Chicago Elevated Architecture Tour: Train Ticket Included

Discover Chicago’s iconic architecture on an elevated train tour. Learn about the history of the ‘L’ system and explore the city’s famous buildings from a unique perspective. Train ticket included!

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Chicago Architecture Center - Start your tour at the Chicago Architecture Center. The fare for the Chicago Elevated Rail system is included. Be sure to get a “Ventra” card from the Chicago Architecture Box Office when you check in for the tour.
  • Washington/Wabash - Washington/Wabash “L” station
  • Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago -…
What's Included
  • Ride on the Chicago Elevated Rail
  • Access to Chicago Architecture Center galleries
  • Guided narration by a certified professional
What's Not Included
  • Food or drink
  • Storage for luggage or strollers
  • Coat check
Additional Information

Experience the awe-inspiring architecture of Chicago from the distinctive vantage point of its elevated rail and station platforms. Discover the history of the renowned ‘L’ system and its influence on the development of the Loop’s buildings. The inaugural elevated train, a significant emblem of Chicago, began its operation in 1892. Now, the ‘L’ offers…

Location
111 E Wacker Dr
East Wacker Drive
Chicago Architecture Center at 111 E Wacker Drive.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.7
(86 Ratings)
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Abeebes
Nov 7, 2025
Elevated walking architectural tour - Chris P was excellent. Family enjoyed very much the balance of walking and riding the El around the loop. We had lived in Chicago a number of years ago and learned a lot of history and facts we never knew. It was a great pace and we enjoyed it very much.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kemosabe42cc
Oct 8, 2025
Another great tour by CAC! - The guide is knowledgeable, witty and engaging. Loved the format — getting on and off the L to see diverse parts of the loop. As always, another excellent experience at the CAC.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah_b
Sep 7, 2025
L architecture tour - I’ve been to Chicago many times but never ridden the L. This was a cool way to get some different perspectives on the buildings. Guide was extremely knowledgeable and organized.
Review provided by Viator
Carolkl6537ej
Jul 24, 2025
A New Perspective of Chicago - The Elevated Architecture Tour gave us a new perspective of Chicago. Our guide showed us many unique buildings from the El platforms, and while riding the El, at a vantage point new to us. So wonderful to hear the history of how the El was developed, along with the history of Chicago and these fantastic buildings. Being from the area, we have walked below the El and heard its rumble several times, but this was an eye-opening experience for us. Highly recommend! Read more about - Chicago City Tour: Elevated Architecture Tour with Train Ticket Included - https://www.viator.com/tours/Chicago/Chicago-Tour-Elevated-Architecture/d673-3173P21?m=65553&nid=VR.9ffbbab4-e835-4a7c-a1d0-bc7e9a60306c.VT_EMAIL_TRV?mcid=56757
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Carol_k
Jul 23, 2025
See Chicago Anew from the El - The Elevated Architecture Tour gave us a new perspective of Chicago. Our guide showed us many unique buildings from the El platforms, and while riding the El, at a vantage point new to us. So wonderful to hear the history of how the El was developed, along with the history of Chicago and these fantastic buildings. Being from the area, we have walked below the El and heard its rumble several times, but this was an eye-opening experience for us. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Anonymous
Jul 22, 2025
Great tour - Loved this tour as it gives a perspective that you simply don’t get from the ground. Bert our guide was excellent.
Review provided by Viator
Welshie_on_tour
Jul 22, 2025
Brilliant tour - Loved this tour with Bert. Looking at buildings from the L gives a perspective on buildings that you simply don’t get from the ground. Bert was very knowledgable and had a mass of interesting anecdotes. There are lots of tours to choose from and you get entry to the exhibitions at the Center.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Brian_l
Oct 28, 2025
Not the greatest - Didn't start well when the guide argued that we had to pay for our own tickets. Anyway, after that you walk around with a headset on trying to keep up with him and then just stand on a few platforms while we are told about some of the local buildings. It was informative but didn't fill us with confidence when the guide said to his colleague, I don't have a clue about what I am doing as never done one of these before'.... Right
Review provided by Viator
Evelyn_j
Aug 10, 2025
Architectural Train Tour - I guess it was my mistake, but I was anticipating more of a train trip than it was. It was more lecturing and very little train rides.
Review provided by Viator
362demetriusp
Oct 11, 2025
Completely disappointed! - Our experience with this tour was terrible. We were on our way and received a phone call informing us that we were not able to go because they oversold the tour. We booked online and it indicated how many seats were available. I don't understand if you have a counter how it could be oversold. I don't understand why they waited until 45 minutes before our check in time to inform us of their mistake. This was very disappointing for our group. We were in town for our son's graduation from the Navy. We were all looking forward to this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $41
up to 10 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).