background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Seattle to Chicago bus

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

Seattle - Chicago Bus Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
fromUS$30.00

Journey Information

There are 8 intercity buses per day from Seattle to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Seattle to Chicago usually takes around 61 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 39 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance1733 mi (2789 km)
Shortest duration39h 30m
Cheapest priceUS$175.53
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

How much is a bus ticket from Seattle to Chicago?

US$205.10 is the average price of a bus ticket from Seattle to Chicago. Bus tickets on this route can be more expensive due to the length of the trip. However, taking the bus can still be a good alternative to flying. 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

US$375US$300US$225US$150US$75AMJJASONDJFM

The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in June. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just US$245 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Seattle to Chicago in March, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$375 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

US$400US$320US$240US$160US$803020100

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 26 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save CUS$209.01 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Seattle to Chicago?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Seattle to Chicago. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US82d 13h 36mUS$304.70
  • 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 8 trips per day from Seattle to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 61 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 2789 kilometers from Seattle to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 39 hours 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.

Because many passengers travel from Seattle 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, 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.

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

There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Seattle 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.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Seattle to Chicago; ticket prices start at US$105.00.

City Information

Seattle

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.

Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.

Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.

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 Seattle?

Main departure station: 622 S Lane St & 6th Ave S

Buses to Chicago leave from 3 stations in Seattle.

All bus stations in Seattle:

  • 622 S Lane St & 6th Ave S

  • U of Washington (Condon Hall)

  • Bus Terminal - 503 S Royal Brougham Way

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

Bus stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

Get around town with Moovit

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Chicago. Download here

Need a return trip from Chicago to Seattle?

Search Bus Tickets

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android