Why Rent a Charter Bus in Chicago?

Ahh, the Windy City—a nickname reminiscent of summer days blessed by chilly breezes blowing from the Lake. But historically, “Windy City” is a moniker derived from old tales of the locals being pompous “windbags”—especially the politicians during the time of the 1893 World’s Fair. Whatever the “Windy City” brings to mind, it’s clear Chicago has made a name for itself as a Midwestern destination rich in history and culture. Chicago is known as a world-class Midwestern metropolis settled on the shores of Lake Michigan: a beautiful beachfront with turquoise waters in the summer and a frozen wonderland throughout winter. The city is filled with stories from American history (heard of Al Capone?) and cultural staples like deep dish pizza, iconic skyscrapers, and world-famous museums. Listen to the proud, boisterous locals who will tell you to come and see the Cubs play at Wrigley Field or the river turning green on St. Patrick’s Day. There’s so much to see in this city, so if you’re planning a visit, better get started! As the third-largest city in the U.S., Chicago is sprawling and filled to the brim with destinations for your next trip. Renting a private motorcoach or shuttle bus to travel through the Chicago area will make your group transportation a seamless and stress-free affair. For larger groups, Shofur can match you with a 56-passenger motorcoach to get everyone on board to your destination on time and all together. If you’re planning a quick trip with a small crowd, a 25-passenger minibus can zip you through city streets with ease. A charter bus rental is great for keeping a group of people together during a trip, and this service also ensures comfortable, stress-free travel experiences. Here are some ways you can utilize a charter bus’s many amenities for your next group trip: Passengers can enjoy comfort and convenience during a long-distance journey. Most motorcoaches have plush, reclining seats and an onboard restroom.

Event planners will rest easy knowing they can rely on professional drivers to safely transport their passengers and follow a pre-planned itinerary.

Kids and teenagers can be entertained during field trip travel. Unlike a school bus, a charter bus can come with a DVD player and television screens to play fan-favorite movies and television series.

Corporate teams and professionals can check email using free WiFi or recharge their laptops using onboard power outlets while in transit to a trade show, conference, or teambuilding activity.

Sports teams can take advantage of ample overhead and undercarriage storage for sporting equipment during travel to away games or tournaments.

Group Transportation Options in Chicago

The ‘L’ The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)—better known as the ‘L’ to Chicagoans—offers an intricate network of rail services. Most of Chicago’s most popular attractions can be found along the various lines, with the Loop (a famous historic elevated rail that encircles downtown) at the heart of it all. The ‘L’ is a great transportation option for small groups who can stick together and navigate the eight separate lines that span all of Chicago. For groups of 6 or more, it may prove challenging to keep everyone together and plan a route, especially if your destinations are spread across the city grid. Taxi Chicago taxi cabs are quick and convenient for small groups, especially those traveling to and from O’Hare International Airport, where dedicated taxi stands are easy to spot. However, while fares are based on traffic conditions, they can add up quickly in a city this big. It can cost up to $24 per person to travel as a group to popular destinations like a restaurant downtown or a trade show at McCormick Place. You may also need to hail multiple taxis if you’re traveling with more than four people. Water Taxi If your itinerary takes you across the Chicago River or Lake Michigan, hop on a water taxi for a fun and unique opportunity to see the city and avoid vehicle traffic. An all-day pass costs approximately $10 per person, and you can travel with your luggage, bring food, and use onboard restrooms. Keep in mind that travel via water taxi is confined to Chicago-area rivers and the waterfront. If you’re traveling from out of town, this mode of transportation won’t be an option. Rideshare Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are affordable and reliable transportation options. Wherever you are in Chicago, getting a ride to your next destination is as easy as pulling out your phone and plugging in the details of your trip. It’s also possible to request a van or SUV for a group of up to 6 people. However, if you’re traveling with more than 6 people, you may need to request multiple rideshares and split up the group. Paying for rideshares may also become a hassle if you need to ask your guests to front the bill and reimburse them later. Private Charter Bus A charter bus rental is the group transportation option that offers the most customization and flexibility. You can create a personalized itinerary, take advantage of premium amenities, and work with professional drivers to plan ideal travel for your group. However, private charter bus service can be a costly investment. To make the option more affordable, you can split the cost amongst passengers. The split cost per person over a multi-day trip is typically cheaper than the total cost of taxi fares and rideshare fees. Comparing Chicago Group Transportation Shofur The "L" Taxi Rideshare Private ✓ x x x Personal, professional driver ✓ x ✓ x Curbside drop-off ✓ x ✓ ✓ On-board climate controls ✓ x ✓ ✓ On-board entertainment ✓ x x x Nationwide access ✓ x x x Tailored to your schedule ✓ x x x One vehicle for your entire group ✓ ✓ x x Check out our Bus Rental Guide to get a good idea of the information you’ll need when you call us to book a charter bus. You’ll want to be ready to tell us the date, time and location of your pick-up spot, final destination and any picku-p and drop-off stops along your route. You’ll also want to have additional requests handy. For example, if you have passengers with disabilities, you can request an ADA-accessible coach. When you’re ready to book a Chicago charter bus, give us a call at 1-800-436-8719.

