Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Waterloo
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Bus from Chicago to Waterloo: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Waterloo. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Waterloo usually takes around 10 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 5 hours,
| Distance | 245 mi (394 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h |
| Cheapest price | $49.96 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Chicago to Waterloo Bus Schedule
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Average score for buses from Chicago to Waterloo (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
December 20, 2021 - Visiting family
Burlington TrailwaysThere are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Waterloo:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Waterloo?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Waterloo cost $52.96 on average. Tickets cheaper than $52.96 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 Waterloo by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Waterloo in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $43 to $76. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 2, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Waterloo this week, bus tickets are available starting at $47.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Waterloo by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Waterloo is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $53. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Waterloo during September, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $80. 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 $15.26 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Waterloo?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Waterloo, 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 48m | $70.57 |
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 5h | $55.00 |
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 Waterloo, and the average ticket for this route costs only $70.57.
Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Waterloo from $55. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Chicago to Waterloo and you can expect on average to pay $55 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Waterloo. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines departs to Waterloo from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In Waterloo, Jefferson Lines arrives at Love's Truck Stop.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Waterloo takes 5 hours and 0 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $55 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Waterloo.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Waterloo
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago to Waterloo. One bus is a direct connection, meaning that you can stay on the same vehicle for the entire trip, without having to transfer onto a connecting bus at any point.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The bus takes an average of 10 hours and 9 minutes to cover the 245 miles from Chicago to Waterloo. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours. 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)
245
DISTANCE (KM)
394
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 Waterloo, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Waterloo. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
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 Waterloo.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in Waterloo?
Main arrival station: Waterloo
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Waterloo.
All bus stations in Waterloo:
- Waterloo
- Love's Truck Stop
Need a return trip from Waterloo to Chicago?
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