Chicago Explorer Pass

Planning a trip to the vibrant metropolis of Chicago? If you want to enjoy flexible sightseeing on site and save money at the same time, then you should definitely take a closer look at the Chicago Explorer Pass from Go City.

I’ll explain how the Chicago Explorer Pass works, which attractions are included in the pass and whether it’s worth it for you. Stay tuned until the end to find out how I rate the pass.

Steffen

What are the benefits of buying a Chicago Explorer Pass?

  • includes over 25 attractions
  • attraction-based: for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions
  • with lots of information in the app
  • perfect for anyone who wants to discover Chicago without time pressure

» BUY CHICAGO EXPLORER PASS

? Don’t forget to enter our code GO5LOVING to save even more ?

What is the Chicago Explorer Pass?

The Chicago Explorer Pass from the provider Go City is your key to the best sights in the Windy City. With it, you can save up to 50% compared to individual tickets.

The pass is attraction-based: you can choose 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions from a list of over 25 attractions, depending on how much you want to see. The list of attractions includes everything from museums to viewing platforms to a boat trip.

The pass is valid for 60 days from first use, giving you plenty of time to explore Chicago at your own pace.

This pass not only saves you money, but also time. Thanks to Fast Lanes at some attractions, you can avoid queues and get to your experience faster.

How does the pass work?

  • Activation & validity: The pass is activated the first time you use it at an attraction and is then valid for the next 60 days.
  • Choice of attractions: You can choose from a pool of over 25 attractions, including many museums and tours.
  • Use on site: Simply show your pass at the entrance to your chosen attraction and you’re in.

What does the Chicago Explorer Pass cost?

Prices vary depending on how many attractions you choose. With our code you save another 5% on top.

Prices for adults (incl. our 5% code GO5LOVING):

  • 2 attractions: $75 (instead of $79)
  • 3 attractions: $91 (instead of $96)
  • 4 attractions: $110 (instead of $116)
  • 5 attractions: $126 (instead of $133)
  • 6 attractions: $151 (instead of $159)
  • 7 attractions: $161 (instead of $169)

There is a discounted pass for children between the ages of 3 and 12. It’s best to check the current prices again before buying, as these can change from time to time.

» BUY CHICAGO EXPLORER PASS

? Don’t forget to enter our code GO5LOVING to save even more ?

Which attractions are included in the Chicago Explorer Pass?

With the Chicago Explorer Pass, you can choose from a pool of great attractions, including highlights such as the Field Museum or the Skydeck. Some other popular attractions include

  • 360 Chicago
  • Eagle Planetarium
  • Shoreline Architecture River Cruise
  • Navy Pier Ferris Wheel and Rides
  • Children’s Museum
  • Museum of Science
  • LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

For sightseeing fans, the Hop-on Hop-off Bus is also included in the pass. You can travel on all buses operated by Big Bus for one day and hop on and off at 12 different stops. This allows you to explore the city in comfort.

Note that the offer changes from time to time, so we recommend checking the current list of attractions on the official website. Some attractions require a reservation with a free timed ticket, so plan ahead.

  • Public transport is not included in the pass

How long is the pass valid for?

After purchasing the pass, you have two years to redeem it. From the first use, it is then valid for 60 days. So you have plenty of time to visit your chosen attractions.

Is the Chicago Explorer Pass worth it?

Let’s take a look at a sample calculation to see how much you can save with the pass. Let’s assume that you use the pass with 5 attractions:

Attractions

Price without Explorer Pass

360 Chicago

$30

Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour

$54

Field Museum

$30

Architektur Flussfahrt

$54

Adler Planetarium

$35

COSTS SINGLE TICKETS

$203

PRICE EXPLORER PASS

$126

YOUR SAVINGS

$77 (38 %)

👆 Don't forget using the discount code GO5LOVING 👆

Please note: Many attractions have several ticket levels to choose from, which of course also cost differently. With the pass you usually have the basic ticket.

