Need a charter bus in Chicago? National Charter Bus has your group transportation covered for trips of all types in Chicago. We offer minibuses and charter buses for occasions like business events in The Loop, beautiful weddings on Lake Michigan, and school field trips at the Art Institute. Make exploring the Windy City as easy as possible with a private charter bus rental and a professional driver. A National Charter Bus rental rep will be available 24/7 at 312-392-0239 to help you organize group transportation in Chicago!
At National Charter Bus, we understand that trips can vary from group to group, and that’s why we work with a wide network of transportation partners in Chicago. This means we can offer groups multiple models of minibus and charter bus rentals for a variety of events. Minibuses are compact options for 18 to 25 passengers for occasions like private nights out, group vacations, and employee shuttles. If you need a spacious transportation option, a full-size charter bus rental is the way to go. With up to 56 seats, we usually recommend a full-size charter bus rental for events like large weddings, business conferences, and sporting events.
Booking a charter bus rental can be expensive, but is often more convenient and cost-effective than organizing caravans or multiple rental cars. Figuring out where to start with pricing a Chicago charter bus rental may seem daunting. Don’t worry—a National Charter Bus rep can help you easily price out a rental for your Chicago trip! Call 312-392-0239 with your trip details and your dedicated representative will create a customized quote.
Whether you need to keep out-of-town colleagues from having to navigate the L or want to simplify hectic commutes for employees, a shuttle bus service is the way to go. National Charter Bus offers employee shuttle services for companies of all sizes across several industries. Each shuttle can be equipped with amenities like WiFi, power outlets, TVs, and reclining seats to keep your colleagues traveling in complete comfort in Chicago. To make it even better, each shuttle will be operated by a pro driver so everyone can skip the hassle of notorious Chicago rush hour traffic.
Chicago is one of the best vacation destinations in the Midwest and is even one of the most-visited cities in the country. Renting a charter bus in Chicago can help keep group tours and vacations running smoothly. You won’t have to worry about parking multiple cars near Millennium Park or losing someone on the busy roads while traveling to Navy Pier. A Chicago charter bus rental will keep everyone together as your knowledgeable driver navigates the roads.
Even if you’re Chicago locals planning an event like a birthday party, social gathering, or group staycation—National Charter Bus can help you out too. Forget about hailing multiple rideshares after a night out in RiNo or organizing guest parking at an event in Lincoln Park. We’ll make sure everyone travels, parks, and loads their Chicago bus rental free from stress.
With so many museums and learning centers in the metro area, educators have an endless list of field trip destinations to pick from in Chicago. Learn about our oceans at the Shedd Aquarium, tech at the Museum of Science and Industry, or animals from around the world at Lincoln Park Zoo. National Charter Bus offers safe transportation for wherever your educational travels take your school group, scout troop, or youth group in Chicago. We make sure all of our transportation partners are thoroughly vetted and operating modern, clean, and safe charter bus rentals for your students.
High school seniors or transfer students planning a day of tours can hop between University of Chicago, Loyola, and Northwestern campuses with ease. Your academic organization can craft an itinerary of visiting campuses over multiple days and your charter bus driver will make sure you arrive at each location without a hitch.
Current students in Chicago universities can also rely on National Charter Bus for campus shuttles. University students in need of transportation for formals, sports games, volunteer events, and academics should consider renting a bus to simplify their trip. Forget about hailing multiple rideshares for a night or waiting on volunteers to arrive while lost on Chicago roads. Have everyone travel together in one charter bus rental to any university event in Chicago.
Corporate event planners organizing conferences or conventions at massive venues like McCormick Place will need a reliable and professional guest transportation solution. National Charter Bus has worked with corporate event planners to offer shuttles to and from event spaces, hotels, airports, and business offices. We’ll work with you to craft the best fleet of charter bus rentals to service your Chicago business event. Customize your corporate shuttle schedules and we’ll ensure you have the professional transportation you need for your event.
