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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Denver. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Denver usually takes around 30 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 918 mi (1478 km) |
| Shortest duration | 20h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $119.37 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Denver?
$163.46 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Denver. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good 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.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Denver is expected to range from $146 to $213. If you are looking to travel to Denver within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $146. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $146 and can be found on April 24, 2024.
Monthly average prices
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in May. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $199 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Denver in September, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $280 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 25 days in advance to save up to $138.03.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Denver?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Denver that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 2 | 22h 43m | $292.63 |
| Greyhound | 3 | 1d 7h 12m | $194.50 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Denver from $276. There are 2 Burlington Trailways schedules from Chicago to Denver and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Denver. In Chicago, Burlington Trailways departs to Denver from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station. In Denver, Burlington Trailways arrives at Denver and no other station.
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Denver takes 22 hours and 43 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Denver in 20 hours and 30 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 2 trips per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Denver.
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 3 bus trips from Chicago to Denver every day, with the average journey taking around 31 hours and 12 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Denver usually start from $111.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 30 hours and 4 minutes to cover the 1478 kilometers from Chicago to Denver. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 30 minutes. 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Denver for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Denver, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Denver every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Denver; ticket prices start at $96.62.
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.
Denver
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Denver is the capital of Colorado, as well as the most populous city in the state. With buildings dating back to the 19th century, Denver is considered one of the most exemplary cities of the Old West era in the United States.
Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a preferred destination for young travelers seeking the thrill of the slopes during the day and the vibrant nightlife activities only an urban setting can provide. In fact, Denver is among the biggest party cities in the U.S. and one of the craft beer capitals in the country. In addition, thanks to the diverse local crowd, Denver’s restaurant scene offers top-notch options from various world cuisines.
If you’re looking for a more quiet time during your stay, head to one of the many unique museums in town such as the Denver Art Museum, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Arts, or the Molly Brown House Museum. Craving a feast to the eyes and some fresh air? Check out the spectacular Denver Botanic Gardens.
As the biggest city in the Mountain states and a top Colorado destination, Denver is a busy travel hub. Even though the Denver airport is on the city’s outskirts, it is still easily accessible. If you are traveling to Denver by bus or train, you’ll be conveniently dropped off at Union Station in the heart of downtown Denver from where you can easily get anywhere in the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to Denver leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Denver?
Main arrival station: Union Station - 1700 Wewatta St (Buses)
Denver’s Union Station first opened in 1881, and houses some of the city’s best shops, bars, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for locals and travelers alike. There is even a seasonal farmers market at the station! But first and foremost, Union Station is the primary transport hub for Denver. The station is served by Amtrak trains, and intercity buses operated by Greyhound, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines and Express Arrow. From Union Station, travelers can also easily access Denver International Airport on the A Line commuter rail.
Bus stations in Denver:
Union Station - 1700 Wewatta St (Buses)
Denver
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