Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Rochester
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Chicago to Rochester Bus Schedule
Bus from Chicago to Rochester: Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Rochester. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Rochester usually takes around 17 hours and 26 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 | DKK 819.29 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Rochester?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Rochester cost DKK 819.29 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. 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 Rochester by month
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Rochester?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Rochester. Jefferson Lines is the one bus line that serves this route. Although it's the sole option, there are a couple of different scheduled times to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 17h 26m | DKK 1,089.06 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Rochester from DKK 819. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Rochester and you can expect on average to pay for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Rochester. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines departs to Rochester from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In Rochester, Jefferson Lines arrives at Rochester Fuel Stop .
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Rochester takes 17 hours and 26 minutes , while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Rochester in 15 hours and 45 minutes .
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Rochester.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Rochester
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 286 miles from Chicago to Rochester. 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.
Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, 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.
The first bus leaves at 12:00pm and the last bus leaves at 9:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Rochester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago to Rochester. However, neither bus offers direct service, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to transfer buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago, IL to Rochester, MN; ticket prices start at DKK 439.14.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Most buses depart from the main station in Chicago.
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 arrive at one main station in Rochester.
All bus stations in Rochester:
Rochester Fuel Stop
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