Cheap bus tickets from Tampa to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Tampa to Chicago?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Tampa to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$192.37 | Avg. Price$284.00 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips9 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration1d 9h 28m | Duration1d 22h 18m |
Bus from Tampa to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 10 intercity buses per day from Tampa to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Tampa to Chicago usually takes around 33 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 29 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 1005 mi (1618 km) |
| Shortest duration | 29h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $103.46 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Tampa to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Tampa to Chicago cost $173.92 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 bus ticket prices from Tampa to Chicago by month
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 29 days in advance to save $92.09 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Tampa to Chicago?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Tampa to Chicago. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 10 | 1d 9h 36m | $230.55 |
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 10 trips per day from Tampa to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Tampa to Chicago
The bus takes an average of 33 hours and 36 minutes to cover the 1005 miles from Tampa to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 29 hours and 5 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Tampa to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 10 scheduled buses that travel from Tampa 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 Tampa to Chicago; ticket prices start at $120.00.
City Information
Tampa
Sitting at the heart of the Gulf Coast, Tampa offers a perfect blend of cultural attractions and relaxing indulgences. Infused with a colorful mix of Cuban and Spanish cultural elements, the city of Tampa houses some of the most impressive historic buildings in the state, including the Henry B. Plant Museum, which boasts a permanent exhibition of Victorian-era artifacts. Animal lovers can also rejoice, as the city’s many aquariums and zoos will certainly melt your heart. Head down to the Tampa Electric’s Manatee Viewing Center for some heart-melting cuteness. And for animal lovers with a penchant for streaming docu-series, the Big Cat Rescue (yes, THAT one!) will be a great choice.
Most of the finest restaurants in town are concentrated around the Riverwalk area, which offers unrivaled views of the waterfront. Oystercatchers is reputed as one of the best establishments in town, so you should not miss out on it. Tampa’s cuisine features a very clear Cuban influence, and the best spot to try out these unique fusion dishes is at Ybor City.
The principal train station in the city is the Tampa Union Station, which is also a historic building. It is currently served by Amtrak. At the station, travelers can also take an Amtrak Thruway motorcoach to get to Orlando, Lakeland, Bradenton, etc. The main airport is Tampa International Airport, which is located just six miles west of downtown Tampa.
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 Tampa?
Main departure station: Tampa Bus Station
Located on Polk Street, the Greyhound Bus Terminal is Tampa’s main terminal for intercity bus service to cities such as Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta. Travelers on Greyhound will find ample parking in the surrounding area and a comfortable waiting room with restrooms and a small café inside. Conveniently located in the North Franklin St Historic District in downtown Tampa, the bus terminal is within a short walk of several dining options and connections to local public transit to travel within Tampa.
All bus stations in Tampa:
Tampa Bus Station
Tampa USF, FL
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Chicago to Tampa?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Tampa
Continue by bus from Chicago
Check out these popular routes
- Bus from New York to Atlanta
$165+
- Bus from New York to Boston
$35+
- Bus from New York to Bethesda
$52+
- Bus from New York to Buffalo
$40+
- Bus from New York to Philadelphia
$20+
- Bus from New York to Providence
$43+
- Philadelphia to Washington D.C. Bus
$31+
- Bus from Providence to New York
$45+
- Madison to Chicago Bus
$38+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.