Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Kansas City
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago to Kansas City: Journey Information
There are 13 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Kansas City. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Kansas City usually takes around 15 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 10 hours.
- Distance
- 412 mi (664 km)
- Shortest duration
- 10h
- Cheapest price
- NOK 575.77
- Trips per day
- 13
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 3
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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 | Avg. PriceNOK 966.54Cheaper | Avg. PriceNOK 1,136.34 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips13 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration15h 20m | Duration12h 23mFaster |

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Chicago to Kansas City (Based on 6 ratings and reviews)
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Kansas City:
- FlixBus US: 5 daily buses from NOK 562
- Greyhound: 7 daily buses from NOK 528
- Jefferson Lines: 2 daily buses from NOK 850
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Kansas City?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Kansas City cost about NOK 812 when you book at the cheapest time, 27 days ahead. 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
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 NOK 623 to NOK 1,095. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 5, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Kansas City this week, bus tickets are available starting at NOK 727.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Kansas City by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Kansas City is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only NOK 812. 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 NOK 973. 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 27 days in advance. This way, you can save up to NOK 531.67 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Kansas City?
There are 3 bus lines from Chicago to Kansas City available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 7 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 5 | 12h 56m | NOK 962.11 |
| Greyhound | 7 | 18h 2m | NOK 998.11 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 12h 51m | NOK 877.59 |
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 NOK 962.11.






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 Kansas City every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Kansas City usually start from NOK 528.46.






Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity bus company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest bus service providers, Jefferson Lines is beloved by students, commuters, and vacationers in America’s heartland. Travel with Jefferson Lines is comfortable thanks to reclining seats, individual climate controls, restrooms, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their bus tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Chicago to Kansas City with ticket prices as low as NOK 849.91.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Kansas City
There are 13 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 NOK 595.
Trips per day
13
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 20 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 12:15 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:40 PM. 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
11:40pm
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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Sunday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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.
Kansas City



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 Art, 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

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

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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