15 Passenger
Minibus
Chicago Venues and Attractions Charter Bus Guide
Charter Bus Guide to Chicago Venues and Attractions
Chicago is generally considered a charter bus friendly city, as it has many designated charter bus loading zones and parking lots. This motorcoach map lays out loading zones and parking lots for Downtown Chicago, and we also have information below on where to park and unload charter buses at major Chicago attractions.
If you haven’t chosen your charter bus yet for your Chicago trip, we can help with that! At Greater Chicago Charter Bus, we have more than a decade of experience helping groups find bus rentals in Chicago and the surrounding areas. We offer 24/7 service, transparent charter bus pricing, custom charter bus itineraries, and a free, no-obligation price quote when you call us at (872) 354-4413.
McCormick Place Charter Bus Guide
Those booking corporate charter buses or other employee shuttles in Chicago will most likely have a stop at McCormick Place (2301 S Martin Luther King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616) at some point. McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America, with four buildings and one arena.
The four buildings are interconnected and have different entrance gates for charter bus access, as noted below:
- Lakeside Center: Gate 38
- South Building: Gate 26
- North Building: Gates 20-21
- West Building: Gate 42
The McCormick Place transportation guide shows you a lot of where you need to go if traveling in a charter bus. We break down charter bus unloading and parking spots at this massive venue below for your convenience.
Where to Load and Unload Passengers
Parking Lot F on E 25th Street by the South Building is designated for charter bus staging. The designated staging area is crucial for flow of traffic during larger events.
Smaller groups, like those renting a 15-passenger minibus or smaller, may be able to use the TNP Rideshare loading zones, which are outlined below:
- West Building: Gate 40 along S Indiana Ave
- South/North Building: Gate 4 in front of the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place on S Martin Luther King Dr
- Lakeside Center: Gate 38 in front of the Aria Crown Theater on S DuSable Lake Shore Dr
It’s best to call in advance to make sure you can use certain loading zones if you’re unsure.
Where to Park a Charter Bus
The McCormick Place Marshalling Yard located at 31st and Lake Shore Drive is a great option for charter buses, as it’s close to the venue and can accommodate oversized vehicles. You can also pre-arrange parking in advance. The lot entrance is on Moe Street.
Navy Pier Charter Bus Guide
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier (600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611) is a must-see on your itinerary if you are booking a private charter bus for family vacations. You can spend all day there with plenty to do from food to shopping to boat tours and other entertainment.
Like other major attractions in Chicago, they are prepared for travel agency charter buses and other tourists looking for information on where to park. They have a bus drop off plan outlined for those visiting Navy Pier in a charter bus, and we go in depth below.
Where to Load and Unload Passengers
There is no bus parking or staging available at Navy Pier. However, their bus drop off plan linked above has three designated drop off points near the family pavilion, entrance one, and entrance two. The main bus access points are along Grand Ave and Illinois St.
Where to Park a Charter Bus
Because there is no onsite parking available at Navy Pier, your best bet is to choose a charter bus parking lot as close to the pier as possible. The McCormick Place Marshaling Yard is an option about 15 minutes away. You can also choose the Lincoln Park Zoo lot located at Fullerton Parkway and Cannon Drive, as it’s only 10 minutes away, though it’s more expensive than McCormick.
Either arrange a specific time in advance for your driver to pick you up, or give them a call when you are ready to be picked up. When you book through us, we work with your scheduling and offer flexibility if plans change.
Museum Campus Charter Bus Guide
The 57-acre Museum Campus in Chicago hosts five of the city’s major attractions. It’s a great place for family outings, team-building events, or anyone looking to soak up some culture during their time in Chicago. Since the museums are so close together, the access points and parking for charter buses are largely the same. We have more details on how to travel to Chicago’s Museum Campus in a charter bus below.
Where to Load and Unload Passengers
Your charter bus driver can use the main drop off area on Museum Campus Circle Drive for general access to all the museums, including The Shedd Aquarium (1200 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605) and The Adler Planetarium (1300 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605).
