Top Illinois Rail Tours

Wonderful. Great guide!Interesting facts.

Chris P. was a great tour guide. He was very knowledgeable and his tour was most informative. I loved the stories he told about all the historic sites.

Our guide Chris very knowledgeable.

Quentin is an excellent guide and my wife and I learned much on this unique tour.

Book ahead. This was a last minute booking. Just 3 days in planning. There is no actual tour guide person. You are just riding a train w/ the use of an app( Pintour app) that welcomes you & describes in general what you'll experience. There are 2 separate company sending you email. Cool Destinations & and an agency ( no name but uses the "California ZEPHYR adventure" tour which basically directs you what is going to happen: send info on ticket link: to show Amtrak people ( coz Amtrak do not know what this tour is because this "no name agency" will only buy the Amtrak tix for you. Also directs you to download Pintourapp. Your departure place is EMERYVILLE AMTRAK station in Oakland. Ca. You will need to book your Amtrak ticket from your place to Emeryville. This was a challenge because all transportation ( amtrak, greyhound, or flight) to Emeryville was too long not making it to the 8am CA ZEPHYR Adventure in Emeryville. We had to drive instead which was another problem coz we got there to Oakland but the Enterprise rental car offices ( all sfo/ oakland branches) opens at 8am and the trip starts at 820am. We had to be on-time. We were lucky that the people at Enterprize took us ti return the car early at 745pm. We had to drive 35 mins from Berkeley to Emeryville & return the rental car. All these happened before 8am. We then took Uber from the rental car place, took us 10 mins & $12 . We barely made it. No one was there at AMTRAK from this PinTour to help us. The Amtrak train was there in less than 5 mins of our arrival and if we did not asked questions. We would hv missed the CaZephyr Adventure which listed us ($600) plus all the rental& flight /hotel cost coming back ( $200 car& gas; 1$130 hotel). Almost $1000+ . Another problem was there was a change in the travel date going back to California, 1 day late. THUS: a stressful arrangement prior & after this tour. My suggestion: You can book this on your own. But prepared to plot your plan. "Hows& wheres" you going to get to the starting & End point ans how to get back to California. This DIY maybe cheaper or about same cost. The only difference is having the agency you'll have some direction ( but very confusing on PinTours,). Be prepared, book months ahead. Amtrak ricket can get pricey nearing the date of tour.

Everything about the tour was fantastic. Steve is very knowledgeable and kept everyone engaged.

We are CAC members and have many of the tours but this Elevated Train Tour was one of the best. Our guide Steve was excellent- knowledgeable, interesting and easy to follow. It was a great combination of learning about the history of the trains along with the architecture that surrounds them. We would highly recommend it

I loved this tour!! I’ve been to stunning train stations I normally wouldn’t go to, and Chris P explained everything so clearly and relaxed!

We had a wonderful tour with Quentin. He was full of information about events leading to the elevated system. Also, so much information about the buildings surrounding the areas we covered. The admission price is reasonable. The time allowed was sufficient but we would have enjoyed even more time.

Steve the docent was extremely knowledgeable and was able to explain many concepts simply and concisely. We highly recommend this in depth tour regarding the “L” and Chicago history.

Barbara is a wonderful docent. This is our 2nd tour with Barbara. She is very experienced, talks clearly and gives lots inside stories.

Chicago Architecture Center has the best tours! This is one of many that we've taken and it did not disappoint. Chris P. did an amazing job with information and keeping us moving on and off the trains.