Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Louisville
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Bus from Chicago to Louisville: Journey Information
There are 17 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Louisville. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Louisville usually takes around 7 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 269 mi (433 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $35.98 |
| Trips per day | 12 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 4 |
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Chicago to Louisville Bus Schedule
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Louisville (Based on 10 ratings and reviews)
5.0
January 4, 2023 - Regular commuter
Miller Transportation5.0
4.0
4.0
July 16, 2021 - Visiting family
Miller TransportationThere are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Louisville:
- Greyhound: 9 daily buses from $36
- FlixBus US: 5 daily buses from $36
- Barons Bus Lines: 3 daily buses from $139
- Amtrak Thruway: 2 daily buses from $82
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Louisville?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Louisville cost $65.95 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 to Louisville by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Louisville in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $54 to $89. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 19, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Louisville this week, bus tickets are available starting at $58.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Louisville by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Louisville is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $59. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Louisville during July, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $71. 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 16 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $28.45 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Louisville?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Louisville, including Greyhound, FlixBus US, Barons Bus Lines, Amtrak Thruway. Here is what you should know about the 4 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 9 | 6h 53m | $71.57 |
| FlixBus US | 5 | 6h 59m | $67.51 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 3 | 15h 36m | $154.48 |
| Amtrak Thruway | 2 | 6h 45m | $82.00 |
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 9 bus trips from Chicago to Louisville every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 53 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Louisville usually start from $35.97.
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 5 trips per day from Chicago to Louisville, and the average ticket for this route costs only $67.51.
Book Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Louisville from $139. There are 3 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Louisville and you can expect on average to pay $154.48 for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Louisville. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines departs to Louisville from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In Louisville, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Louisville Bus Station.
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Chicago to Louisville takes 15 hours and 36 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Louisville in 13 hours and 55 minutes.
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $139 for a weekend trip to Louisville.
Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Chicago to Louisville start at $82. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Louisville
There are 17 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Louisville every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 12 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 Louisville; ticket prices start at $79.
TRIPS PER DAY
17
DIRECT TRIPS
12
The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 51 minutes to cover the 269 miles from Chicago to Louisville. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 45 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)
269
DISTANCE (KM)
433
The first bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Louisville, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Chicago to Louisville for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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
Friday
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.
Louisville
A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.
Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.
The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Louisville leave from 4 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Union Station
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Louisville?
Main arrival station: Louisville Bus Station
The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.
All bus stations in Louisville:
- Louisville Bus Station
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