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Chicago to Bloomington bus

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Chicago - Bloomington Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 5 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Bloomington. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Bloomington usually takes around 6 hours and 56 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance196 mi (316 km)
Shortest duration4h 40m
Cheapest price$29.99
Trips per day4
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines2

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Chicago to Bloomington

(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

4.6

4.0

Madeline

September 18, 2022- Solo travel

Miller Transportation

Pros: It got me to where I needed to be. Cons: Bus could be on time. Tips: Not really.

4.0

Emily

August 30, 2022

Miller Transportation

Pros: Got there on time, like the outlets and free wifi. Cons: Eats could be comfier.

5.0

Alison

June 19, 2022- Solo travel

Miller Transportation

AC, wifi, and not having to drive!

5.0

Jaylen

June 7, 2022- Business

Miller Transportation

Pros: Quick. Clean. Convenient. Cons: More departure times, available routes. Tips: Arrive a bit early to find the bus stop.

5.0

Alison

February 23, 2022- Visiting family

Miller Transportation

Pros: Quiet and low-stress. Cons: That driver is kinda rude. Tips: Bring a blanket!

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Bloomington?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Bloomington cost $31.41 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 prices by travel date

$105$70$35MarApr

Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Chicago to Bloomington is expected to be between $37 and $93. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is April 9, 2024, when tickets are available for April 9, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $45.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM
If you're planning on taking a bus from Chicago to Bloomington, you'll be happy to know that the cost stays pretty stable throughout the year. You can expect to pay around $41 for your ticket regardless of when you plan to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 29 days in advance to save up to $97.53.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Bloomington?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Bloomington that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US45h 0m$71.24
Greyhound110h 13m$77.34
  • 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 Bloomington, 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 1 bus trips from Chicago to Bloomington every day, with the average journey taking around 10 hours and 13 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Bloomington usually start from $36.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 56 minutes to cover the 196 miles from Chicago to Bloomington. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 40 minutes. 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Bloomington at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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.

The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Bloomington, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Bloomington 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.

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.

Bloomington

The terrain and the university are two defining elements that have shaped this Indiana town and its residents. The hills, forests, and lakes provide a valuable and well-protected haven. Hardworking Hoosiers quarried and milled the limestone, which is then used to create spectacular buildings and sculptures around the state and country. Students and professors come to Indiana University from all over the world, bringing their ideas and goals to a community that welcomes everyone.

The lakes and parks are excellent in the summer, with perfect weather and a notable absence of students during Indiana University's summer break.

Dining in Bloomington is next-level thrilling because of the experience that local restaurants produce in unison with their cuisine and beverages – the unique character, friendly service, and attractive ambiance. It's simple to fill your stomach with excellent food, but it's not every day that you can fill your soul with a delicious experience. That makes Bloomington's culinary scene so unique: it's local, varied, and pleasantly satisfying.

To get to Bloomington, you can catch a bus from cities like Indianapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York. The Central Illinois Regional Airport is only a few miles east of the city for air travel.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Bloomington leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

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 Bloomington?

Main arrival station: 301 S Walnut St

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

All bus stations in Bloomington:

  • 301 S Walnut St

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