Cheap bus tickets from Champaign to Chicago
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Bus from Champaign to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 10 intercity buses per day from Champaign to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Champaign to Chicago usually takes around 4 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in just one hour and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 126 mi (203 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $22.48 |
| Trips per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 4 |
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Champaign to Chicago Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Champaign to Chicago?
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Champaign to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$60.85 | Avg. Price$35.72Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips10 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration4h 32m | Duration2h 54mFaster |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Champaign to Chicago (Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
5.0
August 22, 2025 - Solo travel
FlixBus US5.0
April 28, 2024 - Visiting friends
Greyhound4.0
November 19, 2022 - Visiting family
Greyhound4.0
December 27, 2019 - Solo travel
Greyhound5.0
October 11, 2019 - Visiting family
M&M ShuttleChampaign to Chicago Route Map
There are several bus options that can take you from Champaign to Chicago:
- FlixBus US: 6 daily buses from $22
- Tornado Bus: 2 daily buses from $150
- Greyhound: 1 daily buses from $31
- Jefferson Lines: 1 daily buses from $168
How much is a bus ticket from Champaign to Chicago?
Champaign to Chicago bus tickets cost an average of $48.47. The bus is a fantastic option for those looking for a wallet-friendly alternative to make this trip. Use the search function on Wanderu, tailor the dates according to your trip, and start booking in advance. You may find tickets at an even lower cost if you're booking in advance!
Average bus ticket prices from Champaign to Chicago by travel date
If you’re worried about costs, you’ll find that the best period to book a bus from Champaign to Chicago is January, when tickets go at an average of $44. It’s best to avoid taking the bus from Champaign to Chicago in July if you want to score the cheapest bus tickets, as prices may be higher than usual at around $56. Need to book a bus ticket during the peak period? No worries! you can still get better prices if you book your trip in advance.
Average bus ticket prices from Champaign to Chicago by month
Over the next four weeks, bus tickets from Champaign to Chicago will likely cost about $48.47. The cheapest bus tickets are $54 if you plan in advance. The longer you wait, the more expensive bus tickets get. Avoid paying higher prices by booking soon!
Prices as travel date approaches
Prices tend to rise as it gets closer to the travel date, so buying your tickets as early as possible is best to receive the best savings. Book your tickets at least 28 days in advance to pocket an extra $23.57 in savings.
What bus companies travel from Champaign to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Champaign to Chicago, including FlixBus US, Tornado Bus, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 4 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 6 | 2h 53m | $38.13 |
| Tornado Bus | 2 | 2h 15m | $150.00 |
| Greyhound | 1 | 6h 35m | $46.07 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 14h 25m | $168.00 |
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 6 trips per day from Champaign to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $38.13.
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 1 bus trips from Champaign to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $30.98.
Book Jefferson Lines from Champaign to Chicago from $168. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Champaign to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $168 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Champaign, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Champaign to Chicago takes 14 hours and 25 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $168 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Champaign to Chicago
Yes! All service providers for this route, including Greyhound, Flixbus US, and Burlington Trailways, have WiFi. To guarantee non-stop entertainment, preload shows or bring a book in case of poor or unstable WiFi signals.
Champaign to Chicago bus tickets cost an average of $48.47. The bus is a fantastic option for those looking for a wallet-friendly alternative to make this trip. Use the search function on Wanderu, tailor the dates according to your trip, and start booking in advance. You may find tickets at an even lower cost if you're booking in advance!
Six scheduled buses from Champaign to Chicago daily offer travelers many choices. Five buses operate as direct routes, ensuring a seamless trip without any transfers. Want to view all your travel options? Consider the train from Champaign to Chicago, with train ticket prices start at around $20.
TRIPS PER DAY
10
DIRECT TRIPS
7
A typical bus ride from Champaign to Chicago averages around 4 hours and 6 minutes, spanning 126 miles. The quickest bus cuts this travel time to just 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to watch a movie or catch up on sleep. Remember that arrival times might fluctuate due to varying traffic conditions affecting the schedule.
DISTANCE (MI)
126
DISTANCE (KM)
203
The bus service from Champaign to Chicago starts at 8 am and ends at 3 pm when the final bus departs. To view the entire range of bus departure times for your specific travel dates, use the search bar to access the detailed bus schedules.
EARLIEST BUS
2:50am
LATEST BUS
7:35pm
If you’re eyeing a trip from Champaign to Chicago on a weekend, brace yourself for a crowded journey. Bus travels on Monday are typically the busiest days for this route as it starts the work week. It’s wise to book your tickets well in advance to secure your spot. However, if you have the flexibility, Tuesday would be a better day to travel as it is typically the least busiest day for this route.
City Information
Champaign
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, 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?
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, 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
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- 3501 S California Ave
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