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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Rockford

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

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4.8k Reviews

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Chicago to Rockford Bus Schedule

Bus from Chicago to Rockford: Journey Information

There are 33 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Rockford. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Rockford usually takes around one hour and 41 minutes, but the fastest Coach USA bus can make the trip in just one hour and 10 minutes.

Distance80 mi (129 km)
Shortest duration1h 10m
Cheapest priceDKK 90.69
Trips per day31
Most frequent serviceCoach USA
Bus lines5

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Chicago to Rockford

(Based on 15 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Michelle

October 10, 2025- Business

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: On time Cleanliness Safe. Cons: Nothing.

5.0

Martin

August 24, 2025- Visiting family

Coach USA

Pros: Being able to relax and have someone else drive. Cons: The instructions for the pick up at Ohare airport were non existent. I was almost late because it took me a long time to find the pick up location. You have to go to the top floor and find the shuttle to another location to get to the pick up location. It was confusing for my first time using Coach USA. Tips: Arrive early so you can figure out where to go.

5.0

Susan

May 15, 2025- Visiting family

Coach USA

It was on time and frequent updates were guven

5.0

Lola

September 18, 2023- Solo travel

Coach USA

Pros: On time. Tips: Would recommend.

5.0

Pamela

September 8, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Thruway

Pros: I liked that it took me to my final destination and was very clean and comfortable. Cons: A shelter for waiting to board. It unexpectedly began to rain but we boarded quickly. I wasn’t prepared to wait to board outside on the street. Tips: Be aware that you will be outside waiting for the bus on the corner. Bus is very clean and comfortable.

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How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Rockford?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Rockford cost DKK 180.02 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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 Rockford by travel date

DKK 292DKK 195DKK 97NovNov

Bus tickets from Chicago to Rockford are expected to cost between DKK 182 and DKK 214 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Rockford within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from DKK 182. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Rockford by month

DKK 324DKK 259DKK 195DKK 130DKK 65DJFMAMJJASON
Traveling from Chicago to Rockford by bus will cost you about the same throughout the year. In general, bus ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around DKK 188 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

DKK 324DKK 259DKK 195DKK 130DKK 653020100

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 15 days in advance. This way, you can save up to DKK 8.04 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Rockford?

There are 5 bus lines from Chicago to Rockford available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 18 daily trips, Coach USA usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway122h 11mDKK 214.07
Coach USA181h 11mDKK 182.94
FlixBus US33h 41mDKK 144.92
Greyhound21h 38mDKK 123.64
Tornado Bus12h 30mDKK 488.02

  • Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Chicago to Rockford start at DKK 214. On average, there are 12 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • Book Coach USA from Chicago to Rockford from DKK 183. There are 18 trips per day offered by Coach USA from Chicago to Rockford and you can expect on average to pay for a Coach USA ticket to Rockford. In Chicago, Coach USA departs to Rockford from Chicago O'Hare International Airport Multi-Modal Facility . In Rockford, Coach USA arrives at Van Galder Bus Office .

    An average trip on Coach USA from Chicago to Rockford takes 1 hours and 11 minutes , while the fastest available Coach USA trip will get you to Rockford in 1 hours and 10 minutes .

    On weekends, Coach USA offers 17 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Rockford.

  • 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 3 trips per day from Chicago to Rockford, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • 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 Rockford every day, with the average journey taking around 1 hours and 38 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Rockford usually start from DKK 91.

  • Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Rockford

The bus takes an average of one hour and 41 minutes to cover the 80 miles from Chicago to Rockford. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 10 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus 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.

Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Rockford. 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Rockford, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 33 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Rockford every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 31 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 Rockford; ticket prices start at DKK 214.07.

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.

Rockford

Rockford, IL - RCK-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Rockford, IL - RCK-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Rockford, IL - RCK-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.

Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.

Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.

Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Chicago O'Hare International Airport Multi-Modal Facility

Buses to Rockford leave from 5 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Chicago O'Hare International Airport Multi-Modal Facility

  • Union Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • 3501 S California Ave

Where does the bus arrive in Rockford?

Main arrival station: Van Galder Bus Office

The Van Galder Bus Office is located just off Interstate 51 in Rockford, Illinois. Although the bus stop doesn't have much in terms of amenities, it's in a resting area for road trips and buses. Grab coffee at the Starbucks, food at Burger King, or stay overnight in the Garden Inn just across the street. The terminal, which is operated by Van Galder Buses, services buses that run between Rockford and Madison, as well as Chicago O'Hare Airport and Union Station in downtown Chicago. Within the station building, there's a waiting room for you to enjoy your latte or burger, and a ticket kiosk if you have any questions about your trip.

All bus stations in Rockford:

  • Van Galder Bus Office

  • E Side Tranfer Ctr

  • EL Carrusel

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