John Hancock
Observatory
CityPASS saves you 52% on admission to Chicago’s top 5 attractions.
John Hancock Observatory CityPASS ticket includes Fast Pass admission to the Observatory, a Multimedia SKY Tour and free coffee (or child's flavored fluffy) at Lavazza Café.
Chicago's Only Open Air Skywalk
Feel for yourself why Chicago is called the Windy City. Engage all your senses at once as the unique, open-air Skywalk takes you to the edge - 94 stories high - above Magnificent Mile.
Lavazza Espression café
Relax in the award-winning ambience and try the innovative cuisine designed by world famous chef Ferran Adria. Enjoy a free coffee with your CityPASS at Lavazza Espression café, the highest Espression Café in the world.
Free Multimedia Sky Tour
Get to know the real Chicago - its history and its hotspots - with the multimedia Sky Tour designed to captivate eyes, ears and mind. Your guide, David Schwimmer, shares his Chicago - the place where he lives, performs and got his start in show biz. It's a city with great character, that's full of great characters. Notorious gangsters, Blues legends and architects who inspired the world all earn special mentions.
Adult and kids' versions available; (French, German, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish).
Breath-taking Sunset Views
A 360-degree view offers long-distance vistas of Lake Michigan, the North Shore, downtown Chicago, and all the way south to Indiana. The real fun is spotting Chicago landmarks, such as Wrigley Field & Navy Pier. John Hancock Observatory is in the heart of the city, with a high beam view of the heavens.
Complimentary Concierge
See the entire city and then go out and experience it. A dedicated Chicago concierge will assist visitors with booking show tickets, restaurants, hotels, rental cars to complete their Chicago experience.
An Architectural Icon
As one of the most famous examples of structural expressionism, John Hancock Center has won various awards, including the Distinguished Architects 25 Year Award from the American Institute of Architects.
John Hancock Center is characterized by the distinctive X-shaped external bracing that has made it an architectural icon. Engineer, Fazlur Khan, pioneered this system to open up usable floor space of tall structures by eliminating the need for interior columns.
You can see for miles
On a clear day, visitors can see 80 miles and four states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
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Details - CityPASS
Details - Reviews
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Details - Skip Most
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John Hancock Observatory Details
| Location: | John Hancock Center, 875 North Michigan Avenue—in the heart of Chicago's Magnificent Mile |
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| Website: | jhochicago.com |
| Phone: | (312) 751-3681 |
| Hours: | Daily, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Last admission 10:45 p.m. |
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| CityPASS Admission | Fast Pass admission to the Observatory that sits 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile, plus a Multimedia SKY Tour, and free coffee (or child's flavored fluffy) at Lavazza Café. | ||||||||||
| CityPASS Entry | Present CityPASS booklet at the CityPASS/Fast Pass lane. Follow the signs to skip main ticket lines. Exchange e-ticket for CityPASS booklet at the main ticket desk. | ||||||||||
| Special Exhibits & Upgrades | |||||||||||
| On-site Services |
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| Advice for Visitors |
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| Transportation | CTA trains: Take the Red Line to Chicago Ave; walk east two blocks to Michigan Avenue and then north two blocks CTA buses: Several buses on Michigan Avenue serve the John Hancock Center |
What is CityPASS?
- Chicago CityPASS includes one-time admission to 5 of Chicago’s most famous attractions.
- CityPASS ticket booklets are valid for nine days beginning with the first day of use. Booklets include detailed attraction information, hours, location, insider tips and a map.
- With your CityPASS booklet in hand, you’ll skip most ticket lines.
- CityPASS is available as a shipped booklet or convenient e-ticket.
- Look inside a CityPASS booklet
How do you use CityPASS?
- Exchange your e-ticket for a Chicago CityPASS booklet at the first attraction you visit. (If you already have your CityPASS booklet in hand, you'll skip this step.)
- Present your booklet at each attraction for admission.
- Each attraction will tear out or scan their ticket. Please do not pull a ticket from the booklet or it will be invalid.
- An Option Ticket allows you to choose admission to one of the two attractions offered.
What’s included with CityPASS?
