Explore our fleet of charter buses and vehicles
For any company that operates charter buses, the fleet they have is one of the most important investments. We at Bus Connection always try to set the standard for bus charter when it comes to great customer service. This means hiring the best chauffeurs and maintaining new and clean vehicles, providing comfort, safety, and enjoyable experience to the people that use our services.
Why it is important to invest in high-quality charter buses and vehicles?
We treat all the people that choose our service as a family. We believe that the process of bus charter is not simply taking a person from point A to point B. The whole service has to be an enjoyable experience with positive memories. An essential part of our values is to provide great customer service. This is why over time a lot of people that have used our service become loyal customers and book charter busses with us. Part of the delivery of the great customer experience is being able to provide comfort in nice and clean vehicles. We know that and invest a lot in our fleet.
Bus charter on another level
It doesn’t matter if you need airport transportation or charter buses for something else. We have perfectly suitable vehicles for any situation, group of people, and destination. In our fleet we have:
Full-Size Luxury SUV - up to 6 people
Mercedes Sprinter - up to 14 people
Executive Mini Bus - up to 24 people
Executive Coach Bus - 35 to 39 people
Full-Size Motor Coach - up to 56 people
Why you should choose Bus Connection?
The next time you need a bus charter in Chicago you can rely on us. We provide:
- charter buses and vehicles for any transportation need;
- our chauffeurs are experienced;
- your safety and comfort are our main priority;
- we operate 24/7 and have an impeccable safety rating.
For the past 14 years, we have been one of the bus charter companies that set the standard when it comes to airport transportation and any other type of bus charter service. We have experience and offer the following services in the Illinois state area:
- corporate transportation;
- airport transportation;
- transportation for sports events and concerts;
- weddings and special events transportation;
- tour transportation;
- sports team transportation.
If you are looking for a high-quality bus charter service, feel free to contact us!
The best places in Illinois that you can visit with bus charter
Yes, you can use a bus charter for tour transportation. It is an even more pleasant experience when you do it, friends. Imagine the scenario - you get together, get a charter bus in Chicago and then go all around the state of Illinois. This can be a cool idea for the free time of business delegation as well. In this article, we are going to share with you the best places to visit with bus charter in the whole state and will give you some tips on organizing the trip.
Research the good companies for a charter bus in Chicago
Step one is doing your research. Know how many people you are going to be, what is your budget. How much time do you have available for this trip and make a list with the charter bus companies that look reliable. After that make a list of the sites you want to visit. Ask if the driver is familiar enough with the sites to give you some information, or if you should hire a guide. There are a lot of small details in planning that matter.
Start with Chicago
There is a good chance that you will be renting a bus charter from Chicago. It makes sense to start with the city and then continue to other parts of the state. If there is an option, make it a two-day trip. One day for Chicago alone, and then one day for all the other places around Illinois. We have already mentioned what are the top attractions you should check out in the “Windy City".
Next bus charter stop: Rockford and the Anderson gardens
There is a huge misunderstanding that only Chicago is worth seeing. If you could spare the time, the Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford are a sight you don’t want to miss. However, it is only an option in the warm period of the year (between May and October). Many people claim that there is no better Japanese garden in the whole country. Maybe even the best in North America.
The gardens of God in Shawnee National Forest
It sounds impressive. And it is. This is another outdoor experience and you have to coordinate with the charter bus companies to make the tour on a day with good weather. In the Shawnee National Forest (loved by many residents of Chicago) is located a unique rock formation called the “Gardens of God”. It offers a breathtaking view and a short forest trail that you can explore. When you visit with bus charter, make sure to check where is the closest parking available.
The historical city of Galena
When you hire a charter bus in Chicago, the driver or the guide will most likely recommend that you stop by in Galena for some time. This lovely town has preserved its unique architecture from the 19th century when it was a major port in the area. Stop and go for a walk. It will feel like you are in another period in time.
When looking for the best charter bus companies don’t make any compromise. We at Bus Connection offer top-of-the-line bus charter service for tour transportation. We will do our best to provide you with an amazing experience and a trip you will never forget. Just give us a call and we can make it happen!
