Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Grinnell
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago to Grinnell: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Grinnell. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Grinnell usually takes around 9 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 6 hours and 55 minutes.
- Distance
- 262 mi (422 km)
- Shortest duration
- 6h 55m
- Cheapest price
- NOK 358.57
- Trips per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- FlixBus US
- Bus lines
- 1
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Chicago to Grinnell Bus Schedule

There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Grinnell:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Grinnell?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Grinnell cost about NOK 492 when you book at the cheapest time, 8 days ahead. Tickets cheaper than NOK 492 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 Grinnell by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Grinnell in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from NOK 463 to NOK 510. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 11, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Grinnell this week, bus tickets are available starting at NOK 463.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Grinnell by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Grinnell is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only NOK 538. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Grinnell during August, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 774. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
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 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to NOK 219.75 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Grinnell?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Grinnell. FlixBus US is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 2 | 9h 28m | NOK 581.03 |
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 Grinnell, and the average ticket for this route costs only NOK 581.03.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Grinnell
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago to Grinnell. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
Trips per day
2
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 9 hours and 28 minutes to cover the 262 miles from Chicago to Grinnell. However, the fastest bus only takes 6 hours and 55 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)
262
Distance (km)
422
The first bus leaves at 4:45 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:55 PM. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Grinnell, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
4:45am
Latest bus
11:55pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Grinnell at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Thursday
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
Most buses depart from the main station in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Grinnell?
Main arrival station: Grinnell College
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Grinnell.
All bus stations in Grinnell:
- Grinnell College
- 715 Lang Crk Ave
Plan your next adventure
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