Travel for Trade Shows and Conventions in Chicago

If you’re planning a convention or large corporate event, let Shofur handle the transportation logistics. Count on us to secure premium shuttle service for single or multi-day events. You can plan convenient routes that transport attendees from the venue parking lot, local hotels, or O’Hare International Airport to the conference center. Without needing to worry about renting a vehicle, navigating the ‘L’ or finding parking, event guests will save time and energy. Here are a few convention centers you may need shuttle bus transportation to: McCormick Place The largest convention center in North America. Address: 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616 Phone: (312) 791-7000 Navy Pier Festival Hall More than 170,000 square feet of exhibit space on the lakefront. Address: 600 E. Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: 1 (800) 595-7437 Midwest Conference Center Large event venue with a panoramic view of the Chicago skyline. Address: 401 W Lake St, Northlake, IL 60164 Phone: (708) 409-2828

Plan a Chicago Corporate Team-Building Event

Work hard, play hard! Your team deserves to blow off some steam every once in a while, and Shofur wants to be the Chicago charter bus company to help you do it. Rent a motorcoach or shuttle bus for a comfortable midday or post-work trip into the city from your office. If you’re planning an evening excursion and are traveling during rush-hour traffic, your team will be grateful for a spacious, temperature-controlled charter bus. Get the party started early when you log onto free WiFi and plug in your phone using AUX cables to put on your favorite playlist. Still wondering where to go? Ask your team to vote between these fun-filled destinations: Punch Bowl Social Chicago Social and party space with arcade, karaoke, bowling, and more. Address: 310 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: (312) 809-9551 Flight Club An entertainment venue featuring social darts and casual bites. Address: 111 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601 Phone: (312) 284-2474 Headquarters Beercade An arcade bar with 70+ vintage arcade games and pinball machines. Address: 213 W Institute Pl, Chicago, Il 60610 Phone: (312) 291-8735

Field Trips and Educational Travel in Chicago

There are few better cities to plan a field trip than in Chicago. This city is packed with kid-friendly attractions, so why not make your transportation kid-friendly too? Ditch the yellow school bus for a premium Chicago charter bus complete with onboard entertainment like TV screens with DVD players to play your group’s favorite movies and videos. Teenagers will be happy with free WiFi and power outlets in every seat to keep their smartphones charged and TikToks on fleek. Need some ideas for a fun day trip for kids? Check out some of our favorite Chicago destinations: Adler Planetarium Museum dedicated to astronomy and astrophysics. Address: 1300 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 Phone: (312) 922-7827 Chicago Children’s Theatre Community-focused theatre offering plays and acting classes for children. Address: 100 S Racine Ave, Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: (773) 227-0180 Lincoln Park Zoo Free admission 35-acre zoo founded in 1868. Address: 2001 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614 Phone: (312) 742-2000

