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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Galesburg to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Galesburg to Chicago usually takes around 9 hours and 10 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 156 mi (251 km) |
| Shortest duration | 9h 10m |
| Cheapest price | US$85.00 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Galesburg to Chicago?
US$85.00 is the average price of a bus ticket from Galesburg to Chicago. Any tickets cheaper than US$85.00 can be considered a good deal. 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
The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in April. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just US$67 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Galesburg to Chicago in October, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$105 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 10 days in advance to save up to US$5.02.
What bus companies travel from Galesburg to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Galesburg 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 | 9h 10m | US$87.17 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Galesburg to Chicago from US$85. There are 1 Burlington Trailways schedules from Galesburg to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Chicago. In Galesburg, Burlington Trailways departs to Chicago from Amtrak Sta 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 Galesburg to Chicago takes 9 hours and 10 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 9 hours and 10 minutes to cover the 251 kilometers from Galesburg 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.
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Galesburg to Chicago 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
There is usually only one bus per day from Galesburg to Chicago. It leaves the station in Galesburg at 11:00am 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 Galesburg to Chicago. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Galesburg to Chicago; ticket prices start at US$18.00.
City Information
Galesburg
Galesburg is best known as the birthplace of writer and poet Carl Sandburg, with the Carl Sandburg State Historic Site erected in his honor. If you love the look of Carl’s boyhood cottage, you can stay in a historic home of your own – several, including the Great House of Galesburg, have been converted into charming bed-and-breakfasts across town.
Galesburg is also known for its historic involvement in the local railroad system, notably connecting Illinois’ largest (at the time) cities, Chicago and Quincy. In fact, the Galesburg Railroad Museum functions solely to preserve and share the history of the railroad industry in Galesburg and Western Illinois. The city even holds an annual festival, the Galesburg Railroad Days, complete with rides, live music, and open-air markets to celebrate the city’s railroad roots. And it’s not just literal railroads– Galesburg was originally founded by abolitionists and became a critical stop to freedom in the Underground Railroad.
Galesburg remains a major railway hub, acting as one of the stops for some of Amtrak’s most popular lines. The Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr, and Southwest Chief all operate daily to connect Galesburg west to Chicago. Meanwhile, the California Zephyr reaches all the way to Los Angeles. Galesburg also has two main bus stations for Greyhound and Burlington Trailways. These carriers provide coverage to Denver, St. Louis, and Moline, which has the closest airport to Galesburg, Quad Cities Airport.
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 Galesburg?
Main departure station: Amtrak Sta
Most buses depart from the main station in Galesburg.
All bus stations in Galesburg:
Amtrak Sta
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 Galesburg arrive at one main station in Chicago.
Bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
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