Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to Iowa City
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Coach from Chicago to Iowa City: Journey Information
There are 6 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to Iowa City. Travelling by coach from Chicago to Iowa City usually takes around 6 hours and 31 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines coach can make the trip in 4 hours and 15 minutes.
- Distance
- 202 mi (324 km)
- Shortest duration
- 4h 15m
- Cheapest price
- £24.50
- Trips per day
- 6
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Coach lines
- 2
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Chicago to Iowa City Coach Timetable

Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for coaches from Chicago to Iowa City (Based on 13 ratings and reviews)
5.0
6 January 2024 - Solo travel
Burlington Trailways5.0
4 November 2023 - Visiting friends
Burlington Trailways4.0
9 June 2023 - Visiting friends
Burlington Trailways5.0
26 April 2023 - Visiting family
Burlington Trailways5.0
25 April 2023 - Visiting family
Burlington Trailways4.0
26 September 2022 - Solo travel
Burlington Trailways4.0
15 February 2022 - Visiting friends
Burlington Trailways4.0
13 February 2020 - Visiting friends
Burlington TrailwaysThere are several coach options that can take you from Chicago to Iowa City:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Iowa City?
Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to Iowa City cost about £32 when you book at the cheapest time, 21 days ahead. Tickets cheaper than £32 are an excellent bargain. 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 Chicago to Iowa City by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to Iowa City in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from £30 to £45. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 4 December 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Iowa City this week, coach tickets are available starting at £33.
Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Iowa City by month
Taking the coach from Chicago to Iowa City is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only £33. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to Iowa City during March, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £42. 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 21 days in advance. This way, you can save up to £16.63 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Chicago to Iowa City?
There are two coach lines that have daily service from Chicago to Iowa City that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 6h 50m | £43.79 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 5h 56m | £34.11 |
FlixBus US is the American branch of German coach company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern coach travel. The company offers cheap coach tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US coaches include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power sockets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 3 trips per day from Chicago to Iowa City, and the average ticket for this route costs only £43.79.






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 Chicago to Iowa City with ticket prices as low as £33.44.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to Iowa City
There are 6 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to Iowa City every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct coach. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different coach at any point during your trip. Direct coaches also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options.
Trips per day
6
Direct trips
1
The coach takes an average of 6 hours and 31 minutes to cover the 202 miles from Chicago to Iowa City. However, the fastest coach only takes 4 hours and 15 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.
Distance (mi)
202
Distance (km)
324
The first coach leaves at 4:45 and the last coach leaves at 23:55. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to Iowa City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest coach
4:45am
Latest coach
11:55pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for coaches, as many passengers take the coach to Iowa City at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the coach, travelling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
Iowa City



The old capital city of Iowa, Iowa City, is a historic area with plenty of quaint old buildings and beautiful landmarks. The most notable attraction is the Old Capitol Building in the middle of the University of Iowa's campus. The building's first floor is a museum dedicated to the state's history so that you can brush up on your Hawkeye State knowledge (we'll get you started: the Iowa state rock is the geode!). For more history and culture, hit up Plum Grove, the home of the first Governor of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Art Museum.
Thanks to its lively cultural scene, Iowa City's food scene is vibrant and diverse. One of the must-try establishments in the city is Short's Burger and Shine, which features a wide variety of burgers made from locally sourced meat. In addition, the Hamburg Inn No. 2 is an award-winning restaurant, with visitors including many past presidents.
Coach service to Iowa City arrives right downtown for easy access to Iowa City's highlights. Although there is a small municipal airport in Iowa City, most commercial flights will depart from nearby Cedar Rapids Airport or even from Des Moines, about 100 miles away.
Station Information
Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago has two coach stations with service to Iowa City.
All coach stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the coach arrive in Iowa City?
Main arrival station: Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
The Burlington Trailways Station in Iowa City is part of the Court St Transportation Center near downtown. Coaches usually board outside the multi-storey car park on Court Street. The station includes a large indoor waiting area with seating, toilets, and even a charging station for your devices. You can walk to three hotels, a sushi restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a Starbucks, and a bar in the immediate area, so you definitely won't have to travel hungry or thirsty. Greyhound and Burlington Trailways coaches depart from this station and connect Iowa City to Des Moines, Chicago, Omaha, and more cities throughout the Midwest.
Coach stations in Iowa City:
- Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
- 731 S Riverside Dr
Need a return trip from Iowa City to Chicago?
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