Airport Transportation - How to Choose the Company?
Choosing airport transportation can be a difficult task. There are numerous options to consider when looking for the proper company for airport transfers. We have already discussed that it is better to book a charter service rather than an airport shuttle. In this article, we are going to provide some details on the things you should look for.
Check the safety rating of the company offering airport transportation
There is quite an easy way to find a company that has the best safety rating and choose it for your airport transfers. You can do this by looking up the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. There you will see all the companies that you can use for airport shuttle and charter service.
Check the reviews regarding customer experience
Let's face it - airport transportation is not just taking you from point A to point B anymore. When you hire a company you want to have a great customer experience. The best charter companies provide an amazing experience to their customers. They treat them like family, send well-dressed chauffeurs, and use the best busses. This reflects on the ratings the company gets online. Trust the experience of other travelers.
24/7 availability
Most airport shuttle and charter bus companies don’t operate 24/7. This is another line that separates the good from the best. When you are going to need an airport transportation service at 2:00 AM you have to be sure that you will get it. Make sure to look for a company that is flexible and can work day and night.
Experience is vital
The transportation business is changing constantly and you want to hire a company that has the experience and a proven track record in the past. Otherwise, you might end up with somebody that started their business yesterday and does not know the first thing about proper charter service. Look for a company that has been delivering airport transfers for at least a few years before hiring them.
Top-notch vehicles for the airport transportation
It is very important for the company you hire to have new and clean vehicles. You don´t want to end up with a busted heating system on a cold or very hot day. This can make your ride to (or from) the airport quite unpleasant. If the company has clean and new busses and vans, that means that they care and make investments that will make their business better. That also means a better airport transportation service for you as a customer.
We at Bus Connection check off the list of all of the requirements listed above. If you are looking for a reliable company for airport transfers, just give us a call.
Black Limo and Concert Tickets - the Perfect Birthday Gift!
Planning a special birthday gift is hard. However, we are here to pitch you with one perfect idea - hire a black limo and buy concert tickets for the event your partner, relative, or best friend wants to see! In this blog article, we will help you with everything - from finding the perfect black car company for hire to how to pick the best hotel for the trip.
Get the tickets before you hire the black limo
First things first! As step one, you should buy the concerts tickets. Check out what concerts the band or singer you are going to see is having planned until the end of the year. If you get lucky, there will be a concert in Chicago and you can redirect some of the budgets from hotel reservations to better seats for the concert. Check if there is an option to do something special if someone has a birthday. Maybe you will get lucky and the band can congratulate the birthday boy or girl on the stage!
Pick the proper black car service
Okay, it is settled. You are getting a black limo for that event. However, how to pick from all of the companies that offer a black car for hire? First of all, you need to check what are the options within your budget. After that, make sure to check:
- all the reviews available;
- if the company does special surprise events;
- if the black limo available for hire is a new model;
- the safety ratings of the company that offers black cars for hire.
Once all of this is done, you can feel confident in making the right choice for your surprise.
Have a perfectly timed plan
When it comes to such surprises timing is everything. Make sure that everything is set in the right way. If the concert is during the workweek, you want to leave enough time for preparations after work. For example, you can say that you want to take your wife on a special romantic dinner. In that way, you and she will dress up and there will be no suspicions from her. After you are ready, you can call the black limo chauffeur to wait for you. And in this way, the surprise will begin. Remember to leave at least 30 minutes buffer time in case something goes wrong. Sometimes the traffic conditions are not in your favor. Don’t risk it.
Bring comfortable shoes for both of you
Okay, the black car, the concert, we assume you will dress up for the occasion. However, the evening will be long and the official shoes and high-heels will make your feet hurt. Have a comfortable pair of sneakers for both of you. Especially if you are going to a concert where there is the option to dance and jump around.
