Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Kansas City

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Bus from Chicago to Kansas City: Journey Information

There are 12 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Kansas City. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Kansas City usually takes around 15 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 10 hours,

Distance
412 mi (664 km)
Shortest duration
10h
Cheapest price
$55.96
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
3

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Chiku

Chicago to Kansas City Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Chicago to Kansas City?

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Chicago to Kansas City.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$108.56CheaperAvg. Price$137.17
Daily Trips12Daily Trips5
Duration15h 32mDuration12h 56mFaster
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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Chicago to Kansas City (Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.3

2.0

Nikita

June 2, 2019 - Visiting friends

Greyhound
Pros: nothing Cons: Long delay in arriving

How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Kansas City?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Kansas City cost $73.04 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Kansas City by travel date

$105$70$35AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Kansas City in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $64 to $91. 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 Kansas City this week, bus tickets are available starting at $71.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Kansas City by month

$100$80$60$40$20JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Chicago to Kansas City is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $76. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Kansas City during June, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $100. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$175$140$105$70$3501020

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 27 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $83.61 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Kansas City?

There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Kansas City, including FlixBus US, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US512h 55m$102.94
Greyhound518h 20m$117.97
Jefferson Lines212h 44m$90.00
  • 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 5 trips per day from Chicago to Kansas City, and the average ticket for this route costs only $102.94.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • 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 5 bus trips from Chicago to Kansas City every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 20 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Kansas City usually start from $55.96.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu
  • Book Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Kansas City from $90. There are 2 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Kansas City and you can expect on average to pay $90 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Kansas City. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines departs to Kansas City from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St. In Kansas City, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave.

    An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Chicago to Kansas City takes 12 hours and 44 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Kansas City in 10 hours and 0 minutes.

    On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $90 for a weekend trip to Kansas City.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Kansas City

There are 12 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Kansas City every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Chicago to Kansas City; ticket prices start at $64.

TRIPS PER DAY

12

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 32 minutes to cover the 412 miles from Chicago to Kansas City. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours. 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)

412

DISTANCE (KM)

664

The first bus leaves at 12:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Kansas City, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

12:15am

LATEST BUS

11:45pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Kansas City 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, 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

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Tuesday

City Information

Chicago

CHI-0CHI-1CHI-2

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.

Kansas City

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Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.

Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.

Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Buses to Kansas City leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
  • Dan Ryan Bus Station
  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

Where does the bus arrive in Kansas City?

Main arrival station: Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave

Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave  - KCYGLI-0

Located on Troost Avenue, the Bus Terminal provides intercity bus service from Kansas City on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Amtrak Thruway buses. Popular routes from this station travel to cities such as Columbia, Chicago, and Wichita. The lounge inside the station includes seating, restrooms, and a cell phone charging station to help you stay connected during your trip. Several public transit options depart from nearby 12th St, so it’s easy to travel throughout Kansas City from the bus terminal.

All bus stations in Kansas City:

  • Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave

Need a return trip from Kansas City to Chicago?

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