I have calculated the minimum average cost of an attraction in order to save money with the Explorer Pass:

  • 2-attraction pass: $38 per attraction
  • 3-Attraction Pass: $30 per attraction
  • 4-Attraction Pass: $28 per attraction
  • 5-Attraction Pass: $25 per attraction
  • 6-Attraction Pass: $25 per attraction
  • 7-Attraction Pass: $23 per attraction

So you can save faster with the pass the more attractions you choose.

Steffen

When is the Chicago Explorer Pass worth it?

If you want to go sightseeing at your leisure over several days without stress, the attraction-based Chicago Explorer Pass is ideal for you. However, always calculate the individual prices to see whether the pass is really worth it for you.

» BUY CHICAGO EXPLORER PASS

? Don’t forget to enter our code GO5LOVING to save even more ?

Still not sure?

Pass Savings Calculator IconUse our savings calculator to work out exactly which Chicago Pass will save you the most!

Try it out here for free

When is the pass not worth it?

  • Low-cost attractions: If you only choose low-cost attractions, the pass may not be worth it.

Where can you buy the Chicago Explorer Pass?

There are several places to buy the pass:

Official website: You can buy the pass conveniently on the official website. Don’t forget to enter our discount code GO5LOVING to save even more!

Third-party providers: You can also buy the pass via GetYourGuide or Tiqets. The prices are the same here (but there is no discount code) and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance.

What I like

  • Flexibility in the choice of attractions: With options for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 attractions within 60 days, you can customize your travel plans – without any time stress.
  • Digital ticket: Your pass can be conveniently stored on your smartphone, saving you the hassle of collecting physical tickets on site.
  • Hop-on hop-off bus: Explore the city effortlessly and at your own pace with the hop-on hop-off bus included in the pass.

What I don’t like

  • No public transport: Public transport is not included in the pass
  • Reservation: In order to visit some attractions, you must reserve them in advance. This makes flexible sightseeing impossible.</li
  • Popular attractions are missing: The popular attractions Shedd Aquarium and Art Institute are not included.
Steffen

My rating

I give the Chicago Explorer Pass overall ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

  • Handle: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
  • Attractions: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
  • Price: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
  • Potential savings: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

The pass is a great way to explore Chicago at your own pace with just the sights you want to see!

» BUY CHICAGO EXPLORER PASS

? Don’t forget to enter our code GO5LOVING to save even more ?

Alternatives to the Chicago Explorer Pass

There are also other sightseeing passes in Chicago. Check the offers and choose the pass that best suits your needs.

  • All-Inclusive Pass: The Chicago All-Inclusive Pass is the counterpart to the Explorer Pass. Instead of attractions, you specify the number of days when purchasing the pass. You can then visit as many attractions as you can manage during your chosen period.
  • Chicago CityPASS®: With the Chicago CityPASS® you can visit 5 attractions. The Shedd Aquarium and the Skydeck are included, the other 3 attractions can be chosen from 6.

Would you like to compare ALL attraction passes directly to find the best sightseeing pass for Chicago for you? Then take a look at my Chicago Pass Comparison!

How many attractions can I visit with the Chicago Explorer Pass?

With the Chicago Explorer Pass, you can visit between 2 and 7 attractions and choose from over 25 attractions, including popular sights such as the Skydeck or the Adler Planetarium.

How long is the pass valid for?

The pass is valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and is activated the first time it is used. From then on it is valid for 60 days.

Do I have to book attractions in advance?

Yes, some attractions require a reservation, for example the Skydeck Chicago.

Can I visit attractions more than once with the Chicago Explorer Pass?

No, with the pass you can only visit each attraction once.

Profilbild
The author

Steffen

I'm Steffen and over the years I've been able to help over 100,000 travelers easily save money on vacation. You can find the best tips for the most beautiful cities and regions worldwide here on this page. Whenever you have any questions, please feel free to contact me!

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