CityPASS includes admission to 5 Chicago attractions:
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Shedd Aquarium
Express VIP entry to the largest aquarium in the world. Includes all galleries: Amazon Rising, Wild Reef, Abbott Oceanarium and Polar Play Zone, plus your choice of a 4D Theater Experience. Plus the Aquatic Show and Jellies. more
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Skydeck Chicago
Fast Pass admission to the Skydeck’s 360-degree views and The Ledge glass floor balconies. more
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The Field Museum
Express VIP admission to all permanent exhibits at this world-renowned museum of natural history. Includes Evolving Planet, Inside Ancient Egypt, The Ancient Americas, Sue the T. rex, and many more, as well as Underground Adventure. more
- OPTION TICKET:
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John Hancock Observatory
Fast Pass admission to the Observatory that sits 1,000 feet above the Magnificent Mile, plus a Multimedia SKY Tour, and free coffee (or child's flavored fluffy) at Lavazza Café. more
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Museum of Science and Industry
Express VIP entry for general admission at the western hemisphere’s largest science museum. Includes Science Storms, U-505, and YOU! The Experience, plus one Omnimax Show and a motion simulator ride. more
- OPTION TICKET:
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Adler Planetarium
Express VIP entry for general admission to all exhibits at the most advanced planetarium on earth. Includes Planet Explorers, the Atwood Sphere Experience, a scavenger hunt, and one 3D theater show. more
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Art Institute of Chicago
General admission to all permanent collections that encompass more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world. Includes all special exhibits and an audio tour. more
Customer Reviews — Chicago CityPASS
Overall Rating:
99% recommend this product
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Best way to save money
posted by Simon on Feb-03-2012
Chicago CityPASS is a very good and convenient way to save money and have a wonderful trip in the city. With CityPASS you will never worried about the line up in any sight spots.
Chicago City Pass
posted by Lois on Jan-30-2012
My husband and I had a city pass to Chicago last week and enjoyed knowing what there was too see. It saved us some money. Didnt have to wait in any lines anyway being it was a slow time of the year. There were no lines at any of the places, but IM sure in the summer it would be different.
Great Deal, Time Saver
posted by moonman on Jan-27-2012
The City Pass is the way to see the sights of Chicago. Skip lines, save money, and discover some invaluable cultural and natural treasures that are a part of this great city.
wonderful experience
posted by Jessica on Jan-26-2012
My trip to Chicago was wonderful, I am Brazilian and I had never traveled outside of Brazil. When the CityPass knew I found a great opportunity to meet several places, without the CityPass in Chicago I would be lost, not knowing where to go. I loved my trip was wonderful! I'm going back to Brazil with tips to use the CityPass where they are.
Great savings!
posted by BarbaraM on Jan-23-2012
Hi Everyone, We went to Chicago last weekend, and most of the things we wanted to see were included in our Citypass: Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Adler Planetarium and Willis Tower Skydeck. The Citypass ended up saving us more than $80!!! Thank you guys, you are awesome!
How to Buy
Buy now and, at checkout, you'll choose to either print an e-ticket or to have CityPASS booklets shipped to you. For payment, we accept Visa, Master Card, American Express, Discover or PayPal.
Print e-ticket
Print your e-ticket at time of purchase or later by accessing the e‑ticket attached to your e-mailed order receipt. All e-tickets must be printed. An on-screen view of your e-ticket, using your mobile device, will NOT be accepted at the attractions. Once printed, you take the pre-paid e‑ticket to the first attraction you plan to visit and exchange it for a CityPASS booklet, which contains entrance tickets to all the attractions. Exchange locations at each attraction are printed right on the e‑ticket. Exchange e-tickets within 6 months of purchase. Your CityPASS booklet's 9-day validity period will begin the day you visit the first attraction.
Ship Booklets
Having a CityPASS booklet in hand can often save you time by skipping ticket lines. We ship booklets to the continental U.S., Alaska or Hawaii, and Canada using UPS. Additionally, we ship to United Kingdom using Royal Mail. Shipping costs vary by delivery type selected. You'll be shown the estimated delivery date for each shipping type during checkout. For Southern California CityPASS orders only, someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery.
Buy at an Attraction
Chicago CityPASS is available for sale at all Chicago CityPASS attractions for the same low price.
