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Champaign to Chicago bus

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Champaign - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Bus Route Overview: Champaign to Chicago

There are 7 intercity buses per day from Champaign to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Champaign to Chicago usually takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance126 mi (203 km)
Shortest duration2h 30m
Cheapest price$16.00
Trips per day6
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines4

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Champaign to Chicago

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.4

4.0

Aleksandra

December 27, 2019- Solo travel

Greyhound

Seats

Seats

5.0

Cade

November 17, 2019- Solo travel

Peoria Charter

Pros: Loved the outlets! Cons: It was kind of cold on the bus, but not your fault at all!

Pros: Loved the outlets! Cons: It was kind of cold on the bus, but not your fault at all!

5.0

Daniela

October 11, 2019- Visiting family

M&M Shuttle

Pros: The driver was very nice! And we arrived on time so that was great! Cons: Everything was perfect.

Pros: The driver was very nice! And we arrived on time so that was great! Cons: Everything was perfect.

5.0

Loretta

September 28, 2019- Visiting family

Peoria Charter

Pros: The seats were comfortable and roomy. The ride felt safe and I didn't have to worry about feeling uncomfortable with other passengers on the bus. The driver of the bus was very friendly. It was nice not to have to navigate and figure out where to go, since I am n...

Pros: The seats were comfortable and roomy. The ride felt safe and I didn't have to worry about feeling uncomfortable with other passengers on the bus. The driver of the bus was very friendly. It was nice not to have to navigate and figure out where to go, since I am not from Illinois. Cons: Nothing. Tips: None.

More

5.0

Sivaraman

July 31, 2019- Solo travel

Greyhound

Cleanliness, WLAN Wifi network

Cleanliness, WLAN Wifi network

Champaign to Chicago Route Map

Champaign Chicago

Buses from Champaign to Chicago

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How much is a bus ticket from Champaign to Chicago?

$21.02 is the average price of a bus ticket from Champaign to Chicago. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15FebFeb

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Champaign to Chicago is expected to range from $22 to $33. If you are looking to travel to Chicago within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $22. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $22 and can be found on February 8, 2023.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10MAMJJASONDJF
Traveling from Champaign to Chicago by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for that route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $25 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 17 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $12.84 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Champaign to Chicago?

There are 4 bus lines from Champaign to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 4 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:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Burlington Trailways16h 30m$44.01
FlixBus US53h 28m$28.61
Greyhound43h 47m$23.23
Tornado Bus22h 40m$89.32
  • Burlington Trailways

    Burlington Trailways

    As part of the Trailways network, Burlington Trailways offers intercity bus service across various states in the Midwest, plus stops in major cities like Chicago and Denver. Passengers love traveling on Trailways buses because of the high-end amenities onboard, including satellite TV, power outlets at every seat, and clean restrooms. Burlington Trailways is also known for the best free Wi-Fi and its helpful, friendly crew.

  • FlixBus US

    FlixBus US

    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 5 trips per day from Champaign to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    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 4 bus trips from Champaign to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 3 hours and 47 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $16.

  • Tornado Bus

    Tornado Bus

    Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by bus from Champaign to Chicago during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the bus ride from Champaign to Chicago?

The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 126 miles from Champaign to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

Buses from Champaign to Chicago are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your bus tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Champaign?

The first bus leaves at 3:00am and the last bus leaves at 4:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Champaign to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many buses are there each day?

There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Champaign to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 6 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Champaign to Chicago; ticket prices start at $14.00.

City Information

Champaign

Champaign, IL - CHM-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-2

Image credit: Pixabay

A significant hub for the Silicone Prairie, Champaign is a stunning city with many exciting landmarks to visit. The downtown area of Champaign is perhaps its busiest area, with over 40 different bars, art galleries, and boutique shops for you to enjoy. To enjoy arthouse films or independent productions, head over to the Art Theater, which also hosts special screenings. The campustown area near the University of Illinois hosts not only cheap eateries but also fine dining spots. The area tends to get crowded at night since students will be out on the street to enjoy the hopping nightlife.

As a busy college town, Champaign naturally has a very vibrant food scene with many excellent dining options. Radio Maria is a unique Spanish establishment with very colorful Spanish decorations and amazing tapas dishes. Those who want something more exotic and exciting could check out DESTIHL, which offers unique home-cooked dishes and great artisan beers.

The Illinois Terminal is Champaign's primary bus and train station, served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines, Peoria Charter, and Greyhound. From Champaign, you can continue your journey and visit some of the other top destinations in Illinois.

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 Champaign?

Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave - CHMAMT-0

Image credit: Beyond My Ken

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

The Illinois Terminal is located at 45 East University Avenue in Champaign. The transport center opened in 1999, and now provides bus and train service in the Champaign-Urbana area. The terminal is served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Greyhound, Peoria Charter, Jefferson Lines, and local mass transit. Make sure to wait in the correct station building; Champaign’s old train station, dating to 1898, is just across the street. The Illinois Terminal offers short-term parking, fast food, and even meeting spaces and banquet halls. Thanks to the station’s convenient location, some of the best restaurants and bars in downtown Champaign are just a short walk away.

All bus stations in Champaign:

  • Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

  • Pilot Travel center

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main 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

  • 3501 S California Ave

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

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