Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS
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Bus from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS: Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS. Traveling by bus from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS usually takes around 17 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 414 mi (666 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $58.95 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Chicago to Kansas City Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Kansas City:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS cost $76.14 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Kansas City, KS by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $62 to $135. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 22, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Kansas City, KS this week, bus tickets are available starting at $74.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS by month
Taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $91. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $128. 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 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $111.28 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Kansas City?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Kansas City, including Greyhound, FlixBus US, Tornado Bus. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 3 | 19h 27m | $134.57 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 11h 39m | $119.79 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 40h 45m | $325.00 |
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 3 bus trips from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS every day, with the average journey taking around 19 hours and 27 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Kansas City, KS usually start from $54.46.
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 1 trips per day from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS, and the average ticket for this route costs only $119.79.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Kansas City
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey.
TRIPS PER DAY
4
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 51 minutes to cover the 414 miles from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 35 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
414
DISTANCE (KM)
666
The first bus leaves at 10:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, KS, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
10:15am
LATEST BUS
11:45pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Kansas City, KS 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, 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
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Chicago, IL
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to Kansas City, KS leave from 4 stations in Chicago, IL.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
- 3501 S California Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Kansas City?
Main arrival station: 47Th Street Transit Center
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Kansas City, KS.
All bus stations in Kansas City:
- 47Th Street Transit Center
- 4753 Parallel Pkwy
Need a return trip from Kansas City to Chicago?
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