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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Knoxville. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Knoxville usually takes around 17 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 455 mi (732 km) |
| Shortest duration | 15h 35m |
| Cheapest price | US$64.97 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Knoxville?
US$81.68 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Knoxville. While it’s on the pricier side for a bus ticket, taking the bus is still a cheaper alternative to flying. 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
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Knoxville is expected to range from US$76 to US$136. If you are looking to travel to Knoxville within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from US$82. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are US$76 and can be found on 14 May 2024.
Monthly average prices
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$90 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Knoxville in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to US$119 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Knoxville?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Knoxville that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 18h 30m | US$86.97 |
| Greyhound | 5 | 17h 26m | US$102.68 |
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 Knoxville, 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 5 bus trips from Chicago to Knoxville every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 26 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Knoxville usually start from US$65.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 732 kilometers from Chicago to Knoxville. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours and 35 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.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
The first bus leaves at 02:00 and the last bus leaves at 23:00. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Knoxville, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Knoxville leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Knoxville?
Main arrival station: Knoxville Bus Station
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Knoxville.
Bus stations in Knoxville:
Knoxville Bus Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Knoxville to Chicago?
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