Charter a Bus to Navy Pier in Chicago

Why Rent a Bus to Navy Pier

Chicago has one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the country, so it can be a hassle for large groups to navigate, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the CTA’s routes. Skip the risk of getting lost in one of Chicago’s neighborhoods and rent a bus with National Charter Bus. With a private driver at your side, you won’t have to worry about listening to the GPS’s belated directions, navigating the crowded Chicago streets, or braving the weather as your group walks from bus stop to bus stop. Instead, you will enjoy the Chicago scenery through the panoramic windows of your private bus, all the while enjoying the exclusive comforts of air conditioning, private elbow room, reclining backrests, WiFi, power outlets, and more.

Like every other big city, Chicago can be challenging to drive and be driven in. Rideshare services can hike up during high travel season and fluctuate during normal travel times, making it a less-than-ideal option for large groups. Instead of relying on a pre-scheduled bus route or a rideshare apps varying prices, rent a charter bus or shuttle through National Charter Bus for a dependable service that’s customized exactly to your specific itinerary.

Our access to a wide range of operators will ensure that we find the perfect bus for your group no matter the season or time of year. Whether you’re traveling to the pier with a small party of family members, a large group of students, or a massive band of employees, National Charter Bus will resolve the transportation and logistics of your trip, allowing you to focus on enjoying Navy Pier without worrying about transportation and parking. Rental options include 56-, 25-, 20-, and 18-passenger buses that can come with a variety of upgraded features, including TVs, DVDs, overhead storage, luggage bays, and PA systems.

Guide for Groups Traveling to Navy Pier

Pumped about your trip to Navy Pier, but not sure how to get started? Our team has put together a short guide for you to make the most of your time in this sprawling lakeside attraction. With so much to see and do, you might feel overwhelmed, but not to worry! With this guide, you will get off your bus armed with the tools to take advantage of everything the pier offers.

1. Plan a multi-day trip. To avoid getting overwhelmed upon arriving at the pier, plan a multi-day trip and arrange only one or two activities per visit, leaving plenty of time in between for exploration. Though transportation will be taken care of, delays could happen after arrival, especially with large groups.
2. Pack proper clothing during fall and winter visits. Navy Pier is perfect to visit during the fall and winter, when Chicago sees the least number of visitors due to its famously biting weather. Don’t let the cold deter you and pack your warmest scarf for your trip. With a private bus rental from National Charter Bus, you’ll be able to enjoy air-conditioned interiors between your hotel and the pier, but definitely pack plenty of layers and winter gear! With a charter bus’s spacious luggage bays, you’ll be able to effortlessly transport the bulkiest of your gear.
3. Map out meeting places and times for your group before arriving at the pier. During free time, members of your group will split to explore the area on their own. Minimize delays by having predetermined meeting times and spots for your group.
4. Buy attraction tickets online. Many attractions, including the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, require admission tickets for entrance. Skip the box office mayhem and buy all of your tickets beforehand.
5. Charge your phones during your ride to the pier. Ensure no one ever loses contact by charging your phones using your individual power outlet at your seat. This useful feature is available on the 56-passenger, 55-passenger, 25-passenger, and 20-passenger models.

Where to Eat at Navy Pier

There are plenty of restaurants to choose from at the pier, making it particularly difficult to decide where you’ll eat. Once you make a choice, don’t forget to book a table ahead of time to ensure quick service and guaranteed seating, Our team recommends the following spots:

Giordano’s

Phone: (312) 288-8783

Don’t skip this local classic pizza chain. Offering deep-dish Chicago pizza and friendly table service, Giordano’s is a solid choice for lunch or dinner.

Tiny Tavern

Phone: (312) 374-3923

Are members of your group 21 and over? Stop at Tiny Tavern for well-crafted cocktails and fun cuisine that will both delight and surprise your group.

Riva Crabhouse

Phone: (312) 644-7482

No Navy Pier trip is complete without a stop at Riva Crab House. Enjoy some delicious seafood while savoring uninterrupted views of Lake Michigan.

In a hurry and can’t make a reservation? There are plenty of options for counter service, including I Dream of Falafel, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Frankie’s Pizza by the Slice, and Big City Kitchen. The wait can be tough for some of these establishments, which is why your group might opt to eat somewhere in the city, then return to the pier.

Where to Eat Off Navy Pier

As a tourist destination, Navy Pier’s shops and restaurants often offer exorbitant tourist prices, so it might be more economical to eat at a place off the pier. With a charter bus rental from National Charter Bus, your group will have the benefit of private transportation that has been tailored to your specific itinerary and needs. We only work with professionally trained drivers who would be more than happy to accommodate a lunch or dinner trip with advance notice.

Here are some delicious options right outside Navy Pier:

Lou Malnati's Pizzeria

Address: 1120 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610

Phone: (312) 725-7777

ZED451

Address: 739 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone: (312) 266-6691

Trattoria No. 10

Address: 10 N Dearborn St #1, Chicago, IL 60602

Phone: (312) 984-1718

Sunda

Address: 110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654

Phone: (312) 644-0500

The Purple Pig

Address: 500 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611

Phone: (312) 464-1744

Plan Your Trip to Navy Pier Today

Ready to get started? National Charter Bus is ready to help you plan a terrific trip to the Midwest’s top tourist destination. No matter how big or how small your group, we can match you with the perfect bus for your trip. Our nationwide service covers major cities in the Midwest such as Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit, and Indianapolis, so no matter how far or how close you’re traveling from, our team will be able to accommodate your group with ease. Call us today at 312-392-0239 for a free, personalized quote!