A general rule is that the museums allow curbside drop off as long as you are mindful of time and safety—for example, passengers will need to exit on the side of the bus closest to the curb.
Where to Park a Charter Bus
We recommend parking at the Adler Planetarium Surface Lot on 1300 S Linn White Dr, Chicago, IL 60605. Get to parking before 9:30 AM to get a better daily rate (nearly a 50% discount). Alternatively, the McCormick Place Marshalling Yard located at 31st and Lake Shore Drive is less than ten minutes away and is great for charter bus parking, also.
Millennium Park Charter Bus Guide
Home to the iconic sculpture Cloud Gate, known by many as “The Bean,” Millennium Park is a popular tourist attraction in Chicago. It garners around 20 million visitors a year, and if you are planning to be one of them, we have the information you need if you’re visiting Millennium Park with a charter bus.
Where to Load and Unload Passengers
There are designated drop off points along Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive for charter buses.
If you’re approaching from the north/west: Turn onto Fairbanks (going south) which turns into Columbus Drive. After you cross Lake Street, use the far right lane to access the ramp for the "Lower Randolph/Millennium Park Garage".
From other directions: Main, paved entrances along Michigan Avenue, Randolph, and Monroe are open Monday through Thursday and on weekends from 6 AM to 4 PM.
Near Michigan Ave and Washington St: Another main entrance, this can be used by buses and is often the most accessible for those in a charter bus.
Where to Park a Charter Bus
Due to its proximity to Museum Campus, we recommend charter bus parking at the Adler Planetarium Surface Lot or the McCormick Place Marshaling Yard. Both are less than 10 minutes away and ideal for your driver to wait at until you are ready to be picked up.
Museum of Science & Industry Charter Bus Guide
The Museum of Science and Industry (5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637) is a great place in Chicago to visit for any group where learning takes center stage. It has more than 2,000 permanent and semi-permanent exhibits across 75 major halls. Those booking a field trip charter bus or other charter bus to see this museum can find all the information they need below.
Where to Load and Unload Passengers
Buses can drop off guests at the museum's entrance at 5700 S DuSable Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 on the main entrance side. Don’t forget to be mindful of time and safety when dropping off guests.
Where to Park a Charter Bus
The museum’s parking garage is not large enough to accommodate charter buses, so it is recommended you make arrangements for your bus to park at other nearby lots that have the height clearance. Several mentioned earlier, such as the Adler Planetarium Surface Lot or the McCormick Place Marshaling Yard, are a reasonable distance from the museum, and you can designate a pick up and drop off time with your group that’s convenient for you.
Chicago Theatre / Loop Charter Bus Guide
The iconic Chicago Theatre (175 N State St, Chicago, IL 60601) with its legendary performances and glittering marquee lights are a favorite for groups who love live theater. It’s part of a neighborhood in Chicago called The Loop, which is the central business district and subject to heavy traffic at all hours of the day.
But don’t let that worry you—we have got you covered with everything you need to travel with a charter bus at The Chicago Theatre and The Loop without fear.
Where to Load and Unload Passengers
The most convenient drop off location for those attending a show is on Randolph Street in front of the Chicago Theatre. Tell the driver to pull onto the curb, as Randolph Street runs directly in front of the theater.
Where to Park a Charter Bus
Like other venues we have covered, there is no onsite parking for oversized vehicles at the Chicago Theatre. Your driver can park at the McCormick Place Marshaling Yard or other charter bus parking lots in Chicago like the Lincoln Park Zoo or Grant Park lots.
Book a Charter Bus in Chicago Today
If you have any more questions about navigating Chicago in a charter bus, or if you are ready to pull the trigger on a charter bus in Chicago for your trip, our caring team is here to help 24/7. You can reach us any time at (872) 354-4413 to learn more and get a free, no-obligation price quote in minutes on a charter bus rental in Chicago for your trip. Safe travels!
