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Cheap bus tickets from Waco to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Waco to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 10 intercity buses per day from Waco to Chicago. Travelling by bus from Waco to Chicago usually takes around 1 day, 10 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 1 day, 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Distance
- 886 mi (1426 km)
- Shortest duration
- 25h 30m
- Cheapest price
- $166.47
- Trips per day
- 10
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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Waco to Chicago Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Waco to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Waco to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Waco to Chicago cost about $223 when you book at the cheapest time, 6 days ahead. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Chicago. 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 Waco to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Waco to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $216 to $287. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 11, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $216.
Average bus ticket prices from Waco to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Waco to Chicago is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only $258. If you're planning to take the bus from Waco to Chicago during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $361. 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 6 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $93.39 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Waco to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Waco to Chicago. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 10 | 34h 32m | $250.92 |
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 10 trips per day from Waco to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $250.92.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by bus from Waco to Chicago
There are 10 scheduled buses that travel from Waco to Chicago 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.
Trips per day
10
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 1 day, 10 hours and 32 minutes to cover the 1,426 kilometres from Waco to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 1 day, 1 hour 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.
Distance (mi)
886
Distance (km)
1426
The first bus leaves at 12:10 p.m. and the last bus leaves at 11:00 p.m. To see the times for all buses from Waco to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
12:10pm
Latest bus
11:00pm
Because many passengers travel from Waco to Chicago at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Monday
Least crowded
Thursday
City Information
Waco
Waco lies deep in Texas' heartland, and it is one of the most culturally unique cities in the state, offering a real treat to all travellers. You might be familiar with Waco thanks to the influence of Chip & Joanna Gaines (of Fixer Upper fame). To see the Gaines' full impact on Waco, visit the Magnolia Market At The Silos, a premier shopping area for locals and tourists alike. Here you can buy plenty of unique home decor items, and you can even go picnicking with your friends on the green fields within the area!
Waco is also comparatively famous for its many antique stores, so don't hesitate to check out local favourites such as La Salle Shoppes and Junque in the Trunk. You should also consider visiting the famous Dr. Pepper Museum and exploring the secrets behind the nation's most popular soft drink.
Waco offers a wide range of culinary options for tourists. If you are into a delectable breakfast with your friends and family, check out Magnolia Table (yes, that's in Magnolia Market!). For the best BBQ dishes around, don't miss out on Jasper's BBQ.
Although train service does not go directly into Waco, you can connect to Amtrak via several intercity bus lines or simply take a bus to destinations throughout Texas and beyond. Air travel is provided by Waco Regional Airport, about 6 miles away from 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 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 Waco?
Main departure station: 1020 S 5th St
Waco has two bus stations with service to Chicago.
All bus stations in Waco:
- 1020 S 5th St
- 301 South 8th St
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are travelling with.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Need a return trip from Chicago to Waco?
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