White Sox and Cubs Game Day Bus From the South Suburbs: Tailgate Timing and Group Pricing
White Sox and Cubs Game Day Bus From the South Suburbs: Tailgate Timing and Group Pricing
Quick answer: A White Sox and Cubs game day bus from the south suburbs keeps your group together, takes the parking hassle off your plate and gives everyone a safe ride home. The drive to the White Sox ballpark on the South Side usually takes about 25 to 45 minutes from Orland Park and Tinley Park, while Wrigley Field on the North Side takes about 45 to 75 minutes or more. Plan to leave 2.5 to 3.5 hours before first pitch if you want to tailgate at a Sox game, and earlier for Cubs games to beat North Side traffic. A 30-passenger party bus starts at $350 per hour with a 3-hour minimum, about $70 to $85 per person for a 6-hour game day. Call (312) 446-7505 or get a free quote!
Open 24/7 · Licensed, experienced drivers · Party buses, Sprinters and coach buses · Local to the south suburbs
Baseball season in Chicago means company outings, birthday groups, youth teams, church groups and friends heading to the ballpark together. From the south suburbs, getting a big group to the game is the hard part: several cars, several parking fees, someone who cannot enjoy a beer and a slow drive home after the last out. A party bus or coach solves all of that. This guide compares the two ballparks, covers tailgate timing, pickup and drop-off, vehicle choice and group pricing.
This guide goes with our sporting events transportation. For hockey nights, see our Blackhawks game party bus guide.
Planning a group trip to the ballpark? Tell us the game, date and group size and we will plan the ride. Call (312) 446-7505!
White Sox vs Cubs: What Changes for a Group Trip
| Factor | White Sox (South Side) | Cubs (Wrigley Field, North Side) |
|---|---|---|
| Drive from Orland Park or Tinley Park | About 25 to 45 minutes | About 45 to 75 minutes or more |
| Route | Usually I-57 or I-294 to the Dan Ryan Expressway | Through the city on the Dan Ryan and Kennedy, or Lake Shore Drive |
| Tailgating | Stadium parking lots are known for tailgating | No traditional parking lot tailgating, the neighborhood bars are the pregame |
| Drop-off | Close to the ballpark, following stadium traffic directions | Usually a short walk away, because streets near Wrigley are crowded and some are restricted on game days |
| Leaving after the game | Quick access back to the expressway | Slower exit through busy North Side streets |
Game Day Timing
White Sox games
- Tailgating: leave the south suburbs about 2.5 to 3.5 hours before first pitch, so you have 1.5 to 2.5 hours in the lot.
- Straight to your seats: leave about 1.5 hours before first pitch.
- After the game: most groups are back in the south suburbs 45 to 75 minutes after the last out.
Cubs games
- Pregame in Wrigleyville: leave about 3 to 3.5 hours before first pitch to beat traffic and enjoy the neighborhood.
- Straight to your seats: leave about 2 to 2.5 hours before first pitch.
- After the game: allow 75 minutes to 2 hours to get home, depending on traffic.
| Time | Sample White Sox night game with a tailgate |
|---|---|
| 3:30 PM | Pickup in Orland Park or Tinley Park |
| 4:15 PM | Arrive at the ballpark parking lot and tailgate |
| 6:40 PM | First pitch |
| About 9:45 PM | Final out, walk back to the bus |
| About 10:45 PM | Back in the south suburbs |
Check the exact first pitch time on your tickets, since day and night start times vary.
Tailgating at White Sox Games
- Tailgating happens in the stadium parking lots, so the vehicle needs parking. Tell us your tailgate plans when you book so parking for the bus is planned.
- Follow the ballpark’s tailgating rules, including times and what equipment is allowed.
- Pack coolers, chairs and food and choose a vehicle with room to carry them.
- Celebrate responsibly. No alcohol for anyone under 21, and follow your driver’s instructions on board.
Drop-Off and Pickup
- Follow city and stadium traffic plans. On game days, police and stadium staff direct buses and drop-offs, and some streets near Wrigley are restricted.
- Agree on a meeting point before you go in. Your driver confirms where the bus will be after the game.
