Chicago Pass

Antoine Murtha

Updated: 26 May 2026 ·
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In the state of Illinois, on the shores of Lake Michigan, Chicago is among the most beautiful cities in the United States. Here, the modern skyscrapers with stunning architecture sit next to the beach, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Besides its epic panorama, Chicago also enchants with its quality of life and rich culture. You guessed it, the Windy City is brimming with extraordinary activities to try. However, as they add up, their prices can quickly weigh down your vacation budget. That's where the Chicago Pass comes into play. What is it and how can it help you save on entrance fees to the city's attractions? Let's dive in!

Comparison of Chicago Passes

If you're planning to spend a few days in Chicago or simply visiting the city during a road trip across the United States, getting a tourist pass can be very beneficial and economical. You can visit the main attractions in the city and customize the validity duration according to your stay! To help you choose the right Chicago pass, I've summarized the important information in this article

In any case, regardless of your choice of tourist pass for Chicago, this card proves to be a must-have for those in search of a practical and budget-friendly way to discover the city's gems. There are six main passes for Chicago. I've prepared a quick overview so you can see all the features of each pass at a glance:

The Chicago Explorer Pass

The Chicago Explorer Pass promises up to 50% savings on the admission prices for the sites you can explore. It offers 2 to 7 top attractions from over 30 options, including the 360 Chicago, the Chicago Skydeck, a Shoreline River Cruise, the Adler Planetarium, and more

Included Visits in the Pass

Depending on the chosen package, you can select between 2 and 7 activities from the provided list. It's up to you to create your itinerary. To assist you, there is a dedicated app and a digital guide available. Once you have chosen the attractions, don't forget to make necessary reservations, especially if you plan to visit popular sites...

Here is the list of attractions available with the pass ⬇️

  • The Chicago Skydeck
  • 360 Chicago
  • Navy Pier
  • Legoland Discovery Center
  • Chicago History Museum
  • Shoreline Architecture Cruise
  • Field Museum
  • Adler Planetarium
  • Museum of Illusions Chicago
  • Museum of Contemporary Art

Pricing

This pass is offered starting at $77 per person and has a validity of 60 days from your first visit. This price includes transportation on a hop-on-hop-off bus. So, this pass allows you to explore the city at your own pace and in the most authentic way.

Pros and Cons

The main advantage of this pass is the significant savings it promises. For a discounted price, you can choose up to 7 thrilling attractions from a myriad of appealing options. If you change your mind, you can cancel your reservation for free, provided you do so at least 24 hours in advance. This is the condition for receiving a full refund

Moreover, the pass remains valid for 2 months, giving you plenty of time to plan. This characteristic is also interesting if, for example, you have planned 2 consecutive trips to Chicago in less than 60 days. Another important point: you can take a hop-on-hop-off bus for your visits. The only downside is that some key sites are unfortunately excluded, such as the Shedd Aquarium and The Art Institute.

The Chicago All-Inclusive Pass

The Chicago All-Inclusive Pass also promises savings of up to 50% on access to more than 30 key activities in the city. These include the Shedd Aquarium, 360 Chicago, Navy Pier rides, the Field Museum, the Chicago Skydeck, an Architectural River Cruise, and many other exciting experiences

Included Visits in the Chicago All-Inclusive Pass

This time, you won't need to choose the activities included in the pass, as you'll benefit from entries and discounts at many of the city's main attractions. Like the previous option, you'll receive a digital guide to help you choose your itinerary

Here's an overview of the key attractions included in the All-Inclusive pass:

  • The Chicago Skydeck
  • 360 Chicago
  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Adler Planetarium
  • Children's Museum
  • Shoreline Architecture Cruise
  • Hop-on-hop-off bus ticket
  • Field Museum
  • Griffin Museum
  • Flyover Chicago

Pricing

Unlike the Explorer pass, the validity is determined by the number of days. It is available starting at $128 per day, which is relatively inexpensive for around thirty visits. Here's a summary table of the rates:

Pros and Cons

If you want to visit the maximum number of sites, the Chicago All-Inclusive Pass is the one to choose. In my opinion, this unlimited access is the most advantageous option to explore the city's gems at a low cost. You can also take a hop-on-hop-off bus for a whole day

However, I do see some limitations, starting with the validity period. 5 days is not much for exploring around thirty sites. It's doable, but it doesn't really leave you with enough time to savor the moment. Furthermore, cancellations are not refundable.

The Chicago CityPass

The Chicago CityPass allows you to save a maximum of 49%. With it, you can discover 5 beautiful attractions among the multitude of options available, such as the Shedd Aquarium, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Skydeck, the Field Museum, and the Adler Planetarium.

Included Visits in the Chicago CityPass

With this pass, you'll also have the choice between several attractions. The aquarium and the Skydeck are definitely included in the offer, and you can then choose 3 activities from the remaining list below

  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Chicago Skydeck
  • Field Museum
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • 360 Chicago
  • Adler Planetarium
  • Shoreline Architecture Cruise

Pricing

This offer is valid for 9 days and costs $131 per person. However, note that it includes only entry to the 5 chosen sites and excludes transportation. You simply need to activate the pass online and present your ticket at the entrances of the various attractions!