Make sure nothing can ruin the surprise
Okay, the surprise will be perfect if it is not spoiled. Be careful who you share your plans with. It is good to have an accomplice, however, don’t choose someone that will go on talking about what you are going to do. Make sure that there is no option for the plans for the evening to be disrupted by work or something else.
Whatever you choose to see, we wish you to have the best experience ever! The combination of hiring a black limo and concert tickets is a guaranteed success!
Airport shuttle or bus charter - what to choose?
There are many different kinds of airport transportation. Most of the people flying in are wondering if they should hire an airport shuttle service or charter transportation to pick them up from Midway or O’Hare. In this article, we are going to cover the pros and cons of each option and help you in making your decision.
Availability
It is very important to know that you can rely on transportation that is in line with your schedule. Sometimes the flights arrive quite late and there are limited available options to book. While airport shuttles work with a strict schedule, companies that provide charter services like Bus Connection are on the clock 24/7. This provides a more convenient option related to your schedule and means that you don’t have to wait.
Bus Charter customer service
You might think that it is just a transportation service but it should be much more. When it comes to airport transportation you don’t have to be just taken from point A to point B. And this is what most airport shuttle service companies do. For us at Bus Connection customer care is on top of the list. Our professional chauffeurs treat our passengers like we are welcoming a family member back to Chicago. We know that you had a long and exhausting flight and we will take you home safely and in complete comfort.
You will be alone for the ride
When you use the airport shuttle service there is a good chance that some other people will travel with you. And that might not always be a pleasant experience. When you choose to book charter services you can outline that you want to be alone for the ride. During Covid-19 times this is an important consideration that must be taken into account. Besides - you won’t have to listen to people talking loudly and can make your plans for what to do in Chicago during your trip to the hotel.
Comfort during your trip
After a long flight, you want to feel comfortable. As we all know, the seats on the planes are not providing enough space and this can lead to some unpleasant experience. All the vehicles in our fleet provide comfort and enough space for you to feel good. You might even fall asleep while we drive you home or to your hotel.
Some other things you should consider when choosing between airport shuttle or bus charter:
- Prices;
- Safety rating;
- How big your group is.
When you put together all the variables you will be able to make the best decision for your situation. If you choose to hire a bus charter company, feel free to contact us. With our 14 years of experience, we are the best choice for airport transportation for Chicago.
How to organize the perfect birthday party for your best friend?
If you are a good friend you are going to show up to the party of your best friend with awesome presents. If you are truly best friends, you should organize a surprise party for them at least once in their lives. Get some special events transportation, cruise around the clubs. Or maybe have a garden party in vintage style? The choice is yours. We are going to provide you with some awesome surprise birthday party ideas that you can organize.
What to consider before the party
Before we start laying down ideas, we have to mark several important aspects. When throwing a surprise party for someone you have to:
- have a guest list with the people they want to invite;
- have a great idea about the presents;
- know that the whole party will be organized in a way that the person will like.
If you are planning to order food or have a catering service, just remember to check the food preferences of the guests and if they have some food allergies. This is a common mistake that people do while planning.
Option one: Special events transportation and going around bars and clubs
Here is our first idea for a great VIP experience. Get a limo and go around Chicago in style. Visit your favorite bars and clubs and have a great time. You can open a bottle of champagne in the limo, have the chauffeur play your favorite music. This is something that famous and rich people do all the time. Why not provide such an experience for the birthday party of your best friend?
Option two: Kidnap them and surprise them with an awesome day to their liking
This one is a little hard to pull off if they live alone. However, if they have roommates or family, you can ask them to help you out. The “kidnapping” part is nothing major - just show up at their home in the morning and tell them to come with you. You can put a blindfold on them but it is not needed.
Then give them an awesome day to their liking. This might be a game of golf, horse riding, or playing arcade games all day. The options are really limitless and are all up to your imagination and what your best friends like.
Option three: Garden party in vintage style
Now this will only work if the birthday of your best friend is in late spring or in the summer. Research what type of venue you can rent for such a garden party. It can be an afternoon cocktail in vintage style with an open bar and light music. This is perfect if you don’t want to have a party with loud music and dancing. This type of gathering is more suitable for doing some catching up and fun games. Of course, you can host something like this in the afternoon and continue with a party in the evening.
