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Journey Information
There are 9 intercity buses per day from Denver to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Denver to Chicago usually takes around 29 hours and 41 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways bus can make the trip in 19 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 918 mi (1478 km) |
| Shortest duration | 19h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $88.97 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
How much is a bus ticket from Denver to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Denver to Chicago cost $125.14 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Chicago. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Average prices by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Denver to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $109 to $168. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on May 15, 2024.
If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $128.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 26 days in advance to save $151.55 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Denver to Chicago?
There are 3 bus lines from Denver to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 7 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 2 | 21h 59m | $216.02 |
| FlixBus US | 2 | 22h 29m | $246.28 |
| Greyhound | 7 | 1d 6h 9m | $170.37 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Denver to Chicago from $200. There are 2 trips per day offered by Burlington Trailways from Denver to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Chicago. In Denver, Burlington Trailways departs to Chicago from Denver . In Chicago, Burlington Trailways arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Denver to Chicago takes 21 hours and 59 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Chicago in 19 hours and 15 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip 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 2 trips per day from Denver to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 performs about 7 bus trips from Denver to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 30 hours and 9 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $70.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 29 hours and 41 minutes to cover the 918 miles from Denver to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 19 hours and 15 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Chicago, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Denver to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 9 scheduled buses that travel from Denver to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Denver to Chicago; ticket prices start at $70.00.
City Information
Denver
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Denver is the capital of Colorado, as well as the most populous city in the state. With buildings dating back to the 19th century, Denver is considered one of the most exemplary cities of the Old West era in the United States.
Denver’s proximity to the Rocky Mountains makes it a preferred destination for young travelers seeking the thrill of the slopes during the day and the vibrant nightlife activities only an urban setting can provide. In fact, Denver is among the biggest party cities in the U.S. and one of the craft beer capitals in the country. In addition, thanks to the diverse local crowd, Denver’s restaurant scene offers top-notch options from various world cuisines.
If you’re looking for a more quiet time during your stay, head to one of the many unique museums in town such as the Denver Art Museum, the Kirkland Museum of Fine & Decorative Arts, or the Molly Brown House Museum. Craving a feast to the eyes and some fresh air? Check out the spectacular Denver Botanic Gardens.
As the biggest city in the Mountain states and a top Colorado destination, Denver is a busy travel hub. Even though the Denver airport is on the city’s outskirts, it is still easily accessible. If you are traveling to Denver by bus or train, you’ll be conveniently dropped off at Union Station in the heart of downtown Denver from where you can easily get anywhere in the city.
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 Denver?
Main departure station: Union Station - 1700 Wewatta St (Buses)
Denver’s Union Station first opened in 1881, and houses some of the city’s best shops, bars, and restaurants, making it a popular destination for locals and travelers alike. There is even a seasonal farmers market at the station! But first and foremost, Union Station is the primary transport hub for Denver. The station is served by Amtrak trains, and intercity buses operated by Greyhound, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines and Express Arrow. From Union Station, travelers can also easily access Denver International Airport on the A Line commuter rail.
All bus stations in Denver:
Union Station - 1700 Wewatta St (Buses)
Denver
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Dan Ryan Bus Station
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