Top 15 Chicago Bus Tours

1.Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 3,186 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours (approx.) · from $49Our pick

The Chicago Crime and Mob Bus Tour takes you from Pearson Street through River North, the Loop, Lincoln Park, and other neighborhoods tied to Chicago crime. An English-speaking guide shares stories of Al Capone, Bugs Moran, John Dillinger, and more, with photo stops at sites such as the Biograph Theatre and a visit to Harry Caray’s mini mob museum.

“Jamie was a great guide, very comedic, informed, prompt, and a great photographer too! It was nice being able to stop and learn about some of the history of Chicago. I highly recommend!”

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2.Big Bus Chicago: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour, 24/48/72hr Pass

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 2,191 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45Best value

Ride a 24-, 48-, or 72-hour Big Bus pass past the Riverwalk, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, and more. Use the app to track buses and find stops, then hop off to explore at your own pace. Digital commentary covers the city, while drivers such as Candace and Felicia have added local tips and personality.

“We loved it. Only thing was that it canceled for Dec 13th we planned on riding it another day for are 24 hrs pass. Candice was bad driver she was a 10 put of a 10”

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3.Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Tour by Open-top Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,349 reviews · 1 - 3 days · from $45

Ride Big Bus Chicago’s open-top double-decker past Willis Tower, Millennium Park, Navy Pier, Museum Campus and the Magnificent Mile. Hop off to explore, then track buses in the app. Digital commentary is available in English and Spanish; selected tickets add self-guided walks or a river architecture cruise. Drivers such as Candace have also been praised for lively live commentary.

“Candice our driver made our journey around Chicago with her fun facts, ideas of things to do, safe driving and was just so motivating enjoyable route.”

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4.Mob and Crime Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 859 reviews · 1h 30m · from $49

This 90-minute Chicago crime tour pairs an English-speaking guide with a climate-controlled coach, photo stops and short walks. Hear stories about Al Capone, John Dillinger and other criminals, then see a mini mob museum featuring Frank Nitti’s safe and address book. Guides such as Jay and Katie have led engaging, story-rich tours.

“Myself, husband, and 11 year old had a great experience. Tour guide was informative and we saw sights around Chicago we wouldn't have. Just the right amount of on and off.”

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5.Chicago Night Crimes Tour by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 478 reviews · 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $55Top rated

Ride through Chicago’s crime history with a local guide, stopping at notorious sites linked to Al Capone, John Dillinger, Dean O’Banion, and others. The evening route includes the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre site, the Biograph Theatre, and Nitti’s Vault at Harry Caray’s. Expect live stories, photo stops, and a mix of bus travel and short walks.

“The tour was fun and informative! Our tour guide gave us show and book recommendations based on the different things that were explained. Took us around the city to see different areas and gave us a good lesson in true crime. Amazing to realize just how much true crime has happened in Chicago! Oh and we got deep dish at the end of the night!”

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6.Chicago Craft Brewery Barrel Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 339 reviews · 3 hours 45 minutes (approx.) · from $99

Meet your guide at 600 N Clark Street in River North, then board a custom barrel-shaped bus for a roughly four-hour visit to up to three Chicago breweries. Tastings add up to 45 to 55 ounces, with Chicago and Prohibition stories along the route. Stops vary, and a production-facility visit requires closed-toe shoes.

“So much fun, David was a great host and so much fun, we had a great time and would definitely recommend!”

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7.Prohibition Speakeasies Bus Tour or Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 168 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $47

Trace Chicago’s Prohibition era with an English-speaking guide, visiting three speakeasies on a short Downtown walk or four neighborhood stops by bus. Hear stories about gangsters, high society, and the city’s drinking culture, with drink suggestions at each venue. Jonathan Knotek has led many tours, though your guide may vary. Drinks and food cost extra.

“This was without doubt the very BEST experience we had in Chicago - and we did every single tourist trip available. Job was hilarious - dry, so knowledgeable and so passionate about the city and its history. A MUST for any visitor to Chicago.”

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8.Chicago Premium Driving Tour with River Boat Cruise and Sky Deck

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

In about four hours, a small-group guide drives you between Chicago sights, then you see more than 40 landmarks on a narrated river cruise. The stated route includes Cloud Gate, Buckingham Fountain, and the Adler Planetarium viewpoint, with downtown hotel pickup. Guide names vary, with Tony, Robert, Joe, and Danny among those reported. Check whether Skydeck admission is included before booking.