Option four: Birthday party on a boat
There is always the option to rent a small yacht and have a party there. This is an awesome experience. Just be careful! Someone might get drunk and decide to go for a swim. Such a thing will ruin the whole party. It is a good idea to book a DJ for the day and have some transportation for all of the guests to the port.
Option five: Rooftop party with a DJ
This option is available for nice weather as well. Imagine a rooftop party with a DJ, some cool lights, and an open bar. It is almost the same as some of the previous ideas on our list. However, the rooftop location is what brings added value to this idea. Finding a good spot for such a party can be challenging but it will pay out in the end. Look for a place with an amazing view. That is what makes the magic happen.
Those are our five ideas for а great birthday party that you can organize for your best friends. We hope you are going to have a great time!
How to organize a successful hybrid event conference in Chicago?
After the pandemic hit us everything related to event planning changed. From corporate transportation to choosing the right venue for your conference. Hybrid events are the most common form of organizing events today. In this article, we are going to give you some important tips and tricks related to the successful planning and preparation for such a conference in Chicago.
Choose a hotel with a good internet connection
Hybrid events mean live streaming, people that will be watching and expecting a steady and flawless connection. On the other hand, you have people present in the venue that will use the Wi-Fi as well. This means that you need a steady and reliable internet connection. There are several ways to handle this:
- separate Wi-Fi network for the visitors;
- cable internet that is connected to the computer that handles the live streaming;
- prior tests of the connection before the event with as many connected devices as possible.
Having this is the core thing for the hybrid event. You can’t rely on Wi-Fi alone. If you do so and don’t prepare accordingly, it will be a disaster.
Organize the transport for your guests
In a hybrid event, you are still likely to have a lot of people and speakers present on the spot. Some of them will be coming to Chicago, so there is a need to prepare for all of them. Corporate travel is still a common thing and people prefer to do business face to face. If you can’t handle reservations and arrange charter transport for them, you can at least prepare a welcome guide for the city that should include:
- Agenda of the event;
- Potential hotels you recommend;
- Information on the latest Covid-19 updates and measures;
- Guidelines on how to get to the venue;
- Some information about the tourist sites;
- Information on good restaurants and bars.
This is a nice touch that will make your event stand out and people will appreciate such a gesture.
Help the ones planning corporate travel
A nice thing you can do is help the people that visit to plan accordingly their free time in Chicago and help them with any questions they might have. For example, if they want to go shopping, give them a list of the best stores. If they want to explore local sights, you can even plan a short guided tour for them. If you know the time of the arrival of the different guests, you can even suggest for them to travel together. All of this may seem like an extra effort but it will pay out in the end.
Make sure to have all the presentations and test the whole event
Before the event ask all of the people that are going to present to give you a copy of their presentations. The day before the event you should get them together online for a test of their connection, camera, microphone and check out if they can hear and see everything. Insists that everyone stick with the time that is provided for them. If they have a 20-minute slot for presenting, there is no way to have a presentation with 50 slides and time for Q&A.
Get feedback and send the materials after the event
It is very important to have feedback forms sent to all participants after the event is over. In this way, you will know what you did good and what went wrong. This will give you important insights into your conference and how you can do better next time. You should also send to all participants a link with the presentations, a summary of the event, a video, and if it is possible - a list of contacts with the participants.
Remember, something will likely go wrong. That is okay. Just handle it in the best way possible and continue your conference with a smile.
Some tips for amazing performance of sports teams in 2022
Coaching a sports team is not something anybody can do. If you are in such a role you know that the start of the new year is a great time to build up the mentality of your squad for winning. When it comes to amazing performance every detail matters - from the sports team transportation to what they eat at home. In this article, we are going over some proven tips that will help your team have amazing performance in 2022.
