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How to get to Chicago by bus

Routes530
Trips per day1,607
bus lines11
Stations7
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City Information

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

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

  • Union Station

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Canal St

  • 3501 S California Ave

  • 5800 N Cumberland Ave

  • 355 S Canal St

What bus companies travel to Chicago, Illinois?

Located in Illinois, Chicago is accessible by bus from 530 other cities. You can choose from 1607 daily scheduled trips when you search for buses to Chicago on Wanderu. Greyhound 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

BusRoutesAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Tornado Bus12521h 21m$163.39
Jefferson Lines12319h 12m$122.41
Greyhound11423h 23m$134.01
Miller Transportation619h 51m$61.75
Barons Bus Lines5010h 13m$62.77
Indian Trails5014h 35m$61.77
Burlington Trailways338h 51m$83.83
FlixBus US165h 4m$31.29
OurBus165h 23m$42.34
El Expreso Bus919h 4m$165.92
  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good price for a bus ticket to Chicago?

$6.00 is the cheapest price for a bus ticket to Chicago, according to recent searches on Wanderu. You can use our search to check if this price is currently available on buses from your city to Chicago. In the last month, buses from Gary to Chicago had the lowest average price at $6.56.

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
  • Union Station
  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

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.

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?

The “L” subway train is the best way to get around Chicago. The “L” (which stands for “elevated train”) has 8 lines that run all over the city. The Chicago Transit Authority also operates a regular bus service with about 130 regular routes. Several bus lines directly serve Chicago Union Station, and the Blue Line of the “L” is just two blocks away.

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?

With 2,778 buses arriving in Chicago daily at 15 different stations, there’s never a bad time to visit Chicago by bus. Chicago does get quite cold during the winter (as well as hot and humid in the summer), so for mild weather, the best times to visit are late spring through early summer and early fall — although you’ll want to bring an umbrella if you visit during the late spring.

Is Chicago a popular bus travel destination?

Chicago ranks number 12 among most popular bus destinations in the region. It also ranks number 451 in United States. Chicago has the most bus connections in the region. There are 264 bus schedules arriving in Chicago each day.

What is the population of Chicago?

The population of Chicago is 2720546. Chicago ranks number 2 in terms of population in Illinois and number 128 in all of United States.

How much do bus tickets to Chicago cost?

Bus tickets to Chicago range from $6 for a short trip to Chicago, while a 60 to 200 mile bus trip to Chicago starts at , and a longer trip by bus to Chicago can be as cheap as . Looking to travel across state or province lines? A trip from out of your region will be as low as $6 .

What type of traveler does Chicago attract?

People who take the bus to Chicago are most often visiting their families or loved ones. With frequent schedules, the ability to book and hop on a bus last minute make taking a bus to Chicago easy whether you're planning a trip far in advance or need some quality time with loved ones at the last minute.

What bus station is located closest to the city center of Chicago?

The closest bus station to the city center of Chicago is Union Station, located just 0.5 miles away. Select Union Station as your arrival if your plans call for exploring the downtown area of Chicago. Search on Wanderu and in the search results you can filter travel options by arriving or departing station.

From the Wanderu blog

Top bus routes to and from Chicago

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