“Great way to see a lot of the city in a short period of time. Loved the experience of our guide, Danny. He skillfully navigated the city while sharing lots of interesting facts.”

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9.Big Bus Chicago: Sunset Tour by Open-Top Bus with Live Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 165 reviews · from $49

Take a guided evening loop past Navy Pier, the Magnificent Mile, Millennium Park, the Loop, and the Museum Campus on an open-top double-decker. The 90-minute tour has live commentary in English or Spanish, with seats on both decks offered first come, first served. Guides have included Matt, Matty, Bernie, and Mike, though your guide will vary.

“Excellent way to get a good overview and history of Chicago, especially if this is your first time here. Extremely knowledgeable guide.”

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10.Chicago Hauntings Original Ghost Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 147 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $59

Spend about three hours on a night bus tour of Chicago’s haunted sites and tragic past. Hear stories about the Devil Baby, Al Capone, John Dillinger, and the Iroquois Theatre fire, with short walks at several stops and opportunities to try paranormal tools. Guides have included Tony, Larry, Joann, Jen, and Sadie.

“Well it's not their fault but the police presence downtown was a little unnerving. I would also recommend bring a snack. Other than that it was a great time.”

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11.Chicago’s Original Gangster Tour by Bus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 116 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $48

This 1-hour-45-minute Chicago minibus tour visits about 10 sites tied to the city’s gangsters and Prohibition-era past. Expect a costumed guide, lively stories, and views across North, South, and West Side neighborhoods. Guides have included Marie, Winnie, and Westside Winnie. You stay aboard for most of the route, and the tour returns to 600 N Clark St.

“Great way to see Chicago. Saw gangster hot spots and learned Chicago fun facts, presented in a witty manner. I took my young adult children, who weren't exactly thrilled to go but ended up having a great time.”

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12.Sunset Tour by Open-top Bus with Live Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 69 reviews · from $50

Ride an open-top double-decker bus from downtown to Museum Campus and back, seeing landmarks such as the Bean, Willis Tower, and the Wrigley Building as evening falls. A live English-speaking guide adds city stories along the way. The 90-minute tour is not hop-on hop-off, so you stay on the bus for the full circuit.

“Not very excited, definetely overpriced, the tour guide was not respectful. Also forgot an expensive scarf on the bus, the stuff even did not try to locate me although the guide asked me where I was from, what hotel I was staying in and what conference I have attended.”

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13.Craft Brewery Tour by Barrel Bus

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 4 hours · from $99

Spend four hours visiting three Chicago breweries aboard a custom barrel-shaped bus. Your English-speaking guide handles the driving and adds live commentary, while you sample 45 to 55 ounces of craft beer and get a VIP look inside a nano-brewery. Bring ID and closed-toe shoes; food is not included.

“Loved this tour! Great guides, atmosphere and breweries. Would do it again :)”

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14.Architecture River Tour and Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 49 reviews · 2 days · from $99

See Chicago by water and road with a 75-minute Shoreline architecture cruise and a 48-hour Big Bus ticket. A live guide explains the riverfront skyline, while the bus’s digital commentary and four self-guided walking tours help you explore landmarks at your own pace. Use the two experiences on separate days if that suits your plans.

“Bus driver took or drop us off at Alder Planetrium. We walked to the door and the planetarium was closed ( 12 noon) not open on that day. But the bus driver had already left and the next one was for another 30 mins. We ended up taking a public transportation to go back to our Stop #1 because we still have to drive to ORD for our afternoon flight. Terrible experience!”

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15.Chicago Night Driving Tour with Skydeck and River Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 44 reviews · 3h 30m · from $204

This 3.5-hour Chicago night tour combines downtown hotel pickup, a narrated small-group drive, Willis Tower Skydeck admission and a skyline cruise. You’ll ride to the 103rd floor for views across four states, then see Chicago’s lit-up buildings from the water. A guide named Robert has been praised for attentive service, but guide assignments can vary.

“Organisation désastreuse. Visite prévue de la rivière chicago annulée car le guide s est trompé. Remplace par 1 visite sur le lac non programmé fait en dernier minute et sur 1 créneau horaire en dehors du créneau horaire prévu. Des allés retours pour pallier cette incompétence et cette désorganisation qui nous ont fait perdre notre soirée.”

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