Be sure to have trusted partners
You want to focus on team preparation, right? That means that you need to find trusted partners for everything else related to the team. You need to browse the team transport options in Chicago, find places to order the sports equipment, and many more. The good news is once this is done, you don’t have to worry anymore and just stick to the training. There are three main things to look for in a trusted partner company:
- If they offer you prices within your budget;
- If they offer quality product/service for the team;
- If they are good and honest people that respect deadlines.
Once all of the above are covered you can work with them and be sure that the team will benefit from that.
Get together with the players outside of the pitch
Okay, this is not one of those movies where the coach is holding a big speech or doing some crazy method to get the players to respect them. Just get your team together once in a while. In the summer you can visit a pool or have a barbeque in the open. Celebrate the wins and talk after the losses. It is not rocket science. The players will like being around each other and it can help them become friends. Sure, not everybody can be available all the time, but it is nice for a chance to do something as a team off the pitch as well. Try with group activity once a month. Bowling is a good start that everyone will love.
Host meetings with the fans
Once in a while host a meeting with the players, staff members, and fans. Just lay some ground rules before the event that you share with the fan club like:
- Everyone maintains good behavior;
- You will hear each other out;
- There will be time for photos with the team after the event.
This can work great for both the fans and the players alike. This is a sign of respect for the people that come to cheer at your games. On the other hand, the players will be motivated by the presence of fans and the support they receive from them.
Consider having a winning ritual
Sure, you are not going to win every time. However, when you do be sure to celebrate properly. A lot of teams have some sort of tradition that they do after a win. They get together for pizza, have a party, or something else. It is good for the morale of the team. You can discuss this with your staff and the players or check out what other teams are doing. Any good ideas are welcome. For example, some teams open up an expensive bottle of wine when they beat in some game where they were falling behind.
Always be honest with each other
You need to establish a culture of open and honest communication between the staff members and the players. Each person from the team should be able to come to you and share their questions or something that is bothering them. This helps a lot when the team is not performing great. You can sit down and discuss a way out of the bad situation together.
Every sports team has ups and downs during the year. During the first ones, everything is sunshine and rainbows. However, real winners show their spirit during the hard times. Follow our advice and you will have a team of winners. On the field and out of it.
What to have in mind when planning your special event in 2022?
You are planning a wedding or another special event in 2022? While congratulations are in order, we are familiar with all the stress that goes along with the organization of everything. You have to take care of million things and be very patient with the demands of your guests. In this article, we are going to give you some rock-solid tips on event planning that are universal for any type of special event.
Remember that Covid-19 is still around
Covid-19 is something you must consider for every part of your planning. It doesn’t matter if it is related to wedding transportation in Chicago or hiring a choir to sing at your special event. You don’t need to be a genius to notice that in the colder months the number of cases is rising, while in the spring and summer it goes down. It is better to plan your special event when the weather is warm. This not only means less chance of strict measures regarding Covid-19 but also the possibility to host your wedding party or special event outdoors.
Hotel and transportation for your guests
Even if you are not paying the bill for the transport and accommodation, you have to provide your guests with some options. Consult with them what do they prefer:
- Maybe a hotel close to the venue?
- A place to stay that will allow them to go sightseeing?
- Or perhaps a hotel close to the airport?
You need to clear these things out and know what places to recommend. Also, hiring or giving information about charter transportation from the airport is something that will make their stay better. Double-check if some of your guests are arriving with babies or pets. In this case, there will be extra requirements for the hotel they will stay in.
Book a venue in time
Once the date for the special event is set and you know the number of guests be sure to book the venue you want. If you don’t act quickly the best ones won’t be available to you. There are a lot of weddings and special events in Chicago every year. And everybody wants to book the best places. Don’t get left behind just because you didn’t plan ahead. Here are some essentials to consider:
- Is the specific venue within your budget?
- Is there an option to go inside if it rains?
- Is there going to be enough room for dancing?
Most people forget to check the answers to the question above and then regret their decision about booking a certain venue. Don’t be one of them.
