Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour
Chicago, United States

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

Outty Ranking 82 4.6 · 3,612 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $49
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Outty Ranking

82/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 3,612 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour worth booking?

Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $49 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 3,612 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
82 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (3,612)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$49 per person

Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities. Hear true crime stories about Chicago Gangster Al Capone, The Untouchables, The Chicago Mob, Prohibition, John Dillinger, Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti, Cap George Streeter, Leopold & Loeb, H.H. Holmes and more. Visit historic landmark buildings like: The Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, Cook County Criminal Court House, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, etc. Tour famous Chicago neighborhoods: Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop and Magnificent Mile. Locals and tourists agree that this educational and entertaining thing to do in Chicago is a unique cultural experience.

What you get

    About this experience

    Escape into Chicago's underworld on a crime and mob tour with stops on-and-off the luxury, climate-controlled bus. Explore historic crime scenes with great photo opportunities. Hear true crime stories about Chicago Gangster Al Capone, The Untouchables, The Chicago Mob, Prohibition, John Dillinger, Frank “The Enforcer” Nitti, Cap George Streeter, Leopold & Loeb, H.H. Holmes and more. Visit historic landmark buildings like: The Biograph Theater, Holy Name Cathedral, Cook County Criminal Court House, Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse, etc. Tour famous Chicago neighborhoods: Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, Lincoln Park, Old Town, Loop and Magnificent Mile. Locals and tourists agree that this educational and entertaining thing to do in Chicago is a unique cultural experience.

    What's included

    Included

    • Prohibition Era personality profile
    • Exclusive crime trivia quiz
    • Mini mob and gangster museum
    • Inclusions are subject to availability.
    • Photo ops at famous crime scenes
    • Live interactive tour guide in English
    • Souvenir brochure with special offers
    • Historic video footage

    Not included

    • Gratuity: Recommended $5/person gratuity (or more) via cash or Venmo.
    • There are no translations, audio-guides or headphones.

    What you'll see and do

    1. This world famous tour starts and ends OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson Street (SE side of Michigan Avenue and Pearson Street). Learn about the history of leading gangster and mobster figures like Al Capone, John Dillinger, Frank Nitti, Dean O'Banion, and Bugs Moran. You'll see famous gangster shootout sites like the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the handshake murder, and 'The Enforcers'' safe and tunnels. You will be led by a local, informative guide and guests are able to get off the bus and explore these historic crime scenes.

      15 minutes here

    2. Water Tower Place

      Meet your guide across from the Water Tower Place shopping mall in Chicago’s Near North Side at your selected time. Hop aboard a luxury climate-controlled coach and begin your 1.5-2 hour tour of the history of Chicago crime, from 19th century to today.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

      Drive by the Museum of Contemporary Art, a world class institution that offers a rich experience during a visit to Chicago. Just steps from the start and end of the tour, a great opportunity to explore modern art.

      Pass by without stopping

    4. The Magnificent Mile

      See the Magnificent Mile.

      Pass by without stopping

    5. John Hancock Center

      View the world famous John Hancock Center in the historic Streeterville neighborhood.

      Pass by without stopping

    6. Abraham Lincoln Park

      Drive through historic and beautiful Lincoln Park and it's surrounding neighborhood on the tour route.

      Pass by without stopping

    7. North Avenue Beach

      Drive by on tour bus.

      Pass by without stopping

    8. Biograph Theatre

      Stake out crime scenes including the Biograph Theatre.

      10 minutes here

    9. Oz Park

      Drive by en route to the St. Valentines Day Massacre.

      Pass by without stopping

    10. Chicago River

      Enjoy breathtaking views of the Chicago River, skyline and historic speakeasy from the State Street Bridge.

      5 minutes here

    11. Thirty Five E Wacker

      The Jewelers Building and historic landmark building.

      5 minutes here

    12. Go inside to see Nitti's vault, a mob museum, and historic bootlegging tunnels.

      10 minutes here

    13. Holy Name Cathedral

      Pass by the Holy Name Cathedral, and see the site of the 1929 St Valentine's Day Massacre, one of Chicago's most notorious murder scenes. This Prohibition-era conflict between two powerful Chicago gangs -- the South Side gang led by Al Capone and the North Side gang led by Bugs Moran -- ended in the brutal murder of seven Mob members. In addition to your comfortable, narrated drive through the city, you’ll also hop off the coach to visit some areas by foot for a more immersive experience. Your guide will offer in-depth narration as you follow the path that Chicago gangsters John Dillinger and Hymie Weiss walked right before their deaths. Hop back on the coach and return to the Near North Side to conclude your Chicago crime and gangsters tour.

      7 minutes here

    14. Historic Water Tower

      Conclude the tour across the street from the Historic Water Tower, one of the few surviving structures from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This iconic building is often open to the public before or after the tour.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Chicago

    Bus pickup OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson, at the SE side of Michigan Ave and Pearson St. Report 15 minutes early for check-in. Bus departs on time. Look for the tour guide at the bus.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Bus pickup OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson, at the SE side of Michigan Ave and Pearson St. Report 15 minutes early for check-in. Bus departs on time. Look for the tour guide at the bus.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences LLC

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Bus departs on time. Arrive at least 15 minutes early for check-in. If you don't see the bus 10 minutes before the start time, call the number indicated in your ticket for help.
    • Guests may not join the tour after the bus departs. General seating is on a first-come first-served basis. Joint seating is not guaranteed.
    • No restroom breaks. Please go before checking in at the bus.
    • No eating or drinking on the bus.
    • There is no onsite office.
    • Bus has five (5) steps and some stops off of the bus include stairs. Bus is NOT equipped with an electronic lift. There is limited storage available for a folding wheelchair or stroller.
    • Audio and video recording and services are not permitted without the express written consent of Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences.
    • Kindly refrain from talking or translating on the bus during the tour.

