Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO: Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO. Traveling by bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO usually takes around 14 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 12 hours,
| Distance | 441 mi (711 km) |
| Shortest duration | 12h |
| Cheapest price | $87.97 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Chicago to Springfield Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Springfield:
- Greyhound: 5 daily buses from $88
- FlixBus US: 3 daily buses from $88
- Jefferson Lines: 2 daily buses from $179
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO cost $104.55 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 Springfield, MO. 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 Springfield, MO by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $102 to $212. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 3, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Springfield, MO this week, bus tickets are available starting at $117.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO by month
Taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $134. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $186. 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 21 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $151.98 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Springfield?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Springfield, including Greyhound, FlixBus US, Jefferson Lines. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 5 | 15h 8m | $216.08 |
| FlixBus US | 3 | 12h 14m | $214.85 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 19h 43m | $179.00 |
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, IL to Springfield, MO every day, with the average journey taking around 15 hours and 8 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Springfield, MO usually start from $88.46.
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, IL to Springfield, MO, and the average ticket for this route costs only $214.85.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Springfield
There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO 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.
TRIPS PER DAY
8
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 441 miles from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO. However, the fastest bus only takes 12 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)
441
DISTANCE (KM)
711
The first bus leaves at 12:15am and the last bus leaves at 11:45pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago, IL to Springfield, MO, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:15am
LATEST BUS
11:45pm
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.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Friday
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
Buses to Springfield, MO leave from 3 stations in Chicago, IL.
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 Springfield?
Main arrival station: Springfield (Arna's Food Mart), MO
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Springfield, MO.
All bus stations in Springfield:
- Springfield (Arna's Food Mart), MO
- 211 N Main Ave
Need a return trip from Springfield to Chicago?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Chicago
Continue by bus from Springfield
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.