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How to get to Chicago by bus
| Routes | 504 |
| Trips per day | 2,333 |
| bus lines | 12 |
| Stations | 11 |
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About 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.
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
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The historic Chicago Union Station is the United States' third busiest train station and a hub for 15 Amtrak train lines with destinations throughout the country. The station also serves bus carriers like Greyhound, Indian Trails and Jefferson Lines, and offers connections to Metra commuter lines. Union Station is also just a quick walk to the nearest Chicago L lines. The current station was built in 1925, to replace the original one dating back to 1881, and today wows visitors with its impressive facade, massive columns, and opulent Great Hall. Located right in downtown and adjacent to the Chicago Loop, Union Station is equipped with many services and amenities, including phone charging stations, shops, and various food and drink options.
Popular bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
S Canal St north of Jackson Blvd
Union Station
Canal St
3501 S California Ave
5800 N Cumberland Ave
Chicago O'Hare Bus/Shuttle Ctr
Terminal 5 Station, O'Hare Intl Airport
5800 N Cumberland Ave
What bus companies travel to Chicago, Illinois?
Located in Illinois, Chicago is accessible by bus from 504 other cities. You can choose from 2333 daily scheduled trips when you search for buses to Chicago on Wanderu. FlixBus US usually has the most buses on any given day.
Looking for other ways to get there? Train tickets to Chicago are also available..
Bus companies serving Chicago
| Bus | Routes | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 644 | 1d 2h 18m | €153.60 |
| Greyhound | 581 | 22h 19m | €148.52 |
| Tornado Bus | 137 | 22h 41m | €177.45 |
| Jefferson Lines | 113 | 18h 2m | €124.99 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 60 | 11h 37m | €73.56 |
| Miller Transportation | 53 | 8h 23m | €62.05 |
| Indian Trails | 52 | 13h 25m | €78.84 |
| Indian Trails | 49 | 10h 44m | €55.19 |
| Burlington Trailways | 32 | 8h 31m | €75.46 |
| El Expreso Bus | 12 | 20h 18m | €185.22 |
FlixBus US
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.
Greyhound
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus 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 buses are outfitted with power outlets, free WiFi, restrooms, and air conditioning for your comfort.
Jefferson Lines
Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity bus company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest bus 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, restrooms, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their bus tracker tool.
Barons Bus Lines
Barons Bus Lines is a ground transportation company that serves various cities across the Midwest. The company follows through on its slogan of "ride like royalty" with a fleet of modern coaches boasting enhanced amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, ADA accessible steps, and spacious bathrooms. With a reputation for skilled drivers, top-notch safety, and stellar customer service, it's no wonder Barons Bus won the 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for #1 Business Travelers' Favorite.
Miller Transportation
Miller Transportation, through its popular bus service Hoosier Ride, connects a number of cities across six states in the Midwest via intercity bus travel. Miller buses keep you connected throughout your journey with free WiFi and power outlets on board. The carrier is consistently rated well for on-time bus arrivals.
Indian Trails
Indian Trails was established in 1910 to provide intercity bus service in the Midwest, and today is one of the most essential ground travel operators in the region. Indian Trails’ modern fleet consists of well-maintained buses with near-zero emissions. Passengers are treated to comfortable seats with footrests, free WiFi, USB outlets, and individual air conditioning controls.
Burlington Trailways
As part of the Trailways network, Burlington Trailways offers intercity bus service across various states in the Midwest, plus stops in major cities like Chicago and Denver. Passengers love traveling on Trailways buses because of the high-end amenities onboard, including satellite TV, power outlets at every seat, and clean restrooms. Burlington Trailways is also known for the best free Wi-Fi and its helpful, friendly crew.
El Expreso Bus
El Expreso Bus, a sub-brand of Tornado Bus Company, operates intercity bus trips in the United States, plus several routes that cross the border into Mexico. The carrier’s professional and helpful staff are often fluent in both English and Spanish. El Expreso buses feature comfortable seats, onboard restrooms, power outlets, and free WiFi.
Which bus service has the best service to Chicago?
Based on customers travel reviews, travelers who booked on Wanderu rave about traveling to Chicago by bus with Van Galder giving them a 4.8 rating out of 5.
Travelers also mentioned that Van Galder had the most comfortable bus service to Chicago taking into account the seats and amenities that Van Galder offers. They rate Van Galder a 4.4 out of 5 when it comes to just how relaxing and enjoyable their experience was onboard.
If you are looking to arrive to Chicago punctually, travelers suggest that Windstar Lines has the best on time performance on their bus schedules to Chicago, rating them a 5 based on their on time arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good price for a bus ticket to Chicago?
Where is the bus station in Chicago, IL?
The busiest bus station in Chicago is Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. There are several other active stations in addition to this main station. The most popular bus stations in Chicago are:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- S Canal St north of Jackson Blvd
Where should you stay in Chicago?
The Loop is a great region of Chicago for bus travelers to stay in. The Central Loop area is easily accessible by public transportation, as is West Loop (where you’ll find great food) and South Loop (which has great museums).
Just north of the Loop is River North, which has the best nightlife in all of Chicago. Search around a bit when booking accommodations, as all these neighborhoods have cheap hotel options available.
How do you get around Chicago?
What are some places to visit in Chicago?
Perhaps the two most recognizable sights in Chicago are the metallic “The Bean” and the Chicago Skyline.
For “The Bean” (actually called Cloud Gate), you’ll want to head to Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, where the sculpture resides. For the best views of the skyline, you have your choice of observation decks at Willis Tower’s Skydeck Chicago and the 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck.
Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, is also a popular attraction as one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the country. Also worth visiting are the Shedd Aquarium and the Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, the Chicago Riverwalk and (for anyone looking to get some shopping in) the Magnificent Mile.
What are some good restaurants in Chicago?
Chicago is filled with great restaurants. Lou Malnati’s deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches at Al’s Beef both have a number of locations that are easily accessible by public transportation, making it simple to enjoy the delicacies Chicago is known for.
For a newer Chicago classic, Papa’s Chache Sabroso is a great spot for jibaritos (a Puerto Rican sandwich that uses two slices of fried plantains instead of bread).
West Loop is known for having great food. Tons of amazing restaurants are just a 5– to 10–minute walk away from the Ashland and Morgan “L” stops. Try out Girl & the Goat, the restaurant of Top Chef fan-favorite Stephanie Izard.
And for dessert, drop in at the Original Rainbow Cone. The original Original Rainbow Cone is a bit out of the way, but the Navy Pier location is perfect for tourists who are in the area.
What is the best time to visit Chicago by bus?
Is Chicago a popular bus travel destination?
What is the population of Chicago?
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Which cities have the most buses to Chicago?
| Departure | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Highland | 1h 16m | €27.01 |
| New York | 1d 3h 3m | €157.94 |
| Houston | 1d 11h 10m | €215.85 |
| Indianapolis | 3h 57m | €38.94 |
| Lafayette | 2h 35m | €31.93 |
Top bus routes to and from Chicago
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