    Photos

    Lineup with Capone and Dillinger!, Chicago Crime and Mob Bus TourLook for the Crime Tour Bus, Chicago Crime and Mob Bus TourLive interactive tour guide, Chicago Crime and Mob Bus TourFun for the Whole Gang, Chicago Crime and Mob Bus TourStops Off the Bus at the Landmark Biograph Theatre, Chicago Crime and Mob Bus TourProfessional Tour Guides, Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3,599 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Organization

    2 mentions

    Pickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.

    Traveler reviews

    3,599 verified traveler reviews for Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    2,753
    4 star
    470
    3 star
    223
    2 star
    86
    1 star
    67
    Sort
    barbaraaY2041WD · October 2026

    Enthusiastic Guide

    Loved the guide. He was so interesting and enthusiastic. The van was very clean and air conditioned. It was a great tour experience.

    via Tripadvisor

    T455VYlouises · October 2026

    Relive Part of Chicago's Gaudy Past

    Maddie (the guide) had a script that was both historically accurate and very funny -- as was her delivery. There were two stops when we got off the bus to take pictures: the alley behind the former Biograph Theater where John Dillinger was killed by the FBI, and Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, inside a building once owned by Al Capone's accountant Frank Nitti. During repairs a few years ago, the owners uncovered Nitti's secret vault in the basement. Among the things they found was his private address book containing unlisted numbers for the Southside mob! The tour was great fun and I recommend it highly to teens and adults. I must mention, however, that the meeting place was not clearly explained on the Web site. It's actually at a stone building that resembles a castle. Adding this information would be helpful to anyone who's a stranger to Chicago, since building numbers aren't always visible and I nearly missed the tour.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your review and positive feedback. We are so happy to learn that you enjoyed the history and experience with Maddie. Wishing you more great learning adventures ahead!

    via Tripadvisor

    Barbara_F · October 2026

    Don’t Miss the CrimeAnd Mob Tour!

    What a fun tour to get some history and view the city. Jamie and Tommy were great resources for all things Chicago Mob. She had a delightful sense of humor and kept our group engaged.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much! We’re thrilled you had such a fun time exploring Chicago’s mob history with Jamie and Tommy. We love hearing that Jamie’s humor and storytelling kept everyone engaged! We're also glad that you enjoyed the city views!

    via Viator

    Irin_W · October 2026

    Just listened and pay...

    Just listened and pay attention. You may miss something you didn’t know, no matter how many documents or movies you’ve seen.

    Response from the operator: Irin, Thank you for your review. We are glad that you joined us and learned something new. Wishing you more great learning journeys ahead!

    via Viator

    HerryT_13 · October 2026

    Not worth $50 at all

    I would have been OK if this was perhaps $20 per person but at $50 no way, it's a tourist ripoff. You sit on a bus and the guide tells you averagely interesting crime stories and you get off the bus 3 times in 90 mins. Sorry but there was just something missing for $50 per person. Dane our guide tried his best but if you are expecting to truly be taken to the places where big crimes happened, forget it. Do your research and go to the places yourself using transit. You won't get $50 per person from this tour. And although we went in the daytime I can only imagine how bad the nighttime tour must be through tinted bus windows!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    1,264
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Why this scores 82

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)71
    Review evidence (18% weight)100
    Booking momentum (14% weight)100
    Value for money (12% weight)68
    Listing quality (10% weight)83
    Local standing (8% weight)49
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.

    How much does Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $49 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chicago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chicago is not rushed.

    Is Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 3,612 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour?

    +

    Around 1,264 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chicago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chicago and add a light layer if any part of the 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chicago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Chicago?

    +

    Chicago's signature experience is still the architecture boat cruise, and the difference between the docent-led originals and the party-boat imitators is the single biggest quality gap in the city. Beyond the river: gangster history walks, Art Institute access, deep-dish and hot-dog crawls, and skydeck timed entry. Outty Ranking leans on guide credentials and how consistently the promised route runs. On Outty we rank every Chicago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour, Chicago Murder Mystery Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Chicago?

    +

    May to October. Winter cruises stop running when the river ices. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Chicago?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour?

    +

    Included: Prohibition Era personality profile; Exclusive crime trivia quiz; Mini mob and gangster museum; Inclusions are subject to availability; and Photo ops at famous crime scenes. Not included: Gratuity: Recommended $5/person gratuity (or more) via cash or Venmo; and There are no translations, audio-guides or headphones. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour?

    +

    Bus pickup OUTSIDE 163 E. Pearson, at the SE side of Michigan Ave and Pearson St. Report 15 minutes early for check-in. Bus departs on time. Look for the tour guide at the bus. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Bus has five (5) steps and some stops off of the bus include stairs. Bus is NOT equipped w. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Chicago. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour?

    +

    Across 3,612 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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