Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL

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Bus from Chicago to Springfield: Journey Information

There are 6 intercity buses per day from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL. Traveling by bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL usually takes around 4 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance
179 mi (288 km)
Shortest duration
3h 50m
Cheapest price
$33.98
Trips per day
4
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
2

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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 5 daily train trips available from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$48.95CheaperAvg. Price$66.54
Daily Trips6Daily Trips5
Duration4h 39mDuration3h 6mFaster
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How much is a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL cost $34.98 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, IL to Springfield, IL by travel date

$60$40$20AugAug

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $34 to $55. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 9, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Springfield, IL this week, bus tickets are available starting at $36.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only $43. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $56. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$1501020

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 24 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $24.94 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Springfield?

There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Springfield, including FlixBus US, Greyhound. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US44h 13m$46.56
Greyhound212h 5m$90.01
  • 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, IL to Springfield, IL, and the average ticket for this route costs only $46.56.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • 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, IL to Springfield, IL every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 5 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Springfield, IL usually start from $57.47.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Springfield

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL cost $34.98 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.

There are 6 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 4 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, IL to Springfield, IL; ticket prices start at $20.

TRIPS PER DAY

6

DIRECT TRIPS

4

The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 39 minutes to cover the 179 miles from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 50 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.

DISTANCE (MI)

179

DISTANCE (KM)

288

The first bus leaves at 12:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

12:15am

LATEST BUS

11:45pm

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Springfield, IL. 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

City Information

Chicago, IL

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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, IL

Springfield, IL, US - SPI-0

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?

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Buses to Springfield, IL leave from 3 stations in Chicago, IL.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

Where does the bus arrive in Springfield?

Main arrival station: Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL

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

All bus stations in Springfield:

  • Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL

Need a return trip from Springfield to Chicago?

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