the Price of a Train Tour

I went on a tour of the El train in Chicago. Our tour was on the red line track. The cost was $15 per person and I tipped the volunteer tour guide $5.

This was a great tour! We met at a specific train station at a specific time. It was a non-busy time of day on a weekend so we got a whole car to ourselves. There were about 10 other people on the tour.

The tour guide was a volunteer who worked with a local historical society. We rode the entire length of the track and we learned all about the history of the El as well as the history of the neighborhoods we went through. I've lived in the city a long time and thought I knew a lot but this was really something special.

The guide was very well informed. I found out that they have to take over 30 hours of classes before they can work as a volunteer tour guide. It was definitely the best experience I've had with a volunteer guide. I also felt the price was very reasonable. The tour took around an hour total.

There were no bathroom or food stops on our tour so make sure you plan ahead for these issues as best you can.