Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Cedar Rapids
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago to Cedar Rapids: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Cedar Rapids. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Cedar Rapids usually takes around 10 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 6 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 208 mi (334 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $37.46 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Chicago to Cedar Rapids Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Cedar Rapids:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Cedar Rapids?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Cedar Rapids cost $41.96 on average. Tickets cheaper than $41.96 are an excellent bargain. 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 Chicago to Cedar Rapids by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Cedar Rapids in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $47 to $69. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 26, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Cedar Rapids this week, bus tickets are available starting at $47.
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 find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 18 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $26.37 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Cedar Rapids?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Cedar Rapids, including FlixBus US, Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 12h 15m | $61.54 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 8h 37m | $64.00 |
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 2 trips per day from Chicago to Cedar Rapids, and the average ticket for this route costs only $61.54.
Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Cedar Rapids from $64. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Cedar Rapids and you can expect on average to pay $64 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Cedar Rapids. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines departs to Cedar Rapids from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In Cedar Rapids, Jefferson Lines arrives at Cedar Rpds (Airport - CID).
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Cedar Rapids takes 8 hours and 37 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Cedar Rapids in 6 hours and 35 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $64 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Cedar Rapids.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Cedar Rapids
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Cedar Rapids 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.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 10 hours and 48 minutes to cover the 208 miles from Chicago to Cedar Rapids. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours and 35 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
208
DISTANCE (KM)
334
The first bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Cedar Rapids, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Cedar Rapids, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Wednesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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 Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago has two bus stations with service to Cedar Rapids.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in Cedar Rapids?
Main arrival station: Lindale Mall)
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Cedar Rapids.
All bus stations in Cedar Rapids:
- Lindale Mall)
- Cedar Rpds (Airport - CID)
Need a return trip from Cedar Rapids to Chicago?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Chicago
Continue by bus from Cedar Rapids
Check out these popular routes
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.