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Chicago to Minneapolis bus

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Chicago - Minneapolis Bus Timetable

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Journey Information

There are 17 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Minneapolis. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Minneapolis usually takes around 10 hours and 53 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance355 mi (571 km)
Shortest duration8h 10m
Cheapest priceUS$31.09
Trips per day8
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Chicago to Minneapolis

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Sheba

9 March 2021

Greyhound

Got there on time

5.0

Imtiaz

7 March 2020- Solo travel

Greyhound

Pros: Wonderful. Cons: Nice. Tips: Yes.

5.0

Anna

21 December 2019- Visiting friends

Megabus

Pros: Nice driver. Cons: Space in seats (legroom), I could hardly fit if the one in front of me tilted their seat back. Tips: --.

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Minneapolis?

US$50.23 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Minneapolis. Any tickets cheaper than US$50.23 can be considered a great deal. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

US$75US$50US$25AprApr

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Minneapolis is expected to range from US$49 to US$70. If you are looking to travel to Minneapolis within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from US$50. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are US$49 and can be found on 9 May 2024.

Monthly average prices

US$100US$80US$60US$40US$20MJJASONDJFMA

The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in June. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just US$57 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Minneapolis in September, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$76 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$125US$100US$75US$50US$253020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 29 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save US$55.15 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Minneapolis?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Minneapolis that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 16 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US19h 11mUS$66.26
Greyhound1611h 0mUS$67.90
  • 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 1 trips per day from Chicago to Minneapolis, 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 16 bus trips from Chicago to Minneapolis every day, with the average journey taking around 11 hours and 0 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Minneapolis usually start from US$30.

Frequently Asked Questions

Megabus has bus stops in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. There are 3 Megabus trips from Chicago to Minneapolis per day, with an average cost of $30 per ticket.
Minneapolis is just a 26 mile (41.8 kilometer) drive eastward from the Wisconsin border.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Minneapolis is by bus. Bus tickets start at just $10, while train tickets average closer to $100 (and include at least one transfer).

The bus takes an average of 10 hours and 53 minutes to cover the 571 kilometers from Chicago to Minneapolis. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 hours and 10 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Minneapolis 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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 00:00 and the last bus leaves at 23:00. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Minneapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 17 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Minneapolis every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 8 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

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 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.

Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN - MSP-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Minneapolis, MN - MSP-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Minneapolis, MN - MSP-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Situated along the bank of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Minneapolis is one of the biggest and most exciting cities to visit in the Midwest. It is home to the Chain of Lakes, where you can swim, fish, boat and even bike or walk along the lakeside trails. It’s no wonder Minneapolis is among the top 10 cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities!

Although it's known as the City of Lakes, Minneapolis has a lot more to offer than gorgeous lakes, wetlands, and waterfalls. Shopaholics can spend days getting lost in the Mall of America, which boasts over 500 stores and an indoor theme park. If you're visiting Minneapolis on a romantic vacation, Minneapolis' bustling theater district offers excellent date nights from dozens of theater companies. Or, for a less musical and more brews-ical date option, head to one of 62 top-rated breweries in the #2 best city in America for craft beer.

Minneapolis can be visited in any season, but keep in mind that it becomes a frigid, snowy destination in the winter. January hovers around 0° Fahrenheit, but it's worth bundling up to enjoy the St. Paul Winter Carnival, or hockey and ice skating on any of the 13 lakes in the city. Have we mentioned how great the lakes are?

If you're visiting both of the Twin Cities, you can take public transport from downtown Minneapolis to Saint Paul in about 30 minutes. Public transit also connects downtown to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Thanks to bus stations throughout Minneapolis, traveling by bus is the easiest way to arrive directly in the middle of the action and begin your adventure.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Buses to Minneapolis leave from 4 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • 5800 N Cumberland Ave

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

Where does the bus arrive in Minneapolis?

Transportation Center - 950 Hawthorne Ave - MSPGLI-0

Image credit: Michael Hicks

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Minneapolis

Located in Central Minneapolis at 950 Hawthorne Ave, the Minneapolis Bus Station is a gateway to nearby cities throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Greyhound and Jefferson Lines buses operate routes from this station to major cities such as Milwaukee or Chicago and beyond. From the Minneapolis Bus Station, it is a short 12-minute walk to Target Field Station where you can connect to light rail service throughout the city. Vending machines offer snacks or drinks within the station, or head one block south to Hennepin Ave for a variety of restaurant options for hungry travelers.

Bus stations in Minneapolis:

  • Minneapolis

  • University of Minnesota (Huron Blvd at 2428 Delaware St SE)

  • Minneapolis-St Paul Airport

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