Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Kansas City
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Chicago to Kansas City Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Kansas City?
There are usually 4 daily train trips from Chicago to Kansas City.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$104.32 | Avg. Price$157.90 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips10 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration14h 12m | Duration12h 42m |
Bus from Chicago to Kansas City: Journey Information
There are 11 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Kansas City. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Kansas City usually takes around 15 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 10 hours,
| Distance | 412 mi (664 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $63.52 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Kansas City
(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
4.3
Buses from Chicago to Kansas City
- FlixBus US: 5 daily buses from C$64
- Greyhound: 5 daily buses from C$65
- Jefferson Lines: 1 daily buses from C$127
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Kansas City?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Kansas City cost $93.34 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Kansas City by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Kansas City in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $81 to $165. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 19, 2025.
If you’re looking to travel to Kansas City this week, bus tickets are available starting at $88.
Monthly avg. prices
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from Chicago to Kansas City, mark your calendar for February. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just $92. However, taking the bus from Chicago to Kansas City during March is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of $127. The best way to find deals on a trip in March is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.
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 14 days in advance to save up to $100.03.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Kansas City?
There are 3 bus lines from Chicago to Kansas City available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 5 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 5 | 12h 39m | $128.86 |
| Greyhound | 5 | 16h 31m | $106.42 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 10h 0m | $155.67 |
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 5 trips per day from Chicago to Kansas City, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 5 bus trips from Chicago to Kansas City every day, with the average journey taking around 16 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Kansas City usually start from $65.
Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Kansas City from $127. There are 1 Jefferson Lines schedules from Chicago to Kansas City and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Kansas City. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines departs to Kansas City from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station. In Kansas City, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave and no other station.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Kansas City takes 10 hours and 0 minutes .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Kansas City
The bus takes an average of 15 hours to cover the 664 kilometers from Chicago to Kansas City. 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Kansas City 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Kansas City, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Kansas City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 11 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Kansas City 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 Kansas City; ticket prices start at $87.57.
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.
Kansas City
Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.
Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.
Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Kansas City leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Kansas City?
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave
Located on Troost Avenue, the Bus Terminal provides intercity bus service from Kansas City on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Amtrak Thruway buses. Popular routes from this station travel to cities such as Columbia, Chicago, and Wichita. The lounge inside the station includes seating, restrooms, and a cell phone charging station to help you stay connected during your trip. Several public transit options depart from nearby 12th St, so it’s easy to travel throughout Kansas City from the bus terminal.
Bus stations in Kansas City:
Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave
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