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Louisville to Chicago bus

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Louisville - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 18 intercity buses per day from Louisville to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Louisville to Chicago usually takes around 7 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance269 mi (433 km)
Shortest duration5h 35m
Cheapest price$43.45
Trips per day12
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines4

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Louisville to Chicago

(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Momoko

November 5, 2022- Visiting family

Miller Transportation

Pros: It was scheduled amazing! Cons: Less stops. Tips: No.

5.0

Nena Mary

October 17, 2022- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: The driver is so kind and accommodating . He always prompt us the time and internet .. With very encouraging advices positive vibes.. Only, the bus station is very dirty, toilet is very garbish, there are people roaming around asking money, there’s no security, I didn’t feel safe. The atmosphere is garbish. Cons: Improve the bus station’s cleanliness, especially the comfort rooms .there’s should be security guards,. Tips: Use clean toilets.

5.0

Wendy

August 1, 2022- Solo travel

Miller Transportation

Pros: We went through the back way so it was very interesting and scenic. Cons: I am grateful for the bus . The times available for the train were not doable. The bus always has several options. What could be improved is the condition of the bus station. Tips: I would recommend the bus as a good way to see the country.

5.0

mohammed

July 16, 2022- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: I experienced bad smells of other people's in the bus and rest everything is good. Cons: Keep it up cleanliness. Tips: .

5.0

Sarah

December 14, 2021- Solo travel

Miller Transportation

Pros: A big thank you to the driver who took time for me to show me around Indinapolis and for paying me to eat. Adorable person! Cons: Power outlets that could be USB keys to charge electrical equipment.

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How much is a bus ticket from Louisville to Chicago?

$65.16 is the average price of a bus ticket from Louisville to Chicago. Any tickets cheaper than $65.16 can be considered a great 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.

Average prices by travel date

$104$69$35AprApr

Bus tickets from Louisville to Chicago are expected to cost between $59 and $94 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Chicago within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from $68. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$104$83$62$41$21MJJASONDJFMA
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from Louisville to Chicago, mark your calendar for May. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just $63. However, taking the bus from Louisville to Chicago during October is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of $77. The best way to find deals on a trip in October is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.

Prices as travel date approaches

$138$110$83$55$283020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 25 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$68.09 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Louisville to Chicago?

There are 4 bus lines from Louisville to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 13 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway17h 6m$106.28
Barons Bus Lines114h 30m$147.71
FlixBus US27h 2m$89.62
Greyhound137h 1m$85.84

  • Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Louisville to Chicago start at $106. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Louisville to Chicago from $148. There are 1 Barons Bus Lines schedules from Louisville to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Louisville, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from Louisville Bus Station and no other station. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station.

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Louisville to Chicago takes 14 hours and 30 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 5 hours and 35 minutes .

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway trip to Chicago.

  • 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 2 trips per day from Louisville to Chicago, 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 13 bus trips from Louisville to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 7 hours and 1 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $43.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 433 kilometers from Louisville to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 35 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.

"Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week."

The first bus leaves at 2:00am and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Louisville to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 18 scheduled buses that travel from Louisville to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 12 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Louisville to Chicago; ticket prices start at $106.28.

City Information

Louisville

A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.

Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.

The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.

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 Louisville?

Main departure station: Louisville Bus Station

The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.

All bus stations in Louisville:

  • Louisville Bus Station

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

Bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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Related reading

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