Price Details
Compare the cost of separate admission to each attraction to what you'd pay with CityPASS:
| Attractions | Adult Price | Child (3-11) | ||
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| Shedd Aquarium VIP entry to galleries, shows & 4-D Experience | $37.50 | $32.50 | Ages 2 & under, free | |
| Skydeck Chicago Fast Pass admission and The Ledge | $35.00 | $35.00 | Ages 2 & under, free | |
| The Field Museum Admission and Underground Adventure | $22.00 | $15.00 | Ages 2 & under, free | |
| and your choice of | ||||
| John Hancock Observatory Fast Pass admission, SKY Tour & free coffee | $32.12 | $26.58 | Prices include tax, Ages 2 & under, free | |
| Museum of Science and Industry Admission and Omnimax show | $29.00 | $22.00 | Ages 2 & under, free | |
| and your choice of | ||||
| Adler Planetarium Admission, Atwood Sphere experience, and 3D theater show | $31.00 | $27.00 | Ages 2 & under, free | |
| Art Institute of Chicago Admission | $25.00 | $7.00 | Ages 2 & under, free | |
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Total Combined Price:
CityPASS Price:
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$157.62
$76.00
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$136.08
$59.00
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Skip Most Ticket Lines
Often, CityPASS booklet holders can skip main ticket lines. Below, find details about how to enter each attraction as quickly as possible. Keep in mind that some lines, such as security checkpoints, are unavoidable. You may encounter a line when you exchange a CityPASS e-ticket for a CityPASS booklet at the first attraction you visit.
| Where to enter using your CityPASS ticket | |
|---|---|
| Shedd Aquarium | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the Will Call desk to skip main ticket line. Your VIP ticket gives you priority entry privileges during busy times, and access to the next available Abbott Oceanarium show time slot (entry on a space-available basis only). |
| Skydeck Chicago | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the CityPASS/Fast Pass lane. Follow the signs to skip main ticket and main security lines. |
| The Field Museum | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at Will Call (far right cashier desk, below CityPASS sign — inside the South entrance) for Express VIP entry and to skip the main ticket lines. |
| John Hancock Observatory | Present CityPASS booklet at the CityPASS/Fast Pass lane. Follow the signs to skip main ticket lines. Exchange e-ticket for CityPASS booklet at the main ticket desk. |
| Museum of Science and Industry | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the Entry Hall Will Call desk to skip the main ticket line. |
| Adler Planetarium | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the VIP Entry door at the South entrance (Street level) to avoid main ticket lines. |
| Art Institute of Chicago | Present CityPASS booklet or e-ticket at the main admission desk to exchange for an entrance ticket. |
FAQs
Find answers to questions most frequently asked about Chicago CityPASS below. Click on the questions to show or hide answers.
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How do I know if Chicago CityPASS is a good deal for me?
You'd get your money's worth even if you only visited three attractions. We invite you to see for yourself. Price Details displays CityPASS prices right next to full attraction admission prices and the extras you get with CityPASS. You can tell at a glance if the price and value are right for you — even if you don't visit every attraction.
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When does the 9-day booklet validity period begin?
If you purchase today, you may begin using your booklet any day from now until February 28, 2013. Exchange e‑tickets for your CityPASS booklet within 6 months from date-of-purchase.
Chicago CityPASS tickets are valid for one-time use within nine consecutive calendar days. The first attraction you visit stamps or scans your booklet to activate the booklet's nine-day validity period. For example, if you visit the Adler Planetarium on Monday, you have the rest of that day, plus the following eight days to use the other four tickets in your booklet.
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Are there ever any blackout dates for using CityPASS?
No, there are no black-out dates associated with using CityPASS. You're welcome use your CityPASS anytime within regular attraction operating hours. Please note that some attractions may periodically close all or a portion of their attraction for private events or due to weather conditions. We recommend contacting the attractions directly to verify availability during your travel dates.
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What is an option ticket?
Chicago CityPASS includes two option tickets. One gives you the choice to visit either Adler Planetarium OR Art Institute of Chicago. The other gives you the choice to visit either John Hancock Observatory OR Museum of Science and Industry. No need to decide between them now – choose when you get there.
Don't miss this - your booklet contains a coupon for a special CityPASS savings to use at the attraction you don't visit using your option ticket.
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What do I do if my child is younger than the CityPASS child ticket price range?
Chicago child booklets are priced for ages 3-11. Children under age 3 may be eligible for free or discounted admission at some attractions, however, you are often required to stand in line with them to secure a free child’s ticket. You may save money, but you will spend time in ticket lines.
See Price Details to decide whether CityPASS is a good choice for your child. Your family’s vacation experience may be improved by zipping past main ticket lines to the CityPASS entrance — even if it costs you a few extra dollars.
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What is an e‑ticket and how do I use it?
An e‑ticket (electronic ticket) is a one-page paper voucher that you print at the time of purchase or later by accessing the e‑ticket attached to your e-mailed order receipt. All e-tickets must be printed; attractions will not accept an on-screen view of your e-ticket, using your mobile device. (At check out, you also have the option to have actual booklets shipped to you by UPS.)
