Charter Bus Rentals to the University of Chicago

Why Charter a Bus?

For newcomers and Chicago residents alike, navigating the city with a large group is a daunting task. While UChicago is located along major bus routes, traversing public transportation can be stressful for out-of-towners, let alone with a large group of students and chaperones. To ensure no one is left behind, we recommend renting a minibus for your travels around the city. The perfect vehicle for maneuvering through crowded city streets, this compact vehicle is easy to maneuver through narrow lanes and traffic jams. Even if your driver runs into an unavoidable pile-up, with everyone in the same vehicle, you don’t need to worry about losing anyone in traffic. Whether your Chicago transportation needs start and end at the university, or require service from the O’Hare airport or nearby cities like Indianapolis, a private bus rental is the best way to ensure your college tour group reaches every destination efficiently, safely, and comfortably.

Visit UChicago

The University of Chicago offers plenty of opportunities for prospective students, teachers, parents, and chaperones to learn more about the school. Services include information sessions, campus tours, class visits, overnight visits, and a thrice-annual open house. Each informational event provides a new form of insight into what it’s like to be a Phoenix, so students seriously considering applying to UChicago should take advantage of as many of these resources as possible.

Information Sessions and Campus Tours

Visitors can join an admissions counselor for an overview of academics, the application process, and financial aid. Learn about student life from a current UChicago student as they guide you around the campus’ most distinctive landmarks. Information sessions and tours are free and available to students of all grades and ages. Student guides are available for tours Mondays through Fridays at 9am and 2pm, Saturdays at 10am and 12pm, and Sundays at 2pm between March and November. Throughout the rest of the year, tour times are limited, so be sure to check availability before you start planning your trip. The admissions office welcomes individual walk-ins, but asks large groups to reserve a tour in advance to ensure proper accommodations.

Tours depart from Rosenwald Hall, near the center of campus. On-street and metered parking is very limited on campus, so have your bus driver drop off your tour group along S. University Avenue, park in either the North Campus or Medical Center parking decks, and retrieve you when the tour concludes. Your driver can handle all the navigation, scheduling, and parking plans for you while you take in this beautiful historic campus.

Class Visits and Overnight Visits

Additionally, visitors can gain a more in-depth perspective on campus life by shadowing a current student and spending the night on campus. Tuesdays and Thursdays in October and November, visiting seniors can eat dinner in a dining hall with their student host, stay overnight in a residence hall, and visit a class the next morning. No advance course registration is necessary to sit in on a class, but large groups may want to call the admissions office in advance, contact desired professors, and stagger their attendance times as not to overwhelm UChicago’s small class and dorm sizes.

The best way to streamline your prospective students’ stay is by handling the transportation logistics beforehand. A charter bus or minibus rental from National Charter Bus will have plenty of storage compartments to secure your group’s personal belongings, so you won’t have to worry about configuring luggage on the way to campus. Bring a sleeping bag, toiletries, pillow, change of clothing, and something to sleep in, and we’ll make sure your ride to UChicago is easy and stress-free.

Open House

In addition to regular campus visits throughout the year, the University of Chicago offers expanded informational sessions during its three yearly open houses. Experience faculty-taught model classes, student-led campus tours, and presentations about residential living, study-abroad programs, and pre-professional curriculums. At the end of the day, prospective students and their families are invited to join faculty, staff, and students in a refreshing social hour.

Planning to travel from out-of-state to attend an open house? We recommend a full-sized charter bus for large groups who require transportation over long distances. We service cities across the nation, from Los Angeles to Houston to New York City. With enough room to accommodate up to 56-passengers per bus, and amenities like WiFi, power outlets, televisions with DVD players, and reclining seats, your college tour group will arrive at the open house refreshed and ready to explore the University of Chicago.

Where to Stay

For visitors’ convenience, the university partners with nearby hotels for discount rates and special programs for prospective students and their chaperones. These Hyde Park hotels include:

Hyatt Place Chicago South/University Medical Center

Address: 5225 S. Harper Avenue Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60615

Phone: 773-752-5300

The Quadrangle Club

Address: 1155 E 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637

Phone: 773-702-2550

Sophy Hyde Park Hotel

Address: 1411 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Phone: 773-289-1003

However, the vacancy at these hotels can fill up very quickly during large-scale campus events and peak campus touring season. To avoid the crowds, consider booking a room at one of these Downtown Chicago hotels:

Loews Chicago Hotel

Address: 455 N Park Dr, Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: 312-840-6600

Club Quarters - Wacker at Michigan

Address: 75 E Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 312-357-6400

Springhill Suites

Address: 410 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone: 312-644-4071

If you’re not staying within walking distance of the University of Chicago, there’s no need to worry. National Charter bus can provide a reliable ride plan for your entire trip to the university and through the city. Your charter bus or minibus can drop you off anywhere on campus, pick you up when you’re ready to return your hotel, or transport your students or faculty anywhere in Chicago. Prepare a schedule that best suits your group’s desired stops and plans, and let a professional do all the driving.

Reserve Your University Shuttle Today

Ready to reserve your ride? You can trust National Charter Bus to find the perfect bus rental plan for your travels in and around UChicago. No matter the shape, size, or itinerary of your tour group, our transportation experts will connect you to a bus that best suits your needs. Call at 312-392-0239 today for a free, no-obligation quote!