Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to Lincoln

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Coach from Chicago to Lincoln: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to Lincoln. Travelling by coach from Chicago to Lincoln usually takes around 17 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 13 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance
475 mi (764 km)
Shortest duration
13h 5m
Cheapest price
US$64.46
Trips per day
2
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Coach lines
1

Millions of travellers trust Wanderu every year to get:

Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest coach & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most coach & train options.

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.

See what travellers are saying about Wanderu:

Download our free app!

4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Chicago to Lincoln Coach Timetable

Is it better to travel by coach or train from Chicago to Lincoln?

There are usually 2 daily train trips from Chicago to Lincoln.

Coach
Train
Avg. PriceUS$103.68CheaperAvg. PriceUS$133.71
Daily Trips2Daily Trips2
Duration17h 28mDuration13h 46mFaster
Wanderu mascot

Wander into savings:
Get deals in your inbox!

Sign up to get the latest deals on coach & train tickets sent directly to you.

See more details

How much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Lincoln?

Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to Lincoln cost about US$67 when you book at the cheapest time, 13 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 Chicago to Lincoln by travel date

US$120US$80US$40NovNov

If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to Lincoln in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$58 to US$114. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 5 December 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Lincoln this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$61.

Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Lincoln by month

US$150US$120US$90US$60US$30JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the coach from Chicago to Lincoln is usually cheapest in December, when the average ticket price is only US$92. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to Lincoln during July, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$126. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$150US$120US$90US$60US$3001020

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 13 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$76.29 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What coach companies travel from Chicago to Lincoln?

There is one intercity coach company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Lincoln. FlixBus US is the one coach line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US217h 28mUS$103.68
  • 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 2 trips per day from Chicago to Lincoln, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$103.68.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5

Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to Lincoln

There are usually only 2 coaches per day from Chicago to Lincoln. However, neither coach offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer coaches during the trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Lincoln; ticket prices start at US$77.

Trips per day

2

Direct trips

0

The coach takes an average of 17 hours and 28 minutes to cover the 475 miles from Chicago to Lincoln. However, the fastest coach only takes 13 hours and 5 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)

475

Distance (km)

764

The first coach leaves at 5:15 and the last coach leaves at 23:55. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to Lincoln, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest coach

5:15am

Latest coach

11:55pm

Tuesday is usually the day of the week when coaches are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, 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.

Most crowded

Tuesday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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.

Lincoln

Lincoln, NE, US - LNK-0

Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and is known as Nebraska's political hub, culture centre, and foodie haven. It's home to the Nebraska State Capitol, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and other historical attractions.

The Sunken Gardens is a top place to visit for outdoor fun, with lily ponds, themed gardens, and sculptures. Young families will enjoy visiting the Lincoln Children's Zoo, offering a zoo train and up-close animal encounters. On the University of Nebraska Campus, art lovers can check the Sheldon Museum of Art for its notable sculpture garden and American art collection.

As the capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is bustling with nightlife and many fun things to do. You can participate in different activities, from the Lincoln Escape Room and Zoo Bar to the Bourbon Theater and James Arthur Vineyards. The craft beer scene in Lincoln is bustling with taprooms, breweries, and bars. Zipline Brewing Co is one of the city's most popular craft artisan lagers and ales.

Amtrak provides train service to the city, while Jefferson Lines and Burlington Trailways offer coaches. StarTran provides citywide transport to those in Lincoln.

Station Information

Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Most coaches depart from the main station in Chicago.

All coach stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

Where does the coach arrive in Lincoln?

Main arrival station: 5250 Superior St

All coaches from Chicago arrive at one main station in Lincoln.

Coach stations in Lincoln:

  • 5250 Superior St

Plan your next adventure

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

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare coach and train timetables 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 coach and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading coach and train companies, we always have the best coach and train deals out there.