Once printed, you take the pre-paid e‑ticket to the first attraction you plan to visit and exchange it for a CityPASS booklet which contains entrance tickets to all the attractions. Exchange locations at each attraction are printed on the e‑ticket. Keep in mind that you may encounter a ticket line when exchanging your e‑ticket.
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Do I skip every line with Chicago CityPASS?
Chicago attractions offer Express VIP entry for CityPASS holders. The Skip the Lines tab tells you how to enter each attraction with a CityPASS booklet in hand and with an e-ticket to — if possible — avoid the main ticket line. In the summer, weekends, and on holidays, even the CityPASS holders line may fill up, but you'll move much more quickly than guests waiting in regular ticket lines. You'll have to pass security at both Skydeck Chicago and the John Hancock Observatory security points. In our experience, these lines also move briskly when you use CityPASS.
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How do I know when attractions open/close and where I should start?
Planning is easier when you see all the attractions' locations and hours in one place. Click on Attraction Details to find the Location & Hours tab and more attraction information tabs designed to help you plan your trip.
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Do I need to make reservations for Omnimax shows at the Museum of Science and Industry?
Chicago CityPASS' Museum of Science and Industry ticket includes admission to an Omnimax theatre presentation. Reservations are not required. When you arrive at the CityPASS counter, museum staff will assign a timed Omnimax ticket. For current show information: Details
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What does Fast Pass at Skydeck Chicago and John Hancock Observatory mean?
Admission is as easy and fast as it sounds. Both observation decks are alert to Fast Pass entrants. You will be whisked past general admission lines and go directly to the express elevators.
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Do I choose between The Field Museum and the Underground Adventure?
No. Admission to both Field and Underground Adventure are included with CityPASS.
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Adler Planetarium admission includes a planetarium show. Which one do I get?
Adler offers a number of different planetarium shows. Shows offered will vary depending upon the day and time of your visit. Show times and descriptions available at adlerplanetarium.org.
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What are Chicago Discount Days or Museum Free Days?
Chicago museums are publicly funded, and required to provide general admission to Illinois residents a specified number of days each year. On those days, many Illinois state residents and groups visit cultural institutions making for crowds and long lines.
We encourage you to check this list of Museum Free Days for each museum and try to schedule your visit to museums on other days to avoid crowds.
Note: Museum Free Day dates are subject to change without notice, based upon individual museums' schedules. -
How do I buy a CityPASS if I live outside the U.S., Canada or U.K.?
International buyers will find the print-at-home e‑ticket purchase their most efficient solution. If you prefer to wait until arrival, you will find booklets available for the same low price at every participating Chicago CityPASS attraction.
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Is it safe to buy a CityPASS from private sellers on Ebay, Craig's List or other similar entities?
CityPASS does not endorse or support the purchase of CityPASS products from eBay, Craig’s List or directly from any individual. In the event that you purchase stolen or invalid CityPASS products, CityPASS will be unable to offer any compensation
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How does shipping work for citypass.com orders?
We ship to continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada via UPS. Orders placed prior to 12:01 p.m. MT, Mon-Fri will be shipped the same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received Fri afternoon, Sat, Sun or legal holidays will ship the next business day. Someone is required to sign for UPS package upon delivery. The following rates apply for shipment of 1-15 booklets:
UPS 3-Day Select (Continental U.S.) $12.40 UPS 2nd Day Air (Continental U.S.) $13.25 Next Day Air Saver (Continental U.S.) $15.25 Next Day Air (Continental U.S.) $16.00 UPS 3-Day Select (Hawaii) $31.00 UPS 2nd Day Air (Alaska) $23.00 UPS Standard Ground (Canada) $21.00 UPS WorldWide Express (Canada) $29.50 United Kingdom (U.K.) orders are fulfilled within the U.K. and are sent via Royal Mail. Orders placed prior to 11 a.m., Mon-Fri will ship that same day. All other orders will ship the next day; orders received on Fri, Sat, and Sun will ship on Mon, save for bank holidays. Note: Royal Mail will deliver to post boxes; signatures may be required for residential or commercial delivery. The following rates apply for a U.K. shipment of 1-15 booklets:
Royal Mail (U.K) $13.00 All Other Shipping Destinations: Shipping to other destinations is not presently offered. You may purchase an e-ticket online now, print it, and exchange it for a booklet at the first participating CityPASS attraction you visit. If you prefer, wait until you arrive in the city to purchase. You will pay the same low price when you buy at any participating CityPASS attraction.
