Chicago Crime And Mob Bus Tour

Travel by bus with Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences LLC for 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours exploring Chicago crime and mob history. Prices start at $49 and the tour has a 4.6 rating from 3534 reviews.

Overview

A bus rolls up outside 163 E. Pearson Street, on the southeast side of Michigan Avenue, and for the next hour and a half to two hours it carries passengers around Chicago's crime history. A live guide narrates the whole way, mixing gangster and mobster lore with a Prohibition Era personality profile, while the bus passes sites such as the Water Tower, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Magnificent Mile and the John Hancock Center. Along the route the bus stops so riders can get off, take photos and look at former crime scenes, including the Biograph Theatre and Holy Name Cathedral.

The format is mostly seated. One traveller described it as a lecture on wheels with a few short walk off stops, which makes it a good fit for anyone who prefers not to spend hours on their feet. Reviewers often mention how funny and knowledgeable the guides are. A souvenir brochure with special offers and a mini mob and gangster museum round out the package.

It suits visitors who want an entertaining overview of Chicago's criminal past without a walking tour's physical demands. Anyone hoping for extensive off bus exploration should temper expectations, since a few reviewers felt the stops were brief and the sightseeing mostly happens through the window.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Check in at Michigan and PearsonMeet outside 163 E. Pearson Street, on the southeast side of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in, as the bus departs on time and late guests cannot join.
2. Gangsters, Mobsters and Criminals driveA 15 minute segment with free admission, passing by Water Tower Place, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Magnificent Mile, the John Hancock Center, Abraham Lincoln Park and North Avenue Beach.
3. Biograph TheatreA 10 minute stop with free admission, passing by Oz Park. This is one of the spots where passengers can get off the bus and take photos.
4. Chicago RiverA 5 minute stop with free admission.
5. Thirty Five E WackerA 5 minute stop with free admission.
6. Harry Caray's Italian SteakhouseA 10 minute stop with free admission.
7. Holy Name CathedralA 7 minute stop with free admission, passing by the Historic Water Tower.
8. Return to the startThe tour ends back at the meeting point on East Pearson Street.

What To Expect From The Tour

Here is what to know before booking, based on the listing details and what travellers report about the ride.

• Getting there. The meeting point is outside 163 E. Pearson Street, at the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street. The listing stresses arriving at least 15 minutes early, since the bus departs on time and late guests cannot join.
• Seated pace. Most of the tour happens on the bus, with a few short stops where passengers can get off and look around. One reviewer noted this makes it a low effort option that suits anyone who would rather not stand or walk for long stretches.
• Bring cash. Gratuity is not included. The listing recommends a gratuity per person via cash or Venmo, and one reviewer also reminded future guests to tip the guide.
• No food or drink. Eating and drinking are not allowed on the bus, and there are no restroom breaks during the tour. Use the restroom before checking in.
• Seating is general. Seating is first come, first served and seated together is not guaranteed, so groups may not end up next to each other.
• Photos and extras. Photo stops at famous crime scenes are part of the itinerary, and the souvenir brochure includes special offers. Audio and video recording of the tour itself is not permitted without written consent.

Common issues. The honest trade off is that most of the experience is viewed from a bus window, and a few reviewers found the stops too short or the tour somewhat boring because there is not a lot to physically see. One reviewer reported a last minute cancellation when the expected guide was unavailable, though rescheduling or a refund was offered. The bus has five steps and no electronic lift, so it is not wheelchair accessible, though limited storage exists for a folding wheelchair or stroller. The tour caps at 37 travellers, and there are no restroom breaks or food and drink on board.

Common Questions