Big bus tour vs public transit

Question

Looking at whether purchasing a big bus tour 2 day ticket would suffice to provide transportation to various tourist sites vs public transportation. We are staying at Hampton inn and suites downtown. We would complete the full tour the first day with a few hop in/hop off stops and then use it the second day for transportation to other stops we didn’t get off on the first day. I know we would loose some time having to ride past stops we had already seen.

Answer

When considering whether to use a Big Bus tour 2-day ticket or rely on public transit for getting around Chicago, there are a few factors to weigh. Both options have their advantages and limitations, depending on your preferences and priorities.

Big Bus Tour

The Big Bus Tour is a convenient option, especially for first-time visitors who want an easy way to see the major attractions without navigating the city's public transit system. Here are the pros and cons of using the Big Bus tour:

Pros:
- Comprehensive Sightseeing: The Big Bus tour provides a guided route with stops at many of Chicago’s key tourist attractions, such as the Willis Tower, Navy Pier, Millennium Park, and the Art Institute. It's a great way to see a lot in a short time.
- Hop-On, Hop-Off: You can get on and off at different stops, which allows flexibility to explore sites in more depth without worrying about parking or navigating public transit.
- Informative Commentary: The tour offers live or audio guides, giving you interesting facts and historical information about the city and its landmarks.
- Convenient for Tourists: If you're staying near downtown (like the Hampton Inn & Suites), the Big Bus stops at many central locations, making it easy to access without needing to figure out the local transit system.
Cons:
- Time-Consuming: As you mentioned, if you’ve already seen some of the stops, you may end up riding past them again, which can be time-consuming, especially on the second day.
- Limited Coverage: While the Big Bus covers major attractions, it doesn’t reach some more off-the-beaten-path locations or neighborhoods that might interest you. You'll likely have to use public transit or walk to get to those places.
- Potential for Crowds: Popular tourist destinations can lead to crowded buses, especially during peak times. This may make for a less enjoyable experience on the bus.

Public Transit

Chicago’s public transit system (the CTA) is well-regarded, affordable, and efficient for getting around the city. Here’s what you can expect:

Pros:
- Affordable: Public transit is much cheaper than the Big Bus. You can buy a 3-day CTA pass for unlimited rides on buses and trains, which is a great deal if you're planning to explore Chicago over several days.
- Access to More Areas: Public transit will take you to almost every neighborhood in the city, so you won’t be limited to the popular tourist spots. If you want to explore areas beyond the typical attractions, the CTA is the better option.
- Faster Travel: Chicago’s “L” trains are generally faster than the Big Bus, especially if you need to travel longer distances. The buses also tend to be quicker in some areas, depending on traffic.
Cons:
- Less Convenient for Sightseeing: Public transit requires more planning and navigation, as you’ll need to figure out the right routes and schedules. It’s less of a guided experience compared to the Big Bus tour, and you won’t get a narrated tour of the city.
- Can Be Crowded: Public transit, especially during rush hours, can be crowded. However, if you're traveling off-peak, this may not be an issue.
- More Effort for First-Time Visitors: If you're not familiar with the system, it can take a little time to figure out which trains or buses to take, especially if you're trying to get to specific attractions. There’s also the potential for confusion with transfers between buses and trains.

Which Option is Better for You?

Since you’ll be staying downtown and plan to complete the Big Bus tour on the first day, the Big Bus can be a good option for your initial sightseeing, especially if you want an easy way to see the major attractions without much hassle. However, you’re right in noting that the second day may involve retracing your steps, which could be a waste of time. If your second day is focused on more specific attractions or neighborhoods you missed, public transit might be a better option.

Recommendation: If you don’t mind the time spent riding past stops you’ve already seen, the Big Bus is a great option for a hassle-free experience, especially for the first day. On the second day, you can use public transit for more targeted stops to explore parts of the city that the Big Bus doesn’t cover, or for quicker access to some attractions that are further apart.

If you decide on the Big Bus, it's recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially for the summer months, as it can get busy. You can also check the schedules and routes to see if there are any stops that interest you that you missed on day one.