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How long does it take to receive a CityPASS by UPS? Can I track it?
We offer several UPS shipping options when you purchase CityPASS booklet delivery online. An expected date of arrival is provided for each shipping method. By end-of-day (or first business day after weekend orders), you will receive an e-mail from UPS with a tracking number.
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Will you ship CityPASS booklets to a hotel?
CityPASS booklets purchased online in advance of travel may be shipped to home, office or hotel addresses in the U.S. or Canada. We recommend that you alert the hotel to your expected delivery when you confirm your reservation.
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Can I substitute or subtract an attraction ticket?
CityPASS is a well-researched collection of the most popular and loved attractions in Chicago You'll save money with CityPASS even if you only visit three attractions. We invite you to see for yourself; Price Details.
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What is your return policy?
CityPASS offers a full refund, within 365 days from date of purchase from citypass.com, on unused CityPASS booklets with all tickets attached or e–tickets that have not been redeemed.
Partially- or fully-used CityPASS booklets are non-refundable. No refunds or exchanges will be provided for any portion of an activated CityPASS booklet.
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When does my CityPASS expire?
E-ticket: Exchange e-tickets for your CityPASS booklet within 6 months of purchase.
Booklet: If you have a previously-purchased CityPASS booklet, look at the inside cover to find the expiration date of your booklet. Purchase today and begin using your booklet any day from now until February 28, 2013.
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What do I do if my CityPASS is lost or stolen?
Think of a CityPASS booklet like cash in your pocket. If lost or stolen, no refund or replacement is possible.
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What about discounts for seniors, military, students or groups?
CityPASS is already a deeply discounted collection of tickets, with significant savings for all ages and interests. In fact, CityPASS is more attractively priced than A.A.R.P. or other comparable offers. Further discounts are not available.
CityPASS does not include transportation or parking. We recommend CTA Visitor Passes. See below for a list of specific train and bus info for each attraction.
Chicago Public Transportation — CTA Visitor Passes
Chicago on $5.75 a day. Enjoy unlimited rides on all Chicago Transit Authority buses and trains — anytime, anywhere! CTA Visitor Passes make getting to Chicago's top attractions quick, easy and a lot cheaper than a cab ride.
1-day: $5.75 3-day: $14 7-day: $23
All CityPASS attractions are easily accessible using the CTA. For multiple rides on CTA, Visitor Passes are a great option for adults and children alike. The regular cash fare for children (7-11) is $1. Children 6 and under ride free. For additional sales outlets including hours and locations or to order in advance: transitchicago.com; (888) YOUR-CTA.
| Attraction Transportation Information | |
|---|---|
| Shedd Aquarium | CTA trains: Take the Red, Green or Orange Lines to Roosevelt Road; transfer to an eastbound #12 Roosevelt bus CTA buses: #146 Marine Michigan and #12 Roosevelt provide regular daily service directly to the aquarium |
| Skydeck Chicago | CTA trains: Take the Orange, Pink, Brown or Purple Line to Quincy; walk one block west on Quincy Street and the Skydeck entrance is located on Jackson Boulevard CTA buses: Any buses going west on Adams service directly to the Skydeck |
| The Field Museum | CTA trains: Take the Red, Green or Orange line to Roosevelt; transfer to an eastbound #12 Roosevelt bus CTA buses: #146 Marine Michigan and #12 Roosevelt provide regular daily service directly to the museum |
| John Hancock Observatory | CTA trains: Take the Red Line to Chicago Ave; walk east two blocks to Michigan Avenue and then north two blocks CTA buses: Several buses on Michigan Avenue serve the John Hancock Center |
| Museum of Science and Industry | CTA trains: Take Metra Electric Line from downtown Chicago to 55th/56th/57th Street station, just 2 blocks from the museum CTA buses: #6 Jackson Park Express, #2 Hyde Park Express, #55 Garfield, and #10 MSI |
| Adler Planetarium | CTA trains: Take the Red, Green or Orange Line to Roosevelt; transfer to an eastbound #12 Roosevelt bus CTA buses: #146 Marine-Michigan and #12 Roosevelt provide regular daily service directly to the planetarium |
| Art Institute of Chicago | CTA trains: Take the Green, Brown, Pink, or Orange Line to Adams; Red and Blue Line to Jackson CTA buses: 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 14, 26, X28, 126, 143 |
Enjoy these great deals and offers from CityPASS attractions and other trusted partners. Provided to you by CityPASS. No purchase necessary.
