Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Ann Arbor
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Bus from Chicago to Ann Arbor: 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 6 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 55 minutes.
| Distance | 201 mi (324 km) |
| Shortest duration | 3h 55m |
| Cheapest price | $30.98 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Chicago to Ann Arbor Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Ann Arbor?
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Chicago to Ann Arbor.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$53.19Cheaper | Avg. Price$91.23 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration6h 52m | Duration6h 46mFaster |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Ann Arbor (Based on 19 ratings and reviews)
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November 26, 2019 - Solo travel
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There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Ann Arbor:
- FlixBus US: 3 daily buses from $32
- Greyhound: 4 daily buses from $31
- Amtrak Thruway: 1 daily bus from $39
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Ann Arbor?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Ann Arbor cost $38.31 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 Ann Arbor by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Ann Arbor in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $32 to $59. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 16, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Ann Arbor this week, bus tickets are available starting at $36.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Ann Arbor by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Ann Arbor is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $44. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Ann Arbor during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $56. 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 $28.85 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Ann Arbor, including FlixBus US, Greyhound, Amtrak Thruway. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 3 | 7h 58m | $56.58 |
| Greyhound | 4 | 5h 59m | $50.44 |
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 4h 41m | $39.00 |
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 Ann Arbor, and the average ticket for this route costs only $56.58.
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 4 bus trips from Chicago to Ann Arbor every day, with the average journey taking around 5 hours and 59 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Ann Arbor usually start from $30.98.
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 Ann Arbor start at $39. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus 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.
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.
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.
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 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. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Ann Arbor; ticket prices start at $39.
TRIPS PER DAY
7
DIRECT TRIPS
3
The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 52 minutes to cover the 201 miles from Chicago to Ann Arbor. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 55 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)
201
DISTANCE (KM)
324
The first bus leaves at 5:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:35pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Ann Arbor, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
5:15am
LATEST BUS
11:35pm
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Ann Arbor 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, 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
Sunday
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.
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: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to Ann Arbor leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Union Station
Where does the bus arrive in Ann Arbor?
Main arrival station: 325 Depot Street - Transit Station
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Ann Arbor.
All bus stations in Ann Arbor:
- 325 Depot Street - Transit Station
- 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station
Need a return trip from Ann Arbor to Chicago?
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