4.0
Silvia
November 10, 2019- Vacation
A lot of stops and bus changes
Cheap bus tickets from Ames to Chicago
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Ames to Chicago Bus Schedule
Bus from Ames to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Ames to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Ames to Chicago usually takes around 14 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 309 mi (497 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 25m |
| Cheapest price | NOK 1,307.76 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Ames to Chicago
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
How much is a bus ticket from Ames to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Ames to Chicago cost NOK 1,307.76 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.
Monthly avg. prices
If you're on the hunt for the cheapest bus tickets from Ames to Chicago, mark your calendar for October. During this period, you can expect to find the lowest average ticket price of the year, just NOK 2,207. However, taking the bus from Ames to Chicago during July is not so cheap. This time of year, ticket prices often reach an average of NOK 2,667. The best way to find deals on a trip in July is to plan ahead and book your bus ticket as early as possible.
What bus companies travel from Ames to Chicago?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Ames to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 7h 45m | NOK 1,508.22 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 1d 20h 57m | NOK 2,612.56 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Ames to Chicago from NOK 1,308. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Ames to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Ames, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave . In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Ames to Chicago takes 7 hours and 45 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 7 hours and 25 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Ames to Chicago
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 38 minutes to cover the 309 miles from Ames to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 hours and 25 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.
Because many passengers travel from Ames to Chicago at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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 1:00pm and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Ames to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Ames to Chicago. One bus is a direct connection, meaning that you can stay on the same vehicle for the entire trip, without having to transfer onto a connecting bus at any point.
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 Ames?
Main departure station: Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave
Ames has two bus stations with service to Chicago.
All bus stations in Ames:
Intermodal Station - 129 Hayward Ave
Phillips 66 Gas Station
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
3501 S California Ave
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