3.0
Pros: I could sit back and let someone else do the driving. Cons: Nothing. I understand things happen to put the driver behind. Tips: Be patient and enjoy the ride.
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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Waterloo to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Waterloo to Chicago usually takes around 7 hours, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 245 mi (394 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $117.33 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for buses from Waterloo to Chicago
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
4.5
How much is a bus ticket from Waterloo to Chicago?
$117.33 is the average price of a bus ticket from Waterloo to Chicago. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper alternative to flying. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Monthly average prices
Bus tickets from Waterloo to Chicago are usually around $99 and prices do not fluctuate very much throughout the year.
What bus companies travel from Waterloo to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Waterloo to Chicago. Burlington Trailways is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 1 | 7h 0m | $126.34 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Waterloo to Chicago from $117. There are 1 Burlington Trailways schedules from Waterloo to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Chicago. In Waterloo, Burlington Trailways departs to Chicago from Waterloo and no other station. In Chicago, Burlington Trailways arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station.
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Waterloo to Chicago takes 7 hours and 0 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 7 hours to cover the 394 kilometers from Waterloo to Chicago. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Because many passengers travel from Waterloo to Chicago at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go."
There is usually only one bus per day from Waterloo to Chicago. It leaves the station in Waterloo at 1:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Waterloo to Chicago. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip.
City Information
Chicago
Known for its innovative architecture, cultural contributions to jazz and house music, and of course that irresistible deep-dish pizza, the many sights and experiences in Chicago make it one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a top destination in Illinois.
You can't beat the views of the city and Lake Michigan from the SkyDeck in the Willis Tower; at over 1,300 feet, this is the highest observation deck in the U.S. Snap that classic selfie with the Bean in Millennium Park, then wander the many museums in nearby Grant Park. Navy Pier is a popular tourist hotspot for its parks, restaurants, and attractions right on Lake Michigan, and baseball fans will find paradise in Wrigleyville, home to the Chicago Cubs' Wrigley Field and sports bars galore.
Chicago's enormous parks offer plentiful opportunities for outdoor activities in gorgeous urban settings. Many companies offer kayak rentals or boat tours on the Chicago River, with special tours running on Saint Patrick's Day, when the entire river is dyed green. When you’re ready to buy some souvenirs from your epic trip, hit the big brand stores on the Magnificent Mile, or shop local in neighborhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theater, famous for launching the careers of comedians like Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert.
Chicago is one of the biggest transportation hubs in the Midwest, and provides easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips, as well as international travel from two airports. Thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Waterloo?
Main departure station: Waterloo
Most buses depart from the main station in Waterloo.
All bus stations in Waterloo:
Waterloo
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
All buses from Waterloo arrive at one main station in Chicago.
Bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
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