Pros and Cons

The Chicago CityPass is the most expensive pass for Chicago; yet, it only includes 5 visits. Nevertheless, its validity is more reasonable. You won't face any time constraints since 9 days is neither too long nor too short. Moreover, you can cancel your purchase up to 24 hours before your visit without incurring any fees. I just wish that the offer included the hop-on-hop-off bus. In short, it lacks some flexibility compared to other passes on the list.

The Chicago C3

The Chicago C3 is a basic pass that grants you access to 3 attractions in the city. It's an ideal option for short stays where you can quickly visit Chicago ⚡️

Included Visits in the Pass

Regarding the visits, the operation is quite similar to the Chicago CityPass. You can select 3 attractions from the following list:

  • Shedd Aquarium
  • Chicago Skydeck
  • Art Institute of Chicago
  • Museum of Science and Industry
  • 360 Chicago
  • Shoreline Architecture Cruise
  • Navy Pier Ferris Wheel
  • Field Museum
  • Adler Aquarium

Pricing

This pass is available for a flat price of $98, and like the previous one, it is valid for 9 consecutive days from the first activation. With this pass, you can save up to 30% off the standard admission prices in Chicago!

Pros and Cons

Compared to the previous Chicago passes, the Chicago C3 includes access to the fewest attractions. However, its price is more favorable compared to the Explorer Pass for 3 days, which is its equivalent. Indeed, the latter offers access to 3 attractions for about $100. The Chicago C3, on the other hand, costs $3 less... If you are planning a short stay of 3 or 4 days, you can purchase this tourist pass to save a few extra dollars

The Chicago Skyline Pass

If you are heading to Chicago to enjoy the view of the buildings, the Chicago Skyline Pass is perfect for you! This offer mainly focuses on the city's observation points from the tallest skyscrapers in Chicago ️

Included Visits in the Pass

Regarding the attractions included in the pass, you will enjoy 4 main attractions, but also a 10% discount on other activities! Here's the list of attractions included in the offer:

  • Chicago Skydeck
  • 360 Chicago
  • Shoreline Architecture Tour
  • Chicago Flyover Experience

Pricing

Concerning the pricing for the pass, the price varies based on age and the days of the week. To enjoy some savings, I recommend booking your tickets outside of the weekends.

Pros and Cons

Unlike the other passes mentioned earlier, the Skyline Pass offers less diversified activities focusing primarily on access to the city's main buildings. However, the pass price is very attractive, especially if you opt for visits during the week. So, it all depends on the type of visit you want to prioritize! For an experience at the heights of Chicago, this is the perfect pass

The Chicago Digital Pass

For the last pass mentioned in this article, I would like to introduce the Chicago Digital Pass. This pass is ideal for a short stay and to get a quick glimpse of the city. You will also enjoy a 10% discount on other offers in Chicago.

Included Visits in the Pass

You won't need to choose attractions in your offers with the Chicago Digital Pass. The offer includes tickets to 3 of the main attractions in the city:

  • Art Institute of Chicago ️ with skip-the-line access, entry to all exhibits and galleries, access to guided tours in English, downloadable audio guide
  • 360 Chicago with skip-the-line access to the 94th floor observation deck, access to the Cloud Bar, downloadable app
  • Field Museum with skip-the-line ticket to the museum and access to permanent exhibits
  • You will also enjoy a 10% discount on other attractions like the Shedd Aquarium or Legoland

Pricing and Validity

Concerning the pricing, it will cost $88 per person for these 3 must-sees. You just need to activate your ticket on the app and present your entry at each attraction. However, you will need to book your reservation slots for each visit. To obtain the pass, you can purchase it directly online.

Pros and Cons

The Chicago Digital Pass is one of the most affordable passes for visiting the city. In my opinion, it's ideal for exploring the city in 1 or 2 days. The offer is also quite appealing since you will experience cultural visits with some museums, but also explore the city from its main attraction, the 360 Chicago. Of course, the downside remains the limited number of attractions included in the pass and the absence of possible choices

How to Choose Your Chicago Pass?

In practical terms, the choice of your Chicago pass will depend on several factors. For example:

  • How long will your stay last?
  • Is this your first time in Chicago?
  • Do you absolutely want to choose between attractions?
  • Do you prefer cultural and historical visits or relaxing days?
  • Do you want limited access to transportation for your travels?

My Opinion on Chicago Passes

As I mentioned earlier, the Chicago All-Inclusive remains for me the most interesting pass for Chicago. It includes a nice variety of attractions and activities to choose from. Moreover, it offers a reasonable validity period. Furthermore, it grants you access to the hop-on-hop-off bus for a whole day. Thanks to its features, this pass remains advantageous, whether you're visiting Chicago for the first time or for the umpteenth time

Getting Around Chicago?

When you're not taking the hop-on-hop-off bus, you'll need a means of transport to navigate the city. Public transportation has its charm with low prices and the chance to mingle with locals. However, it can come with time constraints. To explore Chicago freely, renting a car is a better option. Check out DiscoverCars, a dedicated site to choose the model and price that suits you. Car rentals are available from $58 per day

On another note, Chicago's streets are relatively clear. Traffic is smooth, especially before 6 PM. However, it's tough to find available parking, especially in downtown. Thus, for your visits in this area, I suggest leaving your car at the hotel and moving by bus, bicycle, or on foot if you're staying near the attractions. This saves you from paying for parking and the hassle of finding a spot.

Final point for this entry. Now you almost know everything about the Chicago Passes. If you're still unsure about your travel dates and wondering when to go to Chicago, I have an article that might help you