Chicago Tourist Pass

Chicago is a top US tourist destination, with much to offer curious travelers. From world-class dining to prestigious museums to some of the most distinctive architecture in the country, this city consistently ranks among the best of the best when it comes to vacation explorations. Whether visitors want to soak up artistic inspiration from the Art Institute of Chicago and the MCA, learn something new about the world at the Museum of Science and Industry or the Field Museum, or just marvel at some cool new critters at the Brookfield Zoo or Shedd Aquarium, there is no shortage of top attractions to enjoy in Chicago.

Of course, these amazing attractions come at a price; a cost that can add up quickly when you’re talking two to three different attractions per day. A good way to make the most of your vacation and save money doing it is to pick up a discount attractions pass. There are a few different kinds out on the market, so it’s important to compare them when deciding which one you want to go for. There is one company that offers three different varieties, and another company with a fourth option.

However, these passes share a few general characteristics. Each of these passes serves as your ticket to all of the attractions included in their program; you pay the pass company, and not the attractions. Similarly, all of these passes help you save by relying upon combined pricing. This means that the price you pay for the pass is less than what you would pay for all of individual attractions put together. The passes also sometimes include extra discount options on things like shopping and dining – very important in a city like Chicago where both those activities are likely to be high on your list. 

Then there are the differences between the passes. For a general overview, see below. Click through for a full write-up of each pass.

Chicago CityPASS

This pass saves you 50% on combined admission to five top Chicago attractions. The pass is actually a booklet of tickets with extra discounts in the back. There are also many extras like skip-the-line benefits and special exhibit admission.

NEW: Try the CityPASS Value Calculator to see how much you save.

Go Chicago Card

This is a digital pass that includes all of the attractions that the CityPASS offers and more. You purchase the pass depending upon how many days you want to sightsee, and then you can see whatever you can fit during those days. Save up to 55% on combined admission.

NEW: Try the Chicago Card Value Calculator to see how much you save.

Chicago Explorer Pass

Offered by the same company as the Go Chicago Card, this product allows you to choose 3, 4, or 5 attractions from 29 top options. You have 30 days to use those attractions. Save up to 40% on admission to your attractions.

NEW: Try the Explorer Pass Value Calculator to see how much you save.

Build Your Own Pass Chicago

The third option from Go City Card, this digital pass allows you to pick and choose which attractions you want to see and only pay for those. You can save between 20%-25% when you add two or more attractions to your pass.