Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN
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Bus from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN. Traveling by bus from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN usually takes around 20 hours and 13 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 286 mi (461 km) |
| Shortest duration | 15h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $168.00 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |
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Chicago to Rochester Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Rochester:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN cost $168.00 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 Rochester, MN. 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 Rochester, MN by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $147 to $175. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 13, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Rochester, MN this week, bus tickets are available starting at $168.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN by month
Taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN is usually cheapest in July, when the average ticket price is only $164. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $176. 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 10 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $11.00 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Rochester?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Rochester, including Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 20h 13m | $174.21 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN from $168. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN and you can expect on average to pay $174.21 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Rochester, MN. In Chicago, IL, Jefferson Lines departs to Rochester, MN from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In Rochester, MN, Jefferson Lines arrives at Rochester Fuel Stop.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN takes 20 hours and 13 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Rochester, MN in 15 hours and 45 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 3 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $168 for a weekend trip to Rochester, MN.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Rochester
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 20 hours and 13 minutes to cover the 286 miles from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 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)
286
DISTANCE (KM)
461
The first bus leaves at 12:00pm and the last bus leaves at 9:15pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:00pm
LATEST BUS
9:15pm
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Rochester, MN, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Wednesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Most buses depart from the main station in Chicago, IL.
All bus stations in Chicago:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Where does the bus arrive in Rochester?
Main arrival station: Rochester Fuel Stop
All buses from Chicago, IL arrive at one main station in Rochester, MN.
All bus stations in Rochester:
- Rochester Fuel Stop
Need a return trip from Rochester to Chicago?
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