- Set a departure time and share it with everyone in the group.
- Keep your phone charged and name a group leader to stay in touch with the driver.
- Count heads before leaving so nobody is left behind.
Want a tailgate-ready game day? We plan pickup, parking and timing for your group.
Choosing a Vehicle
| Vehicle | Passengers | Starting hourly rate | Minimum hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14-passenger shuttle Sprinter | 14 | $180 | 2 |
| 14-passenger party Sprinter | 14 | $250 | 2 |
| Hummer stretch limo | 18 | $350 | 3 |
| Freightliner party bus | 30 | $350 | 3 |
| Coach bus | 35 to 57 | $450 to $650 | 3 |
- Party buses make the ride part of the fun, with lounge seating, sound and lighting.
- Coach buses suit company outings, church groups and youth teams with reclining seats and luggage bays for coolers and gear.
- Sprinters fit smaller groups and are easier to drop off on crowded North Side streets.
See our party bus, coach bus rentals, Sprinter van rental and full fleet.
Group Pricing
| Example | Base cost | Per person base | Per person with 20% gratuity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 friends, party Sprinter, 5 hours | $1,250 | About $89 | About $107 |
| 30 friends, party bus, 6 hours | $2,100 | About $70 | About $84 |
| 50 coworkers, 50-passenger coach, 6 hours | $3,300 | About $66 | About $79 |
Final pricing varies with the date, hours and route. A chauffeur gratuity of 18 to 20 percent may be added unless already included in your quote, plus tolls and parking where they apply. See our pricing page.
Popular Ballpark Groups
- Company outings and client entertainment. See Corporate Event Transportation in Chicago.
- Youth sports teams and church groups. See Charter Buses for School, Sports and Church Groups.
- Birthday and bachelor parties. See our bachelor party limo guide.
- Neighborhood and family groups heading to a summer game together.
Love road trips for sports? See our guides to Notre Dame game day buses and Packers game buses.
Serving Ballpark Groups Across the South Suburbs
We pick up groups in Orland Park, Tinley Park, Oak Lawn, Oak Forest, Mokena, Frankfort, New Lenox and Homer Glen. See all our service areas.
About Emily’s Limousine Service
Emily’s Limousine Service provides party buses, coach buses, Sprinter vans and limousines across Chicago and the south suburbs, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our licensed, experienced drivers and clean, well-maintained vehicles make game days easy. Learn more about us or read our FAQ.
White Sox and Cubs Game Day Bus FAQs
How long is the drive from the south suburbs to a White Sox game?
About 25 to 45 minutes from Orland Park and Tinley Park, depending on traffic.
How long is the drive from the south suburbs to Wrigley Field?
About 45 to 75 minutes or more, because the route crosses the city to the North Side.
Can we tailgate with a party bus at a White Sox game?
Yes, in the stadium parking lots, where the vehicle needs parking. Tell us your plans when you book.
Can we tailgate at Wrigley Field?
Wrigley does not have the same parking lot tailgating. Most groups plan a pregame stop in Wrigleyville instead.
How early should we leave for a White Sox game?
About 2.5 to 3.5 hours before first pitch to tailgate, or about 1.5 hours before if you are going straight to your seats.
How early should we leave for a Cubs game?
About 3 to 3.5 hours before first pitch for a Wrigleyville pregame, or 2 to 2.5 hours before to go straight to your seats.
How much is a party bus to a baseball game?
Our party bus starts at $350 per hour with a 3-hour minimum. A 6-hour game day for 30 people is about $70 per person before gratuity.
What vehicle is best for a company outing?
A coach bus for 35 to 57 passengers works well for large groups, and a party bus or Sprinter for smaller teams.
Where will the bus pick us up after the game?
At the meeting point you agree on before the game, following stadium and city traffic directions.
Can we bring coolers and chairs?
Yes, for the tailgate. Tell us what you are bringing so we send a vehicle with enough room, and follow the ballpark’s rules.
How far ahead should we book?
As soon as you have tickets, especially for weekend games, rivalry games and summer dates.
How do I book?
Call (312) 446-7505 or get a free quote online. Share the game, date, pickup address and group size.
