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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Springfield

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Chicago to Springfield Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Springfield?

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Chicago to Springfield.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$37.84
Avg. Price
$45.77
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
4
Duration
Duration
4h 19m
Duration
3h 4m

Bus from Chicago to Springfield: Journey Information

There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Springfield. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Springfield usually takes around 4 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance179 mi (288 km)
Shortest duration3h 45m
Cheapest price$31.98
Trips per day4
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

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How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Springfield?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Springfield cost $36.18 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.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10JASONDJFMAMJ
Bus tickets from Chicago to Springfield are at their cheapest average price in August. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $37. On the other hand, traveling on this route during March might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for March trips cost $50, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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 23 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $13.68 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Springfield?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Springfield. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US44h 22m$43.35
  • 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 Springfield, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Springfield

The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 21 minutes to cover the 179 miles from Chicago to Springfield. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 45 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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 Springfield. 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 9:00am and the last bus leaves at 12:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Springfield, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Springfield every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Chicago to Springfield without transferring.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL; ticket prices start at $20.00.

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.

Springfield

Springfield, IL, US - SPI-0

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Link to image attribution

There are 34 cities in America called Springfield, but the state capital of Illinois is one of the most well-known. Beyond Springfield's political clout as a state capital, it is known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln for many years, plus the site of his final resting place. While in town, you can visit President Lincoln's restored home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. An enormous bronze bust of Lincoln outside his tomb features a nose as shiny as a new penny, rubbed by scores of visitors who consider it good luck.

Springfield is one of the state's best destinations thanks to more than just history. Check out the incredible artistry on display in the capitol building's stained glass windows, or discover the dogwoods lining 5 miles of trails in the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Not to mention Springfield's bustling craft beer scene; hit up the city's microbreweries, nano breweries, and craft beer companies like the famous Springfield Beer Company.

It should be no surprise that one of the primary transportation methods to Springfield is called the Lincoln Service. This Amtrak train route stops in Springfield on its way from Chicago to St. Louis, and so does the Amtrak Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago. Amtrak Thruway buses run from Springfield to Peoria, where travelers can connect to further bus destinations.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

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Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago has two bus stations with service to Springfield.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

Where does the bus arrive in Springfield?

Main arrival station: Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL

All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Springfield.

All bus stations in Springfield:

  • Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL

Get around town with Moovit

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