Cheap bus tickets from Dubuque to Chicago
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Bus from Dubuque to Chicago: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Dubuque to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Dubuque to Chicago usually takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 161 mi (259 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $36.00 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Dubuque to Chicago Bus Schedule

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Dubuque to Chicago (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
June 22, 2023 - Vacation
Burlington TrailwaysThere are several bus options that can take you from Dubuque to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Dubuque to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Dubuque to Chicago cost $36.00 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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 Dubuque to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Dubuque to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $25 to $36. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 24, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $36.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To save money on bus tickets and ensure availability, it's always best to book in advance.
What bus companies travel from Dubuque to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Dubuque to Chicago, including Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 3h 15m | $36.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Dubuque to Chicago from $36. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Dubuque to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $36 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Dubuque, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from 950 Elm St. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Dubuque to Chicago takes 3 hours and 15 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $36 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Dubuque to Chicago
Bus tickets for a trip from Dubuque to Chicago cost $36.00 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
There is usually only one bus per day from Dubuque to Chicago. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 15 minutes to cover the 161 miles from Dubuque to Chicago. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
161
DISTANCE (KM)
259
There is usually only one bus per day from Dubuque to Chicago. It leaves the station in Dubuque at 7:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
EARLIEST BUS
7:00pm
LATEST BUS
7:00pm
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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
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 Dubuque?
Main departure station: 950 Elm St
Most buses depart from the main station in Dubuque.
All bus stations in Dubuque:
- 950 Elm St
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

All buses from Dubuque arrive at one main station in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Need a return trip from Chicago to Dubuque?
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