Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Minneapolis
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Bus from Chicago to Minneapolis: Journey Information
There are 28 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Minneapolis. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Minneapolis usually takes around 14 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 355 mi (571 km) |
| Shortest duration | 8h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $43.97 |
| Trips per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Chicago to Minneapolis Bus Schedule
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Average score for buses from Chicago to Minneapolis (Based on 7 ratings and reviews)
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There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Minneapolis:
- Jefferson Lines: 17 daily buses from $60
- Greyhound: 7 daily buses from $44
- FlixBus US: 4 daily buses from $46
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Minneapolis?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Minneapolis cost $104.86 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Minneapolis in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $94 to $129. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 18, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Minneapolis this week, bus tickets are available starting at $101.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Minneapolis by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Minneapolis is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $86. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Minneapolis during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $116. 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 25 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $28.13 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Minneapolis?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Minneapolis, including Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 17 | 17h 45m | $144.04 |
| Greyhound | 7 | 11h 14m | $93.93 |
| FlixBus US | 4 | 11h 42m | $95.06 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Minneapolis from $60. There are 17 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Minneapolis and you can expect on average to pay $144.04 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Minneapolis. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines departs to Minneapolis from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In Minneapolis, Jefferson Lines arrives at University of Minnesota (Huron Blvd at 2428 Delaware St SE) and 3 other stations.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Minneapolis takes 17 hours and 45 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Minneapolis in 9 hours and 0 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 12 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $60 for a weekend trip to Minneapolis.
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 7 bus trips from Chicago to Minneapolis every day, with the average journey taking around 11 hours and 14 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Minneapolis usually start from $43.97.
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 4 trips per day from Chicago to Minneapolis, and the average ticket for this route costs only $95.06.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Minneapolis
Megabus has bus stops in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota. There are 3 Megabus trips from Chicago to Minneapolis per day, with an average cost of $30 per ticket.
Minneapolis is just a 26 mile (41.8 kilometer) drive eastward from the Wisconsin border.
The cheapest way to get from Chicago to Minneapolis is by bus. Bus tickets start at just $10, while train tickets average closer to $100 (and include at least one transfer).
There are 28 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Minneapolis every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 7 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
28
DIRECT TRIPS
7
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 355 miles from Chicago to Minneapolis. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 hours and 20 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)
355
DISTANCE (KM)
571
The first bus leaves at 12:30am and the last bus leaves at 11:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Minneapolis, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:30am
LATEST BUS
11:45pm
Because many passengers travel from Chicago to Minneapolis 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, Friday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
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.
Minneapolis
Situated along the bank of the Mississippi River in Minnesota, Minneapolis is one of the biggest and most exciting cities to visit in the Midwest. It is home to the Chain of Lakes, where you can swim, fish, boat and even bike or walk along the lakeside trails. It’s no wonder Minneapolis is among the top 10 cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities!
Although it's known as the City of Lakes, Minneapolis has a lot more to offer than gorgeous lakes, wetlands, and waterfalls. Shopaholics can spend days getting lost in the Mall of America, which boasts over 500 stores and an indoor theme park. If you're visiting Minneapolis on a romantic vacation, Minneapolis' bustling theater district offers excellent date nights from dozens of theater companies. Or, for a less musical and more brews-ical date option, head to one of 62 top-rated breweries in the #2 best city in America for craft beer.
Minneapolis can be visited in any season, but keep in mind that it becomes a frigid, snowy destination in the winter. January hovers around 0° Fahrenheit, but it's worth bundling up to enjoy the St. Paul Winter Carnival, or hockey and ice skating on any of the 13 lakes in the city. Have we mentioned how great the lakes are?
If you're visiting both of the Twin Cities, you can take public transport from downtown Minneapolis to Saint Paul in about 30 minutes. Public transit also connects downtown to the Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. Thanks to bus stations throughout Minneapolis, traveling by bus is the easiest way to arrive directly in the middle of the action and begin your adventure.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Minneapolis leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- 5800 N Cumberland Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Minneapolis?
Main arrival station: 516 2nd Ave North
Located in Central Minneapolis at 950 Hawthorne Ave, the Minneapolis Bus Station is a gateway to nearby cities throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. Greyhound and Jefferson Lines buses operate routes from this station to major cities such as Milwaukee or Chicago and beyond. From the Minneapolis Bus Station, it is a short 12-minute walk to Target Field Station where you can connect to light rail service throughout the city. Vending machines offer snacks or drinks within the station, or head one block south to Hennepin Ave for a variety of restaurant options for hungry travelers.
All bus stations in Minneapolis:
- 516 2nd Ave North
- University of Minnesota (Huron Blvd at 2428 Delaware St SE)
- Minneapolis-St Paul Airport
- 1 Veterans Drive
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