Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to South Bend
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Bus from Chicago to South Bend: Journey Information
There are 7 intercity buses per day from Chicago to South Bend. Traveling by bus from Chicago to South Bend usually takes around 2 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Barons Bus Lines bus can make the trip in just one hour and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 72 mi (116 km) |
| Shortest duration | 1h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $15.98 |
| Trips per day | 5 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 4 |
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Chicago to South Bend Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to South Bend?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Chicago to South Bend.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$33.49Cheaper | Avg. Price$40.95 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration2h 9m | Duration1h 29mFaster |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to South Bend (Based on 12 ratings and reviews)
5.0
June 17, 2023 - Visiting family
Barons Bus Lines5.0
September 17, 2022 - Vacation
Barons Bus Lines5.0
September 17, 2022 - Business
Barons Bus Lines5.0
March 13, 2022 - Visiting friends
Barons Bus Lines5.0
October 29, 2019 - Business
Barons Bus Lines5.0
September 11, 2019 - Visiting family
Airport SuperSaver5.0
September 2, 2019 - Visiting friends
Barons Bus Lines5.0
August 24, 2019 - Solo travel
Airport SuperSaver5.0
August 18, 2019
Miller Transportation5.0
August 18, 2019
Barons Bus Lines5.0
August 14, 2019
Airport SuperSaver5.0
August 11, 2019
Miller TransportationThere are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to South Bend:
- FlixBus US: 3 daily buses from $16
- Barons Bus Lines: 2 daily buses from $25
- Greyhound: 1 daily bus from $16
- Tornado Bus: 1 daily bus from $95
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to South Bend?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to South Bend cost $21.82 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 South Bend by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to South Bend in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $29 to $37. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 14, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to South Bend this week, bus tickets are available starting at $29.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to South Bend by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to South Bend is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $27. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to South Bend during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $35. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $14.74 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to South Bend?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to South Bend, including FlixBus US, Barons Bus Lines, Greyhound, Tornado Bus. Here is what you should know about the 4 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 2h 32m | $32.12 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 1h 45m | $25.00 |
| Greyhound | 1 | 1h 50m | $27.41 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 2h 1m | $95.00 |
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 South Bend, and the average ticket for this route costs only $32.12.
Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to South Bend from $25. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to South Bend and you can expect on average to pay $25 for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to South Bend. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to South Bend from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In South Bend, Barons Bus Lines arrives at 100 West South St..
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to South Bend takes 1 hours and 45 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to South Bend in 1 hours and 40 minutes.
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $25 for a weekend trip to South Bend.
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 South Bend every day, with the average journey taking around 1 hours and 50 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to South Bend usually start from $15.98.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to South Bend
There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to South Bend every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 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 South Bend; ticket prices start at $24.
TRIPS PER DAY
7
DIRECT TRIPS
5
The bus takes an average of 2 hours and 9 minutes to cover the 72 miles from Chicago to South Bend. However, the fastest bus only takes an hour and 40 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. 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)
72
DISTANCE (KM)
116
The first bus leaves at 6:05am and the last bus leaves at 6:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to South Bend, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
6:05am
LATEST BUS
6:00pm
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, 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.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
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.
South Bend
South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.
Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!
South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to South Bend leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- 3501 S California Ave
Where does the bus arrive in South Bend?
Main arrival station: 100 W S St
The South Street Station opened in 1998 as a multi-modal transit center. It is located in downtown South Bend across the street from the renovated Coveleski Stadium and Union Station. On average, about 2.2 million people use the station every year. A public transit bus stop located right outside the station connects it to the surrounding areas, including Notre Dame University and the U.P. Mall in downtown South Bend.
All bus stations in South Bend:
- 100 W S St
- 100 West South St.
- Walmart - Erskine Commons
Need a return trip from South Bend to Chicago?
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