Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to Waterloo
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Coach from Chicago to Waterloo: Journey Information
There is one daily coach from Chicago to Waterloo. Travelling by coach from Chicago to Waterloo usually takes around 12 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines coach can make the trip in 5 hours and 15 minutes.
- Distance
- 245 mi (394 km)
- Shortest duration
- 5h 15m
- Cheapest price
- £33.91
- Trips per day
- 1
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Coach lines
- 2
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Chicago to Waterloo Coach Timetable

Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for coaches from Chicago to Waterloo (Based on 1 rating and review)
5.0
20 December 2021 - Visiting family
Burlington TrailwaysThere are several coach options that can take you from Chicago to Waterloo:
See more detailsHow much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Waterloo?
Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to Waterloo cost about £34 when you book at the cheapest time, 28 days ahead. Tickets cheaper than £34 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 Waterloo by travel date
If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to Waterloo in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from £34 to £51. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 17 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Waterloo this week, coach tickets are available starting at £34.
Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Waterloo by month
Taking the coach from Chicago to Waterloo is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only £40. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to Waterloo during March, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £56. 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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to £20.23 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What coach companies travel from Chicago to Waterloo?
There are two coach lines that have daily service from Chicago to Waterloo that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one coach per day.
| Coach | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 12h 29m | £46.13 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 5h 15m | £45.25 |
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 1 trip per day from Chicago to Waterloo, and the average ticket for this route costs only £46.13.






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 Waterloo with ticket prices as low as £45.25.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to Waterloo
There is usually only one coach per day from Chicago to Waterloo. However, it is not a direct coach, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change coaches during the trip.
Trips per day
1
Direct trips
0
The coach takes an average of 12 hours and 19 minutes to cover the 245 miles from Chicago to Waterloo. However, the fastest coach only takes 5 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)
245
Distance (km)
394
There is usually only one coach per day from Chicago to Waterloo. It leaves the station in Chicago at 23:55 each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
Earliest coach
4:45am
Latest coach
11:55pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for coaches as people head from Chicago to Waterloo 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for coach travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded coaches to Waterloo, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Sunday
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 Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago has two coach stations with service to Waterloo.
All coach stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the coach arrive in Waterloo?
Main arrival station: Waterloo
All coaches from Chicago arrive at one main station in Waterloo.
Coach stations in Waterloo:
- Waterloo
Need a return trip from Waterloo to Chicago?
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