water Journeys
    Multi-day Cruises Ports of Call Tours Shore Excursions Worry-Free Shore Excursion
    Private & Adventure Boating
    Boat Rentals Power Boats Sailing
    Themed & Specialized Cruises
    Dinner Cruises Night Cruises Submarine Tours
    Unique & Alternative Water Travel
    Duck Boat Tours Ferry Services Pack Animal Tours Water Equipment Rentals Water Parks Water Transfers
    Theme
    Eco & Sustainable Travel
    Cycling & Eco-Friendly Transport
    Bike Rentals Bike Tours Cycling Cycling Classes E-Bike Tours
    Land-Based Exploration
    Hiking Tours Nature Walks Self-guided Tours Walking Tours
    Nature & Wildlife Conservation
    Eco Tours Nature and Wildlife Tours Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching
    Protected Natural Areas
    Involves Animals Involves Poverty Stricken Communities National Parks Nature Parks
    Sustainable & Responsible Travel
    Sustainable Tours Volunteer Tours
    Theme
    Food & Culinary Experiences
    Culinary Classes and Workshops
    Candy Making Classes Chocolate Tours Cocktail Tastings Mixology Classes Olive Oil Tasting Paella Making Classes Pasta Making Classes Pizza Making Classes Wine Making Workshops
    Dining Experiences and Meals
    Breakfast Brunch Dinner Dinner and Show Tickets Lunch Restaurants
    Food & Beverage Tours
    Beer & Brewery Tours Chocolate Tours Coffee & Tea Tours Culinary Tours Pastry Tours Sake Brewery Tour Sake Tasting Street Food Tours Taco Tours Wine Tours
    Food Tastings and Sampling
    Cocktail Tastings High Tea Olive Oil Tasting Sake Tasting Wine Tastings
    Food-Related Cruises
    Brunch Cruises Coffee Cruises Dinner Cruises Lunch Cruises
    Specialized Food Events
    Dining Experiences Dinner and Show Tickets
    Thematic Food Events & Experiences
    Donut Walking Tour Markets
    Theme
    Historical & Heritage Sites
    Classic & General History Tours
    Archaeology Tours Architecture Tours City Tours Cultural Tours Historical Tours
    Historical Landmarks & Sites
    Ancient Ruins Castles Tours Monuments and Memorials Religious Sites
    Industrial & Commercial History
    Factory Tours Plantation Tours
    Literature, TV & Film-Based Tours
    Game of Thrones Tours Harry Potter Tours Literary Tours TV Tours
    Museum & Cultural Institutions
    Attractions & Museums Museum Tickets & Passes Museums Planetariums
    Mystery & Dark History Tours
    Crime Tours Ghost Tours Underground Tours
    Observation & Structural History
    Classic Car Tours Observation Decks Skyscrapers & Towers
    Theme
    Local Culture & Traditions
    Art & Creative Workshops
    Art Classes Craft Classes Painting Classes Photography Tours Pottery Classes
    City Exploration
    Hop on Hop Off Buses Trolley Tours Tuk Tuk Tours
    Cultural & Heritage Experiences
    Costume Dress Up Experiences Cultural Tours Culture Fashion Shows Fashion Tours Lantern Festival
    Dance & Music Participation
    Dance Lessons Dance Shows
    Historical & Traditional Skills
    Archery Classes Swordsmanship Classes
    Language & Cultural Learning
    Language Classes Spanish Lessons
    Performing Arts & Live Shows
    Acoustic Concerts Ballet Tickets Ballroom Dance Shows Belly Dance Shows Broadway Shows Cirque du Soleil Shows Classical Concerts Classical Music Flamenco Performance Live Concerts Musicals Opera Performances Sufi Whirling Shows Tango Dance Shows Theater Shows Traditional Dance Performances
    Theme
    Luxury & Romantic Getaways
    Exclusive & VIP Experiences
    Once in a Lifetime Experiences Private and Luxury Viator Exclusive Tours Viator Experience Award 2022 Viator Experience Award 2023 Viator Experience Award 2024 Viator VIP Tours
    Private & Personalized Travel
    Private Day Trips Private Drivers Private Sightseeing Tours
    Romantic & Scenic Experiences
    Helicopter Tours Limousine Tours Luxury Car Tours Photo Shoots Romantic Tours Sunset Cruises
    Weddings & Special Celebrations
    Photo Shoots Wedding Ceremonies Wedding Packages Weddings & Celebrations
    Theme
    Nature & Scenic Experiences
    Adventure & Sports in Nature
    Horseback Riding Mountain Bike Rentals Mountain Bike Tours Sandboarding
    Boating & Cruises
    Glass Bottom Boat Tours Gondola Cruises Sailing
    Camping & Outdoor Stays
    Camping Honeymoon Packages
    Fishing & Marine Experiences
    Eco Tours Fishing Charters
    Hiking & Exploration
    Glacier Walks Hiking Tours National Parks Natural Attractions Nature Parks Nature Walks Outback Tours Parks
    Paddle & Active Water Sports
    Jet Ski Rentals Kayaking Tours Stand Up Paddleboarding
    Sky & Aerial Nature Experiences
    Hot Air Balloon Rides Northern Lights
    Underwater Exploration
    Scuba Diving Shark Diving Snorkeling Swim with Dolphins
    Wildlife Observation & Encounters
    Aquariums Bird Watching Dolphin Watching Safaris Shark Diving Swim with Dolphins Whale Watching Wildlife Encounters Wildlife Watching Zoos & Wildlife Parks
    Theme
    Nightlife & Festivals
    Dance & Cultural Party Experiences
    Disco Dance Shows Luaus Samba Dance Shows
    Festivals & Seasonal Celebrations
    Carnival Christmas Festivals Halloween Mardi Gras Oktoberfest Packages & Special Events
    Live Music & Performances
    Concerts Jazz Shows Live Concerts Music Tours Musical Shows Opera Performances R&B/Soul Concerts Rap & Hip-Hop Concerts Samba Dance Shows Theater Shows
    Nightlife & Entertainment
    Adults-only Shows Bar Tours Burlesque Shows Cabaret Casino Tours Comedy Shows Night Cruises Night Tours Nightlife Pub Tours
    Spectacle & Family-Friendly Entertainment
    Children’s Shows & Concerts Circus Shows Family-friendly Shows Fireworks Shows Shows
    Unique & Themed Experiences
    LGBT Friendly Tours Street Art Tour Theme Parks Universal Theme Parks
    Theme
    Seasonal & Holiday Trips
    Travel by Season
    Autumn / Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Winter Sports
    Theme
    Spiritual & Religious Journeys
    Healing & Wellness Experiences
    Spas Thermal Spas & Hot Springs Yoga Classes
    Immersive Spiritual Experiences
    Light & Sound Shows
    Sacred & Religious Sites
    Religious Sites Religious Tours
    Spiritual & Cultural Rituals
    Easter Lunar New Year Sufi Whirling Shows
    Traditional & Cultural Bathing Practices
    Arab Baths Hammams & Turkish Baths Onsens
    Theme
    Sports & Active Travel
    Ball Sports
    Golf Tours & Tee Times Lacrosse Classes Softball Classes Tennis
    Combat & Tactical Sports
    Martial Arts Classes Paintball
    Extreme & Challenge-Based Sports
    Obstacle Courses
    Spectator Sports & Events
    Baseball Tickets Horse Racing Rugby Soccer Sporting Event Tickets & Passes
    Sports Training & Lessons
    Cycling Cycling Classes Sports Lessons
    Winter Sports
    Skiing Skiing Classes

    Choose your preferred travel flow