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Cheap coach tickets from Ames to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Coach from Ames to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity coaches per day from Ames to Chicago. Travelling by coach from Ames to Chicago usually takes around 14 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines coach can make the trip in 7 hours.
- Distance
- 309 mi (497 km)
- Shortest duration
- 7h
- Cheapest price
- £56.15
- Trips per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Jefferson Lines
- Coach lines
- 2
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4.8 Rating
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4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Ames to Chicago Coach Timetable
Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for coaches from Ames to Chicago (Based on 1 rating and review)
4.0
10 November 2019 - Holiday
Burlington TrailwaysThere are several coach options that can take you from Ames to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Ames to Chicago?
Coach tickets for a trip from Ames to Chicago cost about £56 when you book at the cheapest time, 5 days ahead. While it’s a bit pricey for a coach ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find coach tickets at or below this price.
Average coach ticket prices from Ames to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Ames to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from £59 to £111. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 19 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, coach tickets are available starting at £60.
Average coach ticket prices from Ames to Chicago by month
Taking the coach from Ames to Chicago is usually cheapest in April, when the average ticket price is only £100. If you're planning to take the coach from Ames to Chicago during December, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £126. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most coach companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your coach tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest coach tickets, book your trip at least 5 days in advance. This way, you can save up to £79.73 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Ames to Chicago?
There are two coach lines that have daily service from Ames to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Jefferson Lines usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 12h 14m | £57.46 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 45h 6m | £200.25 |
Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity coach company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest coach service providers, Jefferson Lines is beloved by students, commuters, and vacationers in America’s heartland. Travel with Jefferson Lines is comfortable thanks to reclining seats, individual climate controls, toilets, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their coach tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Ames to Chicago with ticket prices as low as £56.15.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Ames to Chicago
There are usually only 2 coaches per day from Ames to Chicago. However, neither coach offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer coaches during the trip.
Trips per day
2
Direct trips
0
The coach takes an average of 14 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Ames to Chicago. However, the fastest coach only takes 7 hours. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual coach may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
Distance (mi)
309
Distance (km)
497
The first coach leaves at 4:50 and the last coach leaves at 22:45. To see the times for all coaches from Ames to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
4:50am
Latest coach
10:45pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for coaches as people head from Ames 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 coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Tuesday
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 holiday 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 transport 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 coach and train stations throughout the city, getting to the Windy City is a breeze.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Ames?
Main departure station: Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave
Ames has two coach stations with service to Chicago.
All coach stations in Ames:
- Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave
- Phillips 66 Gas Station
Where does the coach arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
These are the two stations where coaches may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
Coach stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- 3501 S California Ave
Need a return trip from Chicago to Ames?
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