Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Bus from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN: Journey Information

There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN. Traveling by bus from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN usually takes around 6 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 5 hours,

Distance
196 mi (316 km)
Shortest duration
5h
Cheapest price
$33.97
Trips per day
3
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
1

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Chicago to Bloomington Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Chicago to Bloomington (Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

zaria

December 22, 2024 - Visiting friends

FlixBus US
Pros: very quick n quiet Cons: nothing unless u can make customers smell less Tips: don’t wear strong perfumes other people have allergies

5.0

hui

February 13, 2024 - Solo travel

FlixBus US

4.0

Madeline

September 17, 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
Pros: AC, wifi, and not having to drive!
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How much is a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN cost $35.97 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 Bloomington, IN by travel date

$90$60$30AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $35 to $85. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 2, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Bloomington, IN this week, bus tickets are available starting at $37.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $47. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $70. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$2001020

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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $52.13 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Bloomington?

There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Bloomington, including FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US46h 3m$55.55
  • 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 Bloomington, IN, and the average ticket for this route costs only $55.55.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Bloomington

There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

TRIPS PER DAY

4

DIRECT TRIPS

3

The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 3 minutes to cover the 196 miles from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours. 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.

DISTANCE (MI)

196

DISTANCE (KM)

316

The first bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 6:30pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago, IL to Bloomington, IN, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

5:15am

LATEST BUS

6:30pm

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Bloomington, IN. 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.

MOST CROWDED

Saturday

LEAST CROWDED

Tuesday

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.

Bloomington, IN

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?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Chicago, IL has two bus stations with service to Bloomington, IN.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Where does the bus arrive in Bloomington?

Main arrival station: 301 S Walnut St

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

All bus stations in Bloomington:

  • 301 S Walnut St

Need a return trip from Bloomington to Chicago?

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