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Buses from Chicago to Ann Arbor

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Chicago - Ann Arbor Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 7 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Ann Arbor. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Ann Arbor usually takes around 5 hours and 46 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance201 mi (324 km)
Shortest duration4h 10m
Cheapest price$23.99
Trips per day4
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines4

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Chicago to Ann Arbor

(Based on 14 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Shasha

July 25, 2021

Greyhound

I enjoyed my trip visiting friends in Ann Arbor. Bus was on time and seats were spacious.

I enjoyed my trip visiting friends in Ann Arbor. Bus was on time and seats were spacious.

4.0

Lidya

March 8, 2020- Solo travel

Megabus

Pros: The driver, Mr. Kraus I think, was very friendly and tried his best when the bus experienced a flat tire. Cons: No electrical outlet and no wifi I think.

Pros: The driver, Mr. Kraus I think, was very friendly and tried his best when the bus experienced a flat tire. Cons: No electrical outlet and no wifi I think.

5.0

Carol

February 23, 2020- Visiting family

Greyhound

I was returning home for a family funeral and was tired and sad. The trip was so comfortable and peaceful, it was a really healing experience.

I was returning home for a family funeral and was tired and sad. The trip was so comfortable and peaceful, it was a really healing experience.

5.0

Maria

January 19, 2020- Vacation

Megabus

Pros: Very good, staff very helpful and frufndly. Cons: The terminal in Chicago was a parking lot and it was too cold to wait outside.

Pros: Very good, staff very helpful and frufndly. Cons: The terminal in Chicago was a parking lot and it was too cold to wait outside.

4.0

Ananya

January 4, 2020- Visiting friends

Greyhound

Pros: On time, there was one stop which was good and trip was smooth. Cons: Wifi was not working and the seat space is not good. Tips: Would recommend this for shorter distances.

Pros: On time, there was one stop which was good and trip was smooth. Cons: Wifi was not working and the seat space is not good. Tips: Would recommend this for shorter distances.

Buses from Chicago to Ann Arbor

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How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Ann Arbor?

$27.58 is the average price of a bus ticket from Chicago to Ann Arbor. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15JulJul

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Chicago to Ann Arbor is expected to range from $31 to $42. If you are looking to travel to Ann Arbor within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $31. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $31 and can be found on July 12, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10ASONDJFMAMJJ

The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in May. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $30 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $33 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 27 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $22.74 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor?

There are 4 bus lines from Chicago to Ann Arbor available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. Greyhound offers the most choice in regards to departure times, with a couple of different times on its daily bus schedule.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Barons Bus Lines16h 40m$58.00
FlixBus US24h 16m$32.01
Greyhound25h 16m$35.12
Miller Transportation214h 4m$39.72
  • Barons Bus Lines

    Barons Bus Lines

    Barons Bus Lines is a ground transportation company that serves various cities across the Midwest. The company follows through on its slogan of "ride like royalty" with a fleet of modern coaches boasting enhanced amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, ADA accessible steps, and spacious bathrooms. With a reputation for skilled drivers, top-notch safety, and stellar customer service, it's no wonder Barons Bus won the 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for #1 Business Travelers' Favorite.

  • FlixBus US

    FlixBus US

    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 2 trips per day from Chicago to Ann Arbor, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    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 2 bus trips from Chicago to Ann Arbor every day, with the average journey taking around 5 hours and 16 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Ann Arbor usually start from $24.

  • Miller Transportation

    Miller Transportation

    Miller Transportation, through its popular bus service Hoosier Ride, connects a number of cities across six states in the Midwest via intercity bus travel. Miller buses keep you connected throughout your journey with free WiFi and power outlets on board. The carrier is consistently rated well for on-time bus arrivals. The trip from Chicago to Ann Arbor usually lasts 14 hours and 4 minutes on Miller Transportation, and ticket prices start at $26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there direct buses from Chicago to Ann Arbor?

Of the 12 daily routes between Chicago and Ann Arbor, Michigan, 6 are direct buses that do not require a transfer or have out-of-the-way stops. Megabus and Greyhound both have direct service between the two cities, which will get you to Ann Arbor in as fast as 4 hours and 20 minutes.

What is the best way to travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor?

Traveling by bus is likely the best way to get from Chicago to Ann Arbor. There are 12 buses that cover this route per day, versus only 4 train lines, meaning you have more options to fit to your schedule.

Bus tickets are also cheaper, costing about $23 on average, whereas train tickets are closer to $40. Amtrak has a slight advantage when it comes to travel time — the fastest train between Chicago and Ann Arbor gets there about 15 minutes quicker than the fastest bus — but in most other ways, bus comes out on top.

Flights are also an option, with nonstop flights taking about an hour and 15 minutes. That said, the tickets are expensive, and start at north of $150.

Is Chicago to Ann Arbor a good day-trip?

Since the shortest bus duration is 4 hours, a day-trip from Chicago to Ann Arbor is not ideal. Even with the first bus departing at 6:00 a.m., it would not give you enough time to really explore Ann Arbor. With the last bus departing at 8:00 p.m. it’s theoretically possible, but you’d be in store for a very tiring day. If you’re interested in visiting Ann Arbor, you’re better off making it a weekend trip.

Is it safe to travel by bus from Chicago to Ann Arbor during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the bus ride from Chicago to Ann Arbor?

The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 46 minutes to cover the 201 miles from Chicago to Ann Arbor. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 10 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.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

Because many passengers travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Chicago?

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Ann Arbor, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many buses are there each day?

There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor 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.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Ann Arbor; ticket prices start at $40.00.

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.

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a quirky city filled with interesting secrets for curious travelers. The first thing to do in Ann Arbor is to check out its crown jewel, the University of Michigan. Boasting as many as 30 libraries and more than 16 museums, the university will fulfill every culturally-inclined traveler’s desires with ease. Nature lovers who enjoy a breath of fresh air should consider hopping on the Huron River Water Trail, which offers plenty of opportunities for paddling. Also don’t miss out on a show at the famous Michigan Theater, which offers retro shows and live acts.

Travelers can enjoy an authentic Ann Arbor culinary experience at Kerrytown, a historic quarter in the city. Located there are the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, as well as Zingerman’s Deli, both of which are local favorites.

The Amtrak station at 325 Depot St serves as the city’s main hub for both bus and train travel. From the station you can catch a bus or train to various cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and beyond. Ann Arbor is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses to Ann Arbor leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Canal St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

Where does the bus arrive in Ann Arbor?

325 Depot St - Amtrak Station - ARBAMT-0

Image credit: jpmueller99

Link to image attribution
325 Depot St - Amtrak Station - ARBAMT-1

Image credit: Adam Moss

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station

The Ann Arbor Amtrak Station is located in the downtown area of Ann Arbor at 325 Depot St and handles most of the city’s rail transportation. The station is served by the Wolverine line, which runs from Pontiac to Chicago three times each day. Intercity bus service from Barons Bus Lines, Miller Transportation, and Greyhound also stop at the Depot St station. Metered parking is available on-site, and the station building includes public restrooms and a convenient taxi stand. Several restaurants are in the surrounding area, and if you have time to kill before your train, take a short walk to the scenic Broadway Park along Huron River.

All bus stations in Ann Arbor:

  • 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station

  • 325 Depot Street - Transit Station

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