Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour
Chicago, United States

Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour

Outty Ranking 54 3.8 · 153 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $59
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

3.8/5

Based on 153 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour worth booking?

Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour is a 3-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $59 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.8/5 rating across 153 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
3.8/5 (153)
Duration
3 hours
From
$59 per person

Often imitated but never matched, this 3 hour ghost bus tour with stops remains the "Best of Chicago" since its founding 23 years ago by the city's ghostlorist, Ursula Bielski. Ursula and her team of veteran paranormal researchers and historians have thrilled thousands of guests with firsthand experiences of this, one of the world's most legendarily notorious cities. We take you where the other walking tours simply can't--to the many shadowed corners where the fateful tales began. From the Fort Dearborn Massacre to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. From the Great Chicago Fire to the Eastland Disaster. From ghost ships that sail Lake Michigan to the Chicago origins of "Ghostbusters" And to the lair of the Devil Baby of Hull House.

What you get

    About this experience

    Often imitated but never matched, this 3 hour ghost bus tour with stops remains the "Best of Chicago" since its founding 23 years ago by the city's ghostlorist, Ursula Bielski. Ursula and her team of veteran paranormal researchers and historians have thrilled thousands of guests with firsthand experiences of this, one of the world's most legendarily notorious cities. We take you where the other walking tours simply can't--to the many shadowed corners where the fateful tales began. From the Fort Dearborn Massacre to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. From the Great Chicago Fire to the Eastland Disaster. From ghost ships that sail Lake Michigan to the Chicago origins of "Ghostbusters" And to the lair of the Devil Baby of Hull House.

    What's included

    Included

    • Tour escort/host

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Transportation to/from the pickup/dropoff site.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Learn the story of how the Devil Baby came to strike terror into the hearts of inhabitants.

      15 minutes here

    2. Lincoln Park

      Who knows what happened to the abandoned graves of 10,000 at the old City Cemetery?

      15 minutes here

    3. Couch Mausoleum

      Who's really buried in this Chicago landmark and what eerie things have happened around it?

      10 minutes here

    4. Chicago History Museum

      Do people really see a ghost around Abe Lincoln's bed here?

      10 minutes here

    5. Chicago's most famous "suicide bridge"

      5 minutes here

    6. The site of the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, the most notorious mob hit of all time...

      10 minutes here

    7. Lincoln Park Zoo

      With the old City Cemetery underneath, what kind of ghosts do they see at the zoo?

      10 minutes here

    8. Biograph Theatre

      The site of John Dillinger's demise. Has the famous gangster moved on since?

      10 minutes here

    9. An unbelievable boat tragedy that killed hundreds and some spirits seem to have never gotten out of the water here

      10 minutes here

    10. James M. Nederlander Theatre

      The site of the worst theater fire in American history. Learn why they call the Chicago Tribune called it Death Alley...

      15 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Chicago

    The tour meets inside the bar at the Congress Plaza Hotel. Please arrive 15 minutes early. the bus has to leave promptly to be able to reach every destination. We cannot guarantee participation for late arrivals.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The tour meets inside the bar at the Congress Plaza Hotel. Please arrive 15 minutes early. the bus has to leave promptly to be able to reach every destination. We cannot guarantee participation for late arrivals.

    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
    Sat
    Group size
    Up to 30 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Chicago Hauntings

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • Some walking and numerous stops of the bus
    • Bus can accommodate up to 50 passengers

    Photos

    Ursula gives a special tour at St Boniface Cemetery, where her German ancestors are buried., Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus TourTony is a veteran paranormal investigator of over two decades and leads our Chicago Hauntings bus tours, Lincoln Park ghost hunts and Naperville...In Dillinger's Alley on a Chicago Hauntings Killers of Chicago Tour, Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus TourChicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour, photo 5Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour, photo 6Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 152 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    8 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    The guide

    5 mentions

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

    Value for money

    4 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    152 verified traveler reviews for Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    79
    4 star
    19
    3 star
    20
    2 star
    15
    1 star
    19
    Sort
    Melis1310 · September 2026

    Disappointing, felt like a history lesson of the World Fair, not much ghost telling.

    I have been to other ghost tours, and this was the worst. It felt like I went to a Chicago history class, not a ghost tour. It was raining, so we couldn't get off much. Then, the whole ride my partner and I were trying hard not to fall asleep during the storytelling. I expected a creepy ghost tour with more ghost sightings and talk. This should be retitled " Chicago history tour, try not to fall asleep." This is NOT worth wasting 60 dollars to be on a bus learning history; you can do that for free elsewhere. There are cheaper tours that do exactly what this tour did.

    via Tripadvisor

    Starr_1113 · September 2026

    Great value

    Great tour, really appreciate the bus. Got to see more of the city during the drive. The price was great for the length of the tour.

    via Tripadvisor

    Annie A · June 2026

    Great tour, guide, bad driver

    The tour guide was amazing. She knew all the history. It was great to know things we didn’t know. The bus driver on the other hand, gave us a whiplash and should never be allowed to drive downtown.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We're so glad you enjoyed the tour and that your guide's knowledge and storytelling made the experience memorable. We sincerely apologize for the driving experience, as your comfort and safety are very important to us. We appreciate you bringing this to our attention, and we'll be sure to share your comments with our team. Thank you for joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for another tour in the future.

    via Tripadvisor

    B7079FJjimr · March 2026

    Fun and Informative

    Very fun informative tour. Loved the history. Highly recommended.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the great review! We’re so glad you had a fun and informative time on the Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour there’s nothing better than mixing a little history with a few chills along the way 👻

    via Tripadvisor

    Joe_L · February 2026

    Fun Night with Cemetery Larry!

    Great Value! Cemetery Larry is a great story teller. Highly recommend! Would do this tour again anytime!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the 5-star review! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour and had a great time exploring the city’s haunted history with us. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, and we hope to welcome you back for another spooky adventure soon!

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    54
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Chicago Hauntings, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 59.1.

    See everything Chicago Hauntings runs

    Why this scores 54

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)21
    Review evidence (18% weight)65
    Booking momentum (14% weight)59
    Value for money (12% weight)97
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)0
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $59 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 Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 3 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 Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.8/5 across 153 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost 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 Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour?

    +

    Around 54 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost 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 Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour?

    +

    Included: Tour escort/host. Not included: Gratuities; and Transportation to/from the pickup/dropoff site. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour?

    +

    The tour meets inside the bar at the Congress Plaza Hotel. Please arrive 15 minutes early. the bus has to leave promptly to be able to reach every destination. We cannot guarantee participation for late arrivals. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost 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 Hauntings Original Ghost 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 Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour?

    +

    Across 153 reviews averaging 3.8 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, value for money. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

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