Night Crimes Coach Tour

Some stories belong to the hours after sunset. Chicago Crime Tours and Experiences runs this bus tour through the city's night-side crimes, spending two to two and a half hours on Prohibition violence, mob hits, and cases never solved. A guide narrates between stops, which keeps the whole ride moving. It earns 4.8 from 521 reviews, from $55 per person.

Overview

The bus pulls away from downtown at 19:30 and spends the next two to two and a half hours circling through the city's gangster-era landmarks, with a live guide narrating in English the whole way. You start near Michigan Avenue, pass the Water Tower, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the John Hancock Center and the Magnificent Mile without getting off, then stop at the Biograph Theatre, a Wacker Drive address, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse and Holy Name Cathedral before returning to the starting point. At each stop there are photo opportunities at real crime scenes, and between stops the guide mixes in historic video footage, a crime quiz and a Prohibition Era personality profile.

The tone is entertainment first. Reviewers consistently describe the guides as knowledgeable and funny, and several mention a surprise at the end. The bus itself carries up to 39 travellers on general first-come seating, and riders repeatedly note it was clean and comfortable.

It suits anyone curious about Capone, Dillinger and the wider mob landscape beyond the famous names. It does not suit travellers expecting hotel pickup, translations or audio guides, none of which are provided.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meeting point check-inMeet at 163 E Pearson St, on the southeast side of Pearson and Michigan Ave. Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in; the bus departs on time and latecomers cannot join.
2. Downtown driveA 15-minute stretch passing Water Tower Place, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the John Hancock Center, the Magnificent Mile, Abraham Lincoln Park and North Avenue Beach, with a mini mob and gangster museum on board.
3. Biograph TheatreA 10-minute stop with free admission, passing Oz Park on the way.
4. Thirty Five E WackerA 5-minute stop with free admission, passing over the Chicago River.
5. Harry Caray's Italian SteakhouseA 10-minute stop with free admission. One reviewer wished for more time here to see the tunnels and use the restrooms.
6. Holy Name CathedralA 5-minute stop with free admission, passing the Historic Water Tower. The tour then returns to the meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will shape whether this tour runs smoothly for you.

• Get there early. Check-in opens 15 minutes before the 19:30 departure and the bus leaves on time. If the bus is not visible 10 minutes before start, the ticket lists a number to call.
• Mind the stairs. The bus has five steps and some stops include stairs off the bus, with no electronic lift. One reviewer flagged steep stairs on and off, so factor that in if stairs are difficult.
• Go before boarding. There are no restroom breaks during the tour and no eating or drinking on the bus. One reviewer specifically wanted more time at the steakhouse stop for restrooms, so use facilities beforehand.
• Cash or Venmo. Gratuity is not included. The listing recommends $5 per person or more, by cash or Venmo.
• Dress for the stops. You get on and off the bus at several stops throughout the tour. Wear comfortable shoes for the repeated boarding and stepping off.
• Seating is general. Seats are first-come first-served and sitting together is not guaranteed, so keep that in mind if travelling in a group.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and the bus's five steps plus stairs at some stops rule it out for some travellers with limited mobility. No hotel pickup is offered, so everyone makes their own way to the meeting point. There are no restroom breaks, no eating or drinking on board, and no translations or audio guides.

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