Planning the Perfect Chicago Wedding

You’ve picked the perfect ceremony venue and locked down the reception space of your dreams. Now all that’s left is making sure your family and friends are there too. Count on Shofur to be the Chicago charter bus company that can complete your wedding day plans with a fleet of sleek shuttle buses. Plan to have round-trip shuttle service on the day of your wedding linking the hotel where your guests are staying to the ceremony venue and reception hall. No one will be late or get lost trying to navigate public transportation or waiting on a rideshare. You can also decorate your shuttle fleet with balloons and streamers that fit your wedding theme and fill the buses with snacks like charcuterie and trail mix. And at the end of the night, after a glass of champagne or three? Passengers will thank their professional drivers for acting as the DD. Here are some popular Chicago wedding venues you may be planning shuttle service to and from: Stan Mansion Sprawling, historical Masonic temple turned event venue. Address: 2408 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647 Phone: (773) 276-0099 The Crystal Gardens Navy Pier botanical gardens ideal for beautiful weddings. Address: 700 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: (312) 595-5436 Moonlight Studios Chic, industrial loft space good for ceremonies & receptions. Address: 1446 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642 Phone: (312) 929-4261

Travel to Chicago Sporting Events

Bears, Cubs, and Bulls, oh my! Chicago loves its professional sports teams. If you’re putting together a team-building event or tailgate at a sports game in the city, load up a Chicago charter bus rental and get your game face on. While you won’t be able to crack open a cold one on board, your bus will have ample storage space for multiple coolers filled with beers, soft drinks and snacks. And don’t be afraid to add a few pick-ups and drop-offs along the way. You can arrange for your charter bus to bring your party to Wrigleyville, the neighborhood around famed Wrigley Field where you’ll find dozens of lively sports bars and baseball-themed gift shops. At the end of the night, thank your driver for being the best DD you could ask for. Here are some of Chicago’s biggest sports venues you may be planning a tailgate to: Wrigley Field Home of the MLB’s Chicago Cubs. Address: 1060 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613 Soldier Field Home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears. Address: 1410 Museum Campus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605 United Center Home of the NBA’s Chicago Bulls and the NFL’s Chicago Blackhawks. Address: 1901 W Madison St, Chicago IL 60612

College Campus Tours in Chicago

Every year, thousands of students clamor to join the ranks at Chicago’s most prominent colleges and universities. If you know some high school juniors and seniors who are considering applying to college in Chicago, rent a charter bus for a full day of campus tours around town. You can plan a custom itinerary to take you to the admissions offices of your top choices, all while enjoying the benefits of private transportation. Prospective students will enjoy viewing their possible future home through wide, panoramic windows and can chat together about their likes and dislikes between destinations. If you’re ready to start planning your campus tour day trip, here are some popular institutions to add to your schedule: University of Illinois at Chicago Address: 1200 West Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607 Phone: (312) 996-7000 The University of Chicago Edward H. Levi Hall Address: 5801 South Ellis Ave, Chicago, IL 60637 Phone: (773) 702-1234 Northwestern University Address: 633 Clark St, Evanston, IL 60208 Phone: (847) 491-3741 DePaul University Address: 1 E. Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604 Phone: (312) 362-8000 Loyola University Chicago Address: 1032 W. Sheridan Rd, Chicago, IL 60660 Phone: (773) 274-3000

Rent a Charter Bus from Chicago to a Notre Dame Football Game

Plan a complete game-day tailgate to see the Fighting Irish face off against their rivals at Notre Dame University! When you rent a Chicago charter bus to a football game at Notre Dame, you’ll travel in total comfort and style. The ride is about 1 hour and 45 minutes around the bend of Lake Michigan, so you’ll be grateful for the ample leg room, reclining seats, and AUX cables to hook up your phone for playing music. You’ll also want to stock up on enough soft drinks and snacks to keep your group satisfied for the ride. If everyone in your group is over 21, , you can make use of the ample storage space on your coach bus rental to hold large coolers and bags of ice to keep brews and seltzers cold. Notre Dame Stadium Address: 2010 Moose Krause Cir, Notre Dame, IN 46556 Phone (Ticket Information): (574) 631-7356

