Chicago: Open-Top Bus Shuttle to Obama Presidential Center & South Side

Big Bus Tours - Chicago
Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago

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Highlights

  • Ride an open-top double-decker bus from downtown Chicago to the historic South Side.
  • Visit the Obama Presidential Center and explore its cultural attractions and surrounding grounds.
  • Discover the green spaces, gardens, and landmarks of Jackson Park.
  • Visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, home to interactive exhibits and fascinating discoveries.
  • Enjoy flexible sightseeing with departures every 30–45 minutes and your choice of a One-Way or All-Day ticket.

What to Expect

Discover a different side of Chicago with a convenient Big Bus shuttle connecting downtown to some of the city's most exciting cultural attractions. Travel aboard an open-top double-decker bus, enjoy views of Chicago along the way, and explore the South Side without the hassle of navigating unfamiliar public transportation.

What to expect media

Your journey begins near Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, where you'll board the shuttle for a scenic ride south. Your first destination is the Obama Presidential Center, a landmark dedicated to the legacy of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Explore the surrounding campus and nearby Jackson Park, where landscaped gardens, walking paths, and green spaces offer a peaceful escape from downtown.

Continue to the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, one of Chicago's most popular museums. Discover interactive science exhibits, historic innovations, and fascinating displays, including the U-505 submarine and Science Storms exhibit. Museum admission is sold separately.

Choose Your Ticket

This deal includes two ticket types. Select the one that fits your plans when you book your date:

One-Way Shuttle Ticket

A convenient open-top bus transfer from downtown Chicago to the South Side, with access to designated shuttle stops near major attractions.

  • One ride, one direction
  • Board at Big Bus Stop #1 (98 E. Wacker Drive) and get off at the Obama Presidential Center/Jackson Park or the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry

All-Day Shuttle Ticket

The flexibility of all-day shuttle transportation between downtown Chicago, the Obama Presidential Center, Jackson Park, and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

  • Explore the South Side, then ride back to downtown Chicago
  • Last return shuttles depart the Presidential Center at 3:00 p.m. and the Museum of Science and Industry at 3:05 p.m.

What's Included

  • Open-top Big Bus shuttle transportation between downtown Chicago and the South Side
  • Convenient stops at the Obama Presidential Center, Jackson Park, and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
  • Choice of One-Way or All-Day shuttle ticket

Not included: Admission to the Obama Presidential Center museum and the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. Museum tickets must be purchased separately.

Know Before You Go

  • Departure Location

    Big Bus Stop #1, 98 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601, across from the Royal Sonesta hotel.

  • Operating Hours

    Daily, with departures approximately every 30–45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

  • Travel Time

    Approximately 25–30 minutes from downtown to the South Side.

  • Stops

    Obama Presidential Center/Jackson Park and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. See the full route timetable here.

  • Important

    This is a transportation shuttle, not a guided sightseeing tour. No onboard commentary is provided.

  • Ages

    Adult tickets are for ages 13+ and Child tickets are for ages 3–12. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

  • Accessibility

    Wheelchair-accessible service is available.

Why It's Worth It

Chicago's South Side is home to some of the city's most significant cultural landmarks, but getting there from downtown can require extra planning. The Big Bus South Side Shuttle makes exploring easy by connecting visitors directly to the Obama Presidential Center, Jackson Park, and Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. With open-top sightseeing, convenient departures, and flexible ticket options, it's a simple way to discover more of Chicago beyond the downtown attractions.

How It Works

  1. Plan your visit

    Select your preferred date and ticket type (One-Way or All-Day).

  2. Grab the Deal

    Proceed to checkout to buy & book your Groupon!

  3. Redeem your Mobile Ticket

    Show your Groupon at Big Bus Stop #1, 98 E. Wacker Drive.

  4. Enjoy the Ride!

    Enjoy your open-top bus shuttle to Chicago's historic South Side.

Fine Print

children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

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About Big Bus Tours - Chicago

Groupon Customer Reviews

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