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Cheap coach tickets from Indianapolis to Chicago

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Indianapolis to Chicago Coach Timetable

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Indianapolis to Chicago?

There are usually 1 daily train trips from Indianapolis to Chicago.

Coach
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
US$49.75
Avg. Price
US$52.00
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
31
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
4h 51m
Duration
4h 19m

Coach from Indianapolis to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 31 intercity coaches per day from Indianapolis to Chicago. Traveling by coach from Indianapolis to Chicago usually takes around 4 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US coach can make the trip in 3 hours,

Distance165 mi (265 km)
Shortest duration3h 0m
Cheapest priceUS$32.98
Trips per day24
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Coach lines4

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Coach Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for coaches from Indianapolis to Chicago

(Based on 59 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Elizabeth

23 October 2025- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: Arrived on time to pick up location. Bus driver drove wel l and got us there on time. Cons: Stops were not listed on ticket so I had no idea how many stops we were making. Bus driver was not particularly friendly. There was a piece of trash near my seat. Seat was not very comfortable. Would have bet. Better if it reclined 1-2 inches more.. location for pick up in Indianapolis was not labeled at all. I was very anxious and unsure I was in the right spot for pick up.

5.0

Heidi

4 August 2025- Visiting family

FlixBus US

Pros: It was good. Cons: The seats could be more comfortable and spacious.

4.0

EVAN

16 June 2025- Visiting friends

FlixBus US

Pros: There was room next to me to unwind and most people were silent and courteous during a late-hours trip. Cons: The seat itself felt a little stiff, I did not have ample leg room although I am also 6 ft 3 in height so that is not perfect. When I tried to put my carry on bag above me before sitting down I noticed my section of the overhead compartment was filled with some sort of insulation? Tips: Maybe bring a seat cushion or neck pillow, otherwise, a nice bargain for the money if you enjoy late-night travel.

4.0

Deborah

2 June 2025- Solo travel

Greyhound

Pros: The driver was apologetic for the bus arriving late. Cons: The bus could could been on time. Tips: It's ok for the money.

5.0

Vincent

31 March 2025- Solo travel

FlixBus US

Pros: Plugs for phones, clean bathroom, on time. Cons: If possible, a sign for the bus stop. Tips: Come 30 mins early in case bus is early or to be able to see other buses so you know you are at the right place for bus stop since there is no bus stop sign.

Indianapolis to Chicago Route Map

Indianapolis Chicago

How much is a coach ticket from Indianapolis to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Indianapolis to Chicago cost US$43.43 on average. Tickets cheaper than US$43.43 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average coach ticket prices from Indianapolis to Chicago by travel date

US$75US$50US$25NovNov

If you're planning to travel by bus from Indianapolis to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from US$41 to US$68. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on 18 November 2025.

If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at US$42.

Average coach ticket prices from Indianapolis to Chicago by month

US$75US$60US$45US$30US$15DJFMAMJJASON
Taking the bus from Indianapolis to Chicago is usually cheapest in April, when the average ticket price is only US$48. If you're planning to take the bus from Indianapolis to Chicago during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$59. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$75US$60US$45US$30US$153020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 15 days in advance. This way, you can save up to US$21.73 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What coach companies travel from Indianapolis to Chicago?

There are 4 bus lines from Indianapolis to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 15 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

CoachDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway24h 4mUS$53.00
Barons Bus Lines311h 49mUS$89.00
FlixBus US153h 55mUS$47.50
Greyhound134h 27mUS$49.70
  • Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Indianapolis to Chicago start at US$53. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago from US$75. There are 3 Barons Bus Lines schedules from Indianapolis to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Indianapolis, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from 350 S Illinois St and no other station. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St and no other station.

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago takes 11 hours and 49 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 3 hours and 0 minutes .

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 3 trips per day and you could expect to pay for a weekend getaway to Chicago.

  • FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 15 trips per day from Indianapolis to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • 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 13 bus trips from Indianapolis to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 27 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from US$33.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by coach from Indianapolis to Chicago

An average train ticket from Indianapolis to Chicago costs around $41. The only Amtrak line that covers this route is the Amtrak Cardinal, with a typical travel time of about 5 hours.
The best way to get from Indianapolis to Chicago is by bus. Costing as little as $4.99 per ticket, the bus is both less expensive and usually faster than the train. A flight is technically faster, but with an average cost between $170 and $250 for a nonstop ticket and the additional time required for security, it’s probably not worth it.
Indianapolis to Chicago is a reasonable day-trip if you’re ready for a long day. The fastest bus takes around 3 hours 15 minutes. With over 35 daily buses going in each direction, however, you can arrive in Chicago as early as 6:55 a.m. and leave as late as 11:59 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore Chicago.

The coach takes an average of 4 hours and 32 minutes to cover the 165 miles from Indianapolis to Chicago. However, the fastest coach only takes 3 hours. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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.

Saturday is usually the day when coaches are busiest, as many travelers take the coach to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

The first coach leaves at 02:00 and the last coach leaves at 21:00. To see the times for all coaches from Indianapolis to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 31 scheduled coaches that travel from Indianapolis to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 24 direct coaches, where you can stay on the same coach without having to transfer to a connecting coach at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Indianapolis to Chicago; ticket prices start at US$34.00.

City Information

Indianapolis

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

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 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.

Station Information

Where does the coach leave from in Indianapolis?

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

Image credit: Panoramio upload bot

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 350 S Illinois St

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

All coach stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

  • E Washington St

  • Indianapolis Northeast

Where does the coach arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Coaches arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which coach line you are traveling with.

Coach stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • Union Station

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