BusConnection Was Featured In Redfin.com

Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in: If you’re living in Chicago, chances are you’ve seen popular tourist attractions like Cloud Gate, also known as the Bean, or have walked around the Navy Pier. Although these attractions make Chicago unique, have you ever wondered what else is out there? If that’s the case, we’ve got you covered.

We’ve gathered Chicagoans to share their favorite unique things to do in Chicago to give you some fresh ideas. So whether you’re ready to shake up your routine or new to the city looking for apartments for rent in Chicago, check out locally approved attractions you want to take advantage of. Read the full article here - 6 Unique Things to do in Chicago That Every Local Should Know About | Redfin


Does the perfect charter bus company exist?

“At Bus Connection, we do not sell just transportation. We sell professional service, experience and lasting memories.”

Today in this article, you will take a unique inside look at charter buses. We sat down with Ves Nedev, President of Bus Connection to see his vision of the perfect bus charter company. With over 15 years of experience in the limosine and charter bus industry. Ves built this successful company from the ground up and introduced his own innovation, style and commitment to service that is impacting the bus charter industry. Today, we will discuss the concept of the perfect bus charter company with him. Read more


Rent a car vs hired transportation - pros and cons and what to choose?

You are traveling to Chicago and are wondering if you should rent a car or hire a professional transportation company? Each of these choices has some pros and cons that we are going to review together. After we are done it will be easier for your to make your final decision. The budget will not be something we consider, since this is a private matter and it depends on the financial situation of each person. 

Safety 

The first thing we need to consider is safety. Imagine the following scenario - you are landing in Chicago. You had a long flight and you feel tired. On the plane next to you there was a baby that was crying and you couldn’t get any sleep. It is dark and you don’t know the road to your hotel. You are not sure where to park either. In this case, it would be much better to have the services of a professional company that can take you to your hotel from the airport. The trip will be much safer and you will be able to get a well-deserved rest. 

Getting around the city 

Chicago is a big city. Yes, the public transportation is good, but if you have meetings all over town, it is better to have a car. If you are part of a business delegation and you have rented a car to go around town, one of you must drive. This extra commitment means that you have to research where to park in a way that is won’t get you fined. You also have to be responsible for the car to be filled with gas and know your way around the city. The busy traffic can ruin your day. The other option is hiring corporate transportation that will pick up from your hotel in the time you need them to and drive you around Chicago. In that way, you can focus on the thing you came for - business.  

Time for fun

Okay, you came to Chicago on a trip or maybe for a special event. A wedding? That is perfect! Maybe a bachelor party will be part of your program as well. If you are a group of people that drive around in a car you have rented, one of you has to be the designated driver. And that will ruin all the fun for him. Imagine all the others having beers, cigars, or pouring champagne, while the driver just watches. And now imagine another scenario - hiring a limo with a professional driver and having one amazing party in the back while you cruize around Chicago. 

Liability

This is not a funny subject. However, imagine if something happens while you are driving. You get into a car accident with a rental car. You have to pay for the damage that was caused and are liable for your actions. However, if you hire a professional driver, this bad probability is out of the equation. You don’t have to worry if the car gets bumped or damaged - as long as there are no people harmed everything else will be good. 

These are some of the main points to consider when choosing either to hire a car from a rental company and drive yourself or to hire a professional transportation company for your needs. Depending on your needs and budget, there are various options for both. If your mind is made up and you are looking for a company for transportation - give us a call! We will be happy to make your stay in Chicago better with our services. 


The Best Restaurants and Bars in Chicago

From sports to museums, there are a lot of amazing tourist attractions in Chicago. But one of the best reasons to visit Chicago is the food! Chicago is filled with amazing culinary experiences. Here are six of the best restaurants and bars in Chicago you won’t want to miss.

The Art of Pizza

This rooftop bar in Chicago is located above the Second City comedy club in Old Town. People don’t just come here to drink. They come here for the oversized games, live music, and the unique tailgate-inspired atmosphere. You can get all your favorite tailgate foods while indulging in their famous cocktails like Gin & Chronic or El Duderino.

Utopian Tailgate

The shoreline along Lake Michigan (aka Navy Pier) is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. It’s filled with fun rides like the Centennial Wheel and the Navy Pier Carousel. If you’re with kids, they’ll definitely be entertained by the sights at Navy Pier.

Supeprdawg Drive-In

Another Chicago classic is the Chicago-style dog, and the best in the city comes from Superdawg Drive-In. This restaurant has been around for over 70 years! It still has an old-fashioned feel thanks to the carhops and drive-in concept. This place may be famous for its hotdogs, but the thick crinkle fries are also well worth the visit.

Frontera Grill

If you’re in on a hunt for the best Mexican restaurant in Chicago, you won’t find anywhere better than Frontera Grill. This restaurant’s head chef is world-renowned Rick Bayless. Frontera Grill serves lunch, brunch, and dinner. Some of the best menu items include Oaxacan-style Carne Asada and Tacos Árabes. There are also daily specials. You can’t go wrong no matter what you choose to eat!

Half Acre Beer Company

If you prefer beer to cocktails, there’s no better place to go than the Half Acre Beer Company on North Lincoln Avenue. The rustic atmosphere includes wooden benches and tabletop games. There’s even a special retail shop where you can buy something to commemorate your experience! There are also fun events at Half Acre Beer Company like Wednesday Trivia Night.

HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

You can find this authentic Vietnamese restaurant on South Carpenter Street. Try the delicious grilled boar, octopus, or Northern-style steam rice crepes. If you’re vegetarian, it’s easy to find meatless options here. Can’t decide what to eat? You can order a chef tasting menu that includes multiple courses. This restaurant even serves Vietnamese dishes for brunch!

Try All These Bars and Restaurants in Chicago Using Bus Connection

These are just a few of Chicago’s best food and drink offerings. If you’re visiting Chicago with a large group of people, make sure you use Bus Connection’s rental services. This is the most efficient and cost-effective way for everyone in your group to navigate the city. For more information on our fleet and our rates, contact us today! We can’t wait to show you around!


5 Things You Need to Know When Choosing a Charter Bus Rental Company

If you need transportation in Chicago for a large group of people, the best thing you can do is rent a charter bus. This is so much easier than coordinating with a large group of taxis or Ubers. But if it’s your first time renting a charter bus, you might be a little unsure of how to go about it. Here are five things to consider when finding the charter bus rental company in Chicago that’s right for you!

1. Find Out What Amenities They Offer

Every charter bus rental company will offer different amenities. You should know what amenities you care about the most, but also remember that not everyone in your group will have the same priorities. You may not want to watch TV, but someone else who’s traveling with you may really want to.
Some of the best amenities include flat-screen TVs, DVD players, CD players, and LED reading lights. If you hire Bus Connection as your charter bus rental company in Chicago, you’ll enjoy all these amenities and more!

2. Know Their Reputation

These days, it’s easy to find out any business’s reputation, even if you don’t personally know someone who uses their services. Simply check out their reviews online. You can go to their website, but also make sure you look at social media and review websites like Yelp. Look for specific reviews from people about what the company does right and what the company could improve on.

3. Use a Company with Lots of Experience

Experience is so important when it comes to a charter bus rental company. It doesn’t just show how long people have been using their services. It also shows how well the company knows the area. When a company hasn’t been in business for very long, they may not have the experience needed to give you top-notch service.
The Bus Connection team has 15 years of experience in the ground transportation industry. No one knows the Chicago area better than we do! No matter what’s on your itinerary, we can get you there in a timely manner. We’re also happy to recommend bars, restaurants, entertainment, and more!

4. Learn About How They Maintain Their Fleet

You want a company that takes care of every vehicle in their fleet. Newer vehicles are usually better because they are less likely to need emergency repairs that could put you behind schedule. The rental company should also be taking good care of all the vehicles by servicing and repairing them as needed.

5. Give Everyone in Your Group Lots of Space

You should take the size of your group and how much luggage you’ll have into consideration. Even if a bus rental can hold everyone in your group, that doesn’t mean everyone will fit comfortably. Ideally, you should check out the fleet in person before you actually reserve a vehicle. Storage compartments can make a huge difference if you are traveling with a large amount of stuff.

Book the Best Bus Rentals in Chicago

Whether you’re in Chicago for a professional convention, a sporting event, a vacation, or something else, Bus Connection would be happy to handle all your transportation needs. You can book your charter bus rental right now by going to our fleet page.


7 Reasons to Visit Chicago in the Spring and Summer

Planning a trip to Chicago this spring or summer? It’s time to start making a list of all the things you want to do and see while you’re there. Chicago has something for everyone! Here are seven of the top tourist attractions and activities to include on your trip’s itinerary.

1. The Stunning Architecture

Chicago is an architecture buff’s dream! There are so many impressive skyscrapers to check out like the Willis Tower and the Tribune Tower. If you want to experience 360-degree uninterrupted views of the city, check out 360CHICAGO.

2. Navy Pier

The shoreline along Lake Michigan (aka Navy Pier) is one of Chicago’s most popular attractions. It’s filled with fun rides like the Centennial Wheel and the Navy Pier Carousel. If you’re with kids, they’ll definitely be entertained by the sights at Navy Pier.

3. The Farmer’s Markets

Visiting Chicago in May through October is especially fun because of the farmer’s markets. Check out the Green City Market in Lincoln Park where you’ll find everything from the best fresh produce to artisanal bread to beautiful flowers. There are lots of vendors preparing ready-to-eat food, so you can snack while you shop. There’s also awesome live music!

4. The Many Museums

Chicago is great for museum-lovers. No matter what your interests are, you can probably find a museum featuring it in Chicago. Some of the best include the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, and the Museum of Science and Industry, which is the world’s largest science museum. If you’re more of a history buff, make sure you check out the Chicago History Museum.

5. The Beach on Lake Michigan

Beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Chicago. But the beach on Lake Michigan is a must-see for tourists! When the weather is warmer, it’s ideal for long walks on the beach, boating on the water, and playing a good game of beach volleyball.

6. Lincoln Park Zoo

Chicago is home to one of the best zoos in the United States. Not only is this zoo packed of adorable animals, but it’s also free. It’s the perfect stop if you’re taking your trip to Chicago on the cheap. This is one of the oldest zoos in the country. Some of its most well-known features include the apes and the duck pond. There’s also a café.

7. Baseball Games at Wrigley Field

If you’re coming to Chicago in the spring or summer, you must catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. The stadium is over a century old, but it’s more exciting than ever! Make sure you take a photo in front of the famous marquee while you’re here.

Discover Chicago with Bus Connection

Clearly, there’s no shortage of things to do while you’re in Chicago! Need a way to make sure you see all of them with a large group of people? Discover Chicago using a tour bus rental from Bus Connection! We are proud to call Chicago our home and want everyone who comes here to love it just as much as we do. Reserve your vehicle today!