Cheer on the Cubs, Bulls, White Sox, or any other major sports team in Chicago with a charter bus rental for your fan group. Parking at Wrigley Field and the United Center can be gridlocked on game days, that’s why having a charter bus rental and professional driver is the way to go! You won’t have to worry about tracking down your group as everyone is spread between multiple parking lots. Rent a charter bus, book one oversized spot, and set up a tailgate for your game!
National Charter Bus can also provide transportation for amateur sports teams in need of an away game ride. Skip the tight sprinter vans or mom’s sedan. With a charter bus rental in Chicago, your team will have enough seats onboard for every player to stay comfy for the ride to and from the game. You’ll also have all the space you need onboard for equipment and gear.
Planning a ceremony can be stressful for the happy couple-to-be, the wedding planner, and even the guests. Renting a wedding shuttle bus can lessen the wedding day stress for everyone involved. Since transportation will be taken care of, the soon-to-be newlyweds have to worry about guests getting lost, finding parking, and inevitably being late. Guests can enjoy an open bar and dance the night away without stressing about a DD or calling a rideshare service. Plan your beautiful wedding at premier Chicago venues like Greenhouse Loft or Ovation, and leave the shuttle logistics up to National Charter Bus.
If you need a change of scenery from Chi-town or you’re planning a tour of the Midwest, leave the transportation up to National Charter Bus. Since our network is nationwide, you can rent a bus in Chicago to travel the distance to Fort Wayne, Madison, Detroit, Indianapolis, St. Paul, and beyond. Relax in reclining seats, watch a film on your bus’s TVs, stream your favorite podcasts with free WiFi, and ride to your day or weekend trip destination.
Ready to reserve a Chicago charter bus rental for an upcoming group trip? One of our helpful reservation experts will be available 24/7 to help you at 312-392-0239. Spend your day touring the Windy City and your dedicated charter bus driver will worry about how you’ll travel from stop to stop.
1. Where can you park a charter bus in Chicago?
Parking in some parts of Chicago can be notoriously difficult. Thankfully, we’ve compiled an entire blog post about parking a charter bus in Chicago. This blog post also includes information about designated loading and unloading zones throughout the city.
If you don’t feel like reading through the blog post, here’s the quick rundown:
-McCormick Place offers paid reserved overnight parking for motorcoaches. This lot offers in/out privileges and is likely your best bet for convenient parking.
-Additional paid lots for buses can be found near the Lincoln Park Zoo, Soldier Field, and the Museum of Science and Industry.
-Limited free street parking can be found on Canal Street, Kinzie Street, and Green Street.
More information about reserving paid parking can be found on the Chicago Park District website.
2. What is the traffic like in Chicago?
As one of the most populated and tourist-heavy cities in the country, Chicago’s traffic can be a nightmare. According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Chicago ranks as the tenth most congested city in North America.
Rush hour in Chicago usually spans from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. These are often the worst times to hit the road, especially on congested stretches along the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and I-90.
Keep in mind that traffic may be even heavier during busy travel months throughout the summer, holidays, and special events like Lollapalooza and Chicago Pride.
3. What are the public transportation options like in Chicago?
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) system is the country’s second-largest public transportation system after New York City. CTA operates a rail system (referred to as the ‘L’) and bus system throughout the city. The L operates on 8 routes with 145 stations, while the bus has over 120 routes.
Water taxis are additional public transport options that are perfect for groups looking for unique views of the city. Although Chicago River and Lake Michigan water taxis are operated by private companies, tickets are open to the public to purchase.
4. Where can my charter bus pick my group up at the airport in Chicago?
Public and private buses at O’Hare can be found at the Bus Shuttle Center directly across from the Hilton Airport location. Your charter bus driver will communicate with you based on your arrival or departure time to organize timely pickup and drop off.
5. Are there any restrictions on charter buses in Chicago?
As a major tourist destination, Chicago sees countless charter buses and other tour vehicles throughout the year. Groups traveling in Chicago should be aware of strict loading and unloading policies for charter buses. Your group can only be dropped off at designated stops near Chicago landmarks. Most loading areas have a 15-minute limit, so please make sure everyone moves as quickly as possible to allow other travel groups use of the zone.
