4.0
10 November 2019- Vacation
A lot of stops and bus changes
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There are 2 intercity coaches per day from Ames to Chicago. Traveling by coach from Ames to Chicago usually takes around 14 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines coach can make the trip in 7 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 25m |
| Cheapest price | HUF 43,025.21 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Coach lines | 2 |

Average score for coaches from Ames to Chicago
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
10 November 2019- Vacation
A lot of stops and bus changes
Bus tickets for a trip from Ames to Chicago cost HUF 43,025.21 on average. 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.
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Ames to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 7h 45m | HUF 49,620.17 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 20h 57m | HUF 85,952.94 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Ames to Chicago from HUF 43,025. There are 1 Jefferson Lines schedules from Ames to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Ames, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave and no other station. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Ames to Chicago takes 7 hours and 45 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 7 hours and 25 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway to Chicago.
The coach takes an average of 14 hours and 38 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Ames to Chicago. However, the fastest coach only takes 7 hours and 25 minutes. 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.
"Because many passengers travel from Ames to Chicago at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for coaches. 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 coach travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go."
The first coach leaves at 13:00 and the last coach leaves at 22:00. To see the times for all coaches from Ames to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.



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.
Ames has two coach stations with service to Chicago.
Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave
Phillips 66 Gas Station

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionThese are the two stations where coaches may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
3501 S California Ave

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. 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.