Cheap coach tickets from Chicago to Rochester

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Coach from Chicago to Rochester: Journey Information

There are 5 intercity coaches per day from Chicago to Rochester. Travelling by coach from Chicago to Rochester usually takes around 18 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound coach can make the trip in 14 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance
518 mi (833 km)
Shortest duration
14h 40m
Cheapest price
US$71.95
Trips per day
5
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Coach lines
2

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Chicago to Rochester Coach Timetable

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

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

Coach
Train
Avg. PriceUS$111.59CheaperAvg. PriceUS$130.13
Daily Trips5Daily Trips2
Duration18h 50mDuration11h 33mFaster
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How much is a coach ticket from Chicago to Rochester?

Coach tickets for a trip from Chicago to Rochester cost about US$78 when you book at the cheapest time, 16 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 Rochester by travel date

US$135US$90US$45NovNov

If you're planning to travel by coach from Chicago to Rochester in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$74 to US$128. The cheapest coach tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 18 November 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Rochester this week, coach tickets are available starting at US$89.

Average coach ticket prices from Chicago to Rochester by month

US$125US$100US$75US$50US$25JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the coach from Chicago to Rochester is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only US$95. If you're planning to take the coach from Chicago to Rochester during February, keep in mind that coach ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$125. 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 16 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$64.10 on your coach ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What coach companies travel from Chicago to Rochester?

There are two coach lines that have daily service from Chicago to Rochester that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 3 scheduled trips per day.

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US219h 4mUS$112.96
Greyhound318h 36mUS$110.31
  • 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 Rochester, and the average ticket for this route costs only US$112.96.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • Greyhound is the largest nationwide coach carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 3 coach trips from Chicago to Rochester every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 36 minutes to complete. Coach tickets for Greyhound trips to Rochester usually start from US$71.45.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about travelling by coach from Chicago to Rochester

There are 5 scheduled coaches that travel from Chicago to Rochester every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which coach you take, you will have to transfer coaches at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Rochester; ticket prices start at US$68.

Trips per day

5

Direct trips

0

The coach takes an average of 18 hours and 50 minutes to cover the 518 miles from Chicago to Rochester. However, the fastest coach only takes 14 hours and 40 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)

518

Distance (km)

833

The first coach leaves at 7:00 and the last coach leaves at 23:10. To see the times for all coaches from Chicago to Rochester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest coach

7:00am

Latest coach

11:10pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for coaches, as many passengers take the coach to Rochester 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

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.

Rochester

Rochester, NYROC-1ROC-2

Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.

Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.

The city’s busiest coach station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several coach carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louise M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the coach station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.

Station Information

Where does the coach leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Coaches to Rochester leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All coach stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Where does the coach arrive in Rochester?

Main arrival station: Rochester Bus Stop

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

Coach stations in Rochester:

  • Rochester Bus Stop

Need a return trip from Rochester to Chicago?

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