Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to St Paul
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Bus from Chicago to St Paul: Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Chicago to St Paul. Traveling by bus from Chicago to St Paul usually takes around 12 hours and 45 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 7 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 347 mi (558 km) |
| Shortest duration | 7h 45m |
| Cheapest price | $44.97 |
| Trips per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
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Chicago to St Paul Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to St Paul?
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to St Paul.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$116.60Cheaper | Avg. Price$180.20 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips14 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration12h 45m | Duration9h 1mFaster |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to St Paul (Based on 8 ratings and reviews)
5.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
July 27, 2023 - Couples trip
Amtrak Thruway5.0
July 24, 2021 - Vacation
Amtrak Thruway5.0
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to St Paul:
- Greyhound: 7 daily buses from $42
- Jefferson Lines: 5 daily buses from $168
- FlixBus US: 3 daily buses from $50
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to St Paul?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to St Paul cost $100.50 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 St Paul. 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 St Paul by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to St Paul in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $84 to $112. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 19, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to St Paul this week, bus tickets are available starting at $92.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to St Paul by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to St Paul is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $75. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to St Paul during August, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $89. 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 $32.88 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to St Paul?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to St Paul, including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 7 | 10h 40m | $94.74 |
| Jefferson Lines | 5 | 17h 38m | $174.58 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 11h 10m | $91.35 |
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 St Paul every day, with the average journey taking around 10 hours and 40 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to St Paul usually start from $42.47.
Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago to St Paul from $168. There are 5 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Chicago to St Paul and you can expect on average to pay $174.58 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to St Paul. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines departs to St Paul from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In St Paul, Jefferson Lines arrives at Union Depot.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago to St Paul takes 17 hours and 38 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to St Paul in 10 hours and 10 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 5 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $168 for a weekend trip to St Paul.
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 St Paul, and the average ticket for this route costs only $91.35.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to St Paul
There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to St Paul 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 St Paul; ticket prices start at $44.
TRIPS PER DAY
14
DIRECT TRIPS
4
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 45 minutes to cover the 347 miles from Chicago to St Paul. However, the fastest bus only takes 7 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)
347
DISTANCE (KM)
558
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 St Paul, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:30am
LATEST BUS
11:45pm
Because many passengers travel from Chicago to St Paul 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
St Paul
Saint Paul is the capital of Minnesota, and is one of the Twin Cities, along with its neighbor across the Mississippi River, Minneapolis. As the seat of Minnesota's government, Saint Paul offers historic and cultural attractions which represent both the state and the American Midwest as a whole.
For a comprehensive introduction to the region's history, start your trip at the Minnesota History Center, just down the street from the grounds of the State Capitol building. There are museums in Saint Paul for all types of interests, including the Science Museum of Minnesota and the Schubert Club Musical Instrument Museum. For an extra dash of Saint Paul history, take a stroll down Summit Avenue, a stylish street of drool-worthy Victorian houses and mansions, including the home of F. Scott Fitzgerald.
If you're brave enough to visit Saint Paul during the freezing winters, you'll be rewarded with the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, a yearly event where you can explore ice palaces, watch live ice sculpting, and compete in city-wide scavenger hunts. Saint Paul is also one of the country's best cities for craft beer, so save time to taste some local ales or even brew your own beer at Vine Park Brewing Co.
Saint Paul is a hub for travel in the Midwest thanks in part to Amtrak's Empire Builder train service which stops at Saint Paul Union Depot. Bus service from stations throughout town and nearby Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport make it easy to travel to and from this saintly city.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to St Paul 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 St Paul?
Main arrival station: Union Depot
Located right on the banks of the Mississippi River in Saint Paul’s Lowertown neighborhood, Union Depot has a remarkable history dating back to 1881. It remains the major transport hub of Saint Paul, as well as the designated station for Amtrak service in the Twin Cities. Besides the long-haul Empire Builder train, the station serves Jefferson Lines and Greyhound intercity buses and connects to local public transit. Within the Union Depot complex, you’ll find a coffee shop, restaurant, bike shop, rental car agency, and can even join a public tour to admire the architecture and learn about the station’s storied past.
All bus stations in St Paul:
- Union Depot
Need a return trip from St Paul to Chicago?
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