As you plan your Chicago itinerary, you may want to consider adding a few locally loved locations. Sure, the famous attractions like the Art Institute, Millennium Park, and Willis Tower are a must-see, but there’s so much more to Chicago than just the tourist hotspots. Here are a few local hotspots to check out:
This historic Uptown jazz club opened in 1907 and was named as an homage to the famed Moulin Rouge in Paris. Green Mill Jazz Club is a must-visit spot for jazz music aficionados and history buffs. Enjoy a night of music with tasty drinks and leave the post-show driving up to your charter bus driver.
Address: 4802 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 878-5552
The glitz and glamor of Chicago’s big shopping districts may often overshadow the fun and kitschy stores located in the city. Wooly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities is truly for those who enjoy the unique and strange. You’ll find memorable souvenirs like one-of-a-kind antique furniture, taxidermy animals, and vintage medical paraphernalia packed into this small store.
Address: 1513 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 989-3294
Located in the Chicago suburb of Volo, this auto museum should be a stop for car lovers. The exhibits include Bumblebee from Transformers, KITT from Knight Rider, and the Ecto-1 from Ghostbusters. If you have a mixed group with a few folks not too interested in cars, the museum also has a Dinosaur Park (yep, you read that right!) and an antique mall.
Address: 27582 Volo Village Rd, Volo, IL 60073
Phone: (815) 385-3644
This local shop isn’t really a secret but it’s a great stop for quirky spy-themed gifts. You’ll find disguises and gadgets as well as cards, toys, and books. Proceeds from sales at Wicker Park Secret Agent Supply Co. benefit 826CHI, a local non-profit creative writing center.
Address: 1276 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 772-8108
Big Joe’s is a local watering hole made famous for its table-top turtle racing. It’s the perfect dive to enjoy affordable brews, a game of darts, and see if your favorite turtle wins one of the six races. Visitors can enter raffles to win prizes like t-shirts and drinks based on each turtle’s speed.
Address: 1818 W Foster Ave, Chicago, IL 60640
Phone: (773) 784-8755
Right photo Credit: Thrillist, Sean Cooley
There’s no shortage of hotels and lodging options in Chicago, especially in Wrigleytown around Wrigley Field. Wrigley Hostel is one of the best and most unique lodging options near the historic field. The hostel is a social-centric lodging option that’s central to bars, restaurants, and other hotspots in Chicago.
Address: 3514 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Phone: (773) 598-4471
Music Box Theatre opened in 1929 and has operated as an art-house and repertory cinema since 1983. The theatre is famous for showing films in 70mm, hosting sing-a-long nights, and having live organ music before shows. Group ticket discounts are available for 20 or more guests. Pile your group of film enthusiasts onto your charter bus rental and ride to the theatre! Address: 3733 N Southport Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 871-6604
The Magnificent Mile is one of the best stretches in the city for shopping and dining in Chicago. You’ll find luxury shops like Cartier and Louis Vuitton, as well as upscale department stores like Nordstrom and Bloomingdale. It's the perfect place to get in some luxe retail therapy and to have a tasty lunch or dinner. Address: North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
The 606, also known as The Bloomingdale Trail, is a 2.7-mile elevated trail built along former railroad tracks. It stretches between Chicago’s Hermosa, Logan Square, and Bucktown neighborhoods, offering visitors access to multiple green spaces and outdoor art installations. It's a wonderful place to get some fresh air and stroll between Chicago parks.
Starting Address: 1805 N Ridgeway Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (312) 742-4622
Touring Wrigley Field may not be at the top of your itinerary unless you’re a group of Cubs fans. Though, as one of the oldest and most famous ballparks in Major League Baseball, it’s well worth a visit for any type of group. Private ballpark tours are available for groups during select non-game days.
Address: 1060 W. Addison St., Chicago, IL 60613
Phone: (773) 404-2827