Our Favorite Group-Friendly Destinations in Chicago

Planning a group event in Chicago but not sure where to go? Shofur can help. As a trusted bus company, we know the ins-and-outs of where to go and what to do as a group in the Windy City. For your convenience, the city of Chicago has specifically outlined designated motorcoach loading zones and parking throughout the city. We recommend reviewing the map and pre-paying for bus parking to save yourself the hassle once wheels are on the ground. Now that you know where to park, take a look at some of our fan favorites you may want to add to your trip itinerary: Navy Pier Good for: Weddings, Corporate Events, Field Trips, Private Functions and Parties Located on the waterfront of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a local favorite because of its amusement park rides, its amazing restaurants, and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Take advantage of special rates for groups and field trips, which includes a discount for the Centennial Wheel and for dining at the food court. You can also plan large events here, like a wedding at The Crystal Gardens or a corporate function at Festival Hall. Bus Tip: Navy Pier doesn’t provide bus or motorcoach parking onsite, so you’ll need to pre-arrange parking. The closest parking lot for motorcoaches is south of Navy Pier and near Soldier Field, at the Museum Campus Bus Parking lot. Coordinate with your driver to decide on pick-up and drop-off times. You’ll also need to follow Navy Pier’s bus drop-off plan to know where the designated group drop-off points are and to plan your visit around them. Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 Phone: (312) 595-7437 The Art Institute of Chicago Good for: Field Trips The Art Institute of Chicago is well known for its vast, expertly curated collection of artwork. Fan favorites include Water Lilies by Claude Monet, American Gothic by Grant Wood, and The Bedroom by Vincent Van Gogh, to name a few. Groups of 15 or more can enjoy discounted admission alongside a guided tour and customized lecture. To plan an adult group tour, call (312) 857-7104; for K-12 visits, call (312) 443-3907. Bus Tip: The closest designated motorcoach drop-off point is on Monroe Street at the Bank of America Theatre. From there, it’s a short one-block walk to Millenium Park, where the Art Institute of Chicago can be found. There is no parking at the Art Institute, so you’ll need to plan for parking; the closest parking for buses is at the Soldier Field/Museum Campus Bus Parking lot. Address: 111 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603 Phone (General Information): (312) 443-3600 Cloud Gate & Millennium Park Good for: Private Group Tours, Private Functions, Parties, Team-building Events Making a stop at Cloud Gate and Millennium Park is a must for all visitors. You’ll recognize Cloud Gate—nicknamed “The Bean” for its unmistakable shape—as an enormous reflective archway, perfect for taking selfies and iconic group photos. While in Millennium Park, besides the flower gardens and public art, you might enjoy any number of public happenings like a free music event at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Plan a visit around the park’s extensive events calendar. Bus Tip: Arrange to be dropped off on Upper Randolph Street at Stetson, by the bike station. This is the designated drop-off point for Millenium Park and is also where you’ll find the Millenium Park Welcome Center. Wrigley Field Good for: Sporting Events, Corporate Events Wrigley Field is one of the oldest ballparks in the nation and home to the Chicago Cubs. It’s constantly packed with excitement and hometown pride—there’s nothing quite like cheering on your favorite baseball team! The Cubs sell group tickets in bundles, and you can also reserve a party or event space like the Budweiser Bleacher patio or Fannie May Bleacher “Sweet.” Bus Tip: Your group can be dropped off at West Irving Park Road and North Clark Street for the quickest access to Wrigley Field. There, you’ll see designated zones for pick-up and drop-off, which will be very handy on hectic game days. Wrigley Field does not provide motorcoach parking, so the closest designated bus parking lot is the Wilson lot at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Address: 1060 W. Addison St, Chicago, IL 60613 Phone (Group Sales): (773) 404-4200 Skydeck Chicago Good for: Private Events, Corporate Events, Weddings, Group Tours, Field Trips Located on the 103rd floor of the iconic Willis Tower, Skydeck Chicago offers incredible 360° views of the city skyline. If you're with a group of 20 or more, enjoy special group rates and free bus parking at 1200 South Canal (Roosevelt and Canal). You can also plan a killer event and reserve The Skydeck for an unforgettable corporate gala, birthday blowout, or wedding reception. Bus Tip: The closest permitted drop-off/pick-up zone to Skydeck Chicago is on Wacker Drive, heading south. You’ll want to coordinate your route so that you’re headed south on Wacker to accommodate this loading zone. Address: 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: (312) 875-9696

Charter a Bus to Chicago Today!

Our team is available 24 hours a day to help you plan your Chicago charter bus rental and organize every aspect of your trip’s transportation services. If you’re not sure where to start, give us a call any time at 1-800-436-8719 to learn more about how we can help with your next group trip!