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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Waterloo
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago to Waterloo: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Chicago to Waterloo. Travelling by bus from Chicago to Waterloo usually takes around 12 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 10 hours.
- Distance
- 245 mi (394 km)
- Shortest duration
- 10h
- Cheapest price
- $63.84
- Trips per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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4.8 Rating
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4.5 Rating
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Chicago to Waterloo Bus Schedule
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Waterloo (Based on 1 rating and review)
5.0
December 20, 2021 - Visiting family
Burlington TrailwaysThere are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Waterloo:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Waterloo?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Waterloo cost about $64 when you book at the cheapest time, 28 days ahead. Tickets cheaper than $64 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Waterloo by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Waterloo in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $64 to $97. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 17, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Waterloo this week, bus tickets are available starting at $64.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Waterloo by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Waterloo is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $75. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Waterloo during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $105. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $39.43 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Waterloo?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Waterloo. FlixBus US 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 12h 30m | $86.75 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trip per day from Chicago to Waterloo, and the average ticket for this route costs only $86.75.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Chicago to Waterloo
There is usually only one bus per day from Chicago to Waterloo. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.
Trips per day
1
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 394 kilometres from Chicago to Waterloo. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours. 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.
Distance (mi)
245
Distance (km)
394
There is usually only one bus per day from Chicago to Waterloo. It leaves the station in Chicago at 11:55 p.m. each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
Earliest bus
4:45am
Latest bus
11:55pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Waterloo 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, travelling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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 neighbourhoods like Andersonville and Wicker Park. And don't miss the chance to laugh until you cry at The Second City comedy theatre, 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 Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Most buses depart from the main station in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Waterloo?
Main arrival station: Waterloo
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Waterloo.
All bus stations in Waterloo:
- Waterloo
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