Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Champaign
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Bus from Chicago to Champaign: Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Champaign. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Champaign usually takes around 3 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 126 mi (203 km) |
| Shortest duration | 2h 10m |
| Cheapest price | $21.98 |
| Trips per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Chicago to Champaign Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Champaign?
There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to Champaign.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$47.66 | Avg. Price$37.92Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration3h 18mFaster | Duration3h 27m |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Champaign (Based on 8 ratings and reviews)
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Chicago to Champaign Route Map
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Champaign:
- FlixBus US: 4 daily buses from $21
- Tornado Bus: 2 daily buses from $150
- Greyhound: 2 daily buses from $30
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Champaign?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Champaign cost $42.65 on average. Tickets cheaper than $42.65 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 Champaign by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Champaign in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $47 to $88. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 22, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Champaign this week, bus tickets are available starting at $47.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Champaign by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Champaign is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only $43. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Champaign during May, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $52. 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 save money on bus tickets and ensure availability, it's always best to book in advance.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Champaign?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Champaign, including FlixBus US, Tornado Bus, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 2h 37m | $32.96 |
| Tornado Bus | 2 | 2h 10m | $150.00 |
| Greyhound | 2 | 5h 58m | $47.08 |
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 4 trips per day from Chicago to Champaign, and the average ticket for this route costs only $32.96.
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 2 bus trips from Chicago to Champaign every day, with the average journey taking around 5 hours and 58 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Champaign usually start from $29.98.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Champaign
The fastest bus from Chicago to Champaign is through M&M Shuttle, which has an average travel time of just 2 hours. However, there is only 1 M&M shuttle per day, so if you miss out on that option you might consider Tornado Bus, which takes 2 hours 15 minutes.
There are 3 train lines that travel from Chicago to Champaign: Amtrak City of New Orleans, Amtrak Illini Service and Amtrak Saluki. Train tickets for this route average just $16, and have an average travel time of about 2 hours 15 minutes.
If you take one of the buses that gets to Champaign in less than 2 hours 30 minutes, then Chicago to Champaign can be a good day-trip. Typically you can find a bus that departs for Champaign around 7:00 a.m., with the latest return bus departing between 11:30 and midnight. Such a trip would give you a full 14 hours in Champaign.
There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Champaign every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 7 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 Chicago to Champaign; ticket prices start at $12.
TRIPS PER DAY
8
DIRECT TRIPS
7
The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 18 minutes to cover the 126 miles from Chicago to Champaign. However, the fastest bus only takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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)
126
DISTANCE (KM)
203
The first bus leaves at 12:15am and the last bus leaves at 5:15pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Champaign, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:15am
LATEST BUS
5:15pm
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, 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
Thursday
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Champaign leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- 3501 S California Ave
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
Where does the bus arrive in Champaign?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from Champaign to Chicago?
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