Have some fun games
Sometimes it is hard to get the party started. There is one secret for putting everybody in the mood - get the girls dancing! Then each of them will invite her husband or boyfriend to the dance floor. And once there are 5-10 couples dancing, others will follow. If this scenario doesn’t play out don’t get disappointed. Just include some fun games that will get people moving. Here are some classic ideas:
- Dance-off battle;
- Dollar dash (works for weddings only);
- Generation dance.
There are a lot of amazing ideas. Just remember to read the room. If people are in the middle of the main course and you announce a dance-off battle you will likely be left alone to play it.
Introduce the guests to each other before the special event
It doesn’t matter if it is a wedding or another type of special event that you have in mind. The party will be better if people know each other. While in most cases all guests can't be friends you can at least try to introduce them before the event. Have some cocktail with an open bar and chat with everybody for 1-2 hours before the evening starts. It would be perfect if you can invite some of your guests to family dinners or birthday parties and let them get to know each other there. In that way, you won’t have a special event with 100 people that are strangers.
Organizing special events is stressful. However, once you see everybody having fun, you forget about the tension and just start to enjoy yourself. Remember that after all this is your special day. Make it count. You are the important one!
Planning family visit in the Chicago area for 2022? Here is what you need to see!
If you have included Chicago in your travel plans for next year we can only congratulate you. The city is perfect for a family visit and there is a lot to see and do. In this article, we are going to give you some insight into interesting upcoming events in 2022. Also, we are going to outline several places you must visit and some activities you should try while you are in Chicago. If your plan your stay with a nice hotel and proper tour transportation, you will have a great time!
Pick a season of your choosing
If you are about to discover Chicago with your family, you have to pick a season for that. We can vouge that the “windy city” is very beautiful at any time of the year. The sping is nice and green, the summer is not so hot and everything is beautiful. The autumn puts a rainy but quite a lovely mood as the trees are changing their coloring. The winter months are a continuous Christmas fairy tale. Depending on your preferences and reason for visiting, you should indeed choose the best time for you. And remember - there is no bad choice. Just several different good ones. And each will uniquely surprise you.
Pick Chicago tours transport
If you are going for an interesting touristic experience, be sure to arrange proper tour transportation. If you need the full package, you can hire a local guide to give you updates on the interesting sights. Hiring this type of service has many benefits:
- You won’t waste time in searching for parking;
- Don’t have to worry about traffic;
- Have the benefit of being shown Chicago by locals.
When you consider the list of pros and cons, the good sides of having a planned tour are much more. You can check the options for such services and book in advance.
Don’t miss the amazing events in 2022
In Chicago each year there are a lot of fantastic events that might be interesting for all. For sure we recommend visiting a Chicago Bulls game. Other interesting events in 2022 are:
- The museum of ice cream will arrive in the summer of next year;
- The biggest exhibition in Willis Tower will be dedicated to colors;
- Major exhibitions in the museums of Chicago.
Of course, besides those, there are many more things to look forward to depending on the season. For example, each Christmas in Chicago is amazing. There are tons of fun winter activities to do.
The most famous Chicago landmarks
Don’t miss out on the most famous tourists sights in Chicago! Plan your schedule well because usually, time is never enough to visit everything. Here are the ones you don’t want to skip:
- The observation deck of Chicago;
- Cloud gate;
- The Loop;
- Millenium park;
- Garfield Park Conservatory;
- The Buckingham Fountain;
- Navy Pier.
We don’t mention any museums here because we believe that you should have a whole visit dedicated only to them. When we discover Chicago first we go over the landmarks, after that spent time in the galleries and museums. After all of this is done, we explore the city like locals.
Activities you must try
Some of the things you must do in Chicago are unique for the city, while others are quite common. For sure, we recommend that you visit a basketball and baseball game just for the fun of it. Taking a walk and exploring the beautiful architecture is also a must. However, the thing you must do for sure is Chicago Riverwalk or take a boat trip along the Chicago River. If you do that you will be in love with the city forever.
Chicago is a fantastic place for family visits. The city is beautiful and offers great experiences in any season of the year. Plan your trip and if you need tour transportation services or airport transportation, feel free to call us!