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Journey Information
There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Lincoln. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Lincoln usually takes around 13 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Burlington Trailways bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 475 mi (764 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $128.00 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Lincoln?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Lincoln cost $128.00 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 Lincoln. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly avg. prices
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 10 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $20.36 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Lincoln?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Chicago to Lincoln. Burlington Trailways 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 2 | 13h 29m | $134.97 |
Book Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Lincoln from $128. There are 2 trips per day offered by Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Lincoln and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Lincoln. In Chicago, Burlington Trailways departs to Lincoln from Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St . In Lincoln, Burlington Trailways arrives at 5250 Superior St .
An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Chicago to Lincoln takes 13 hours and 29 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Lincoln in 11 hours and 15 minutes .
On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Lincoln.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 13 hours and 29 minutes to cover the 475 miles from Chicago to Lincoln. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 15 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.
Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Lincoln. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.
The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00am. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Lincoln, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago to Lincoln. 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 to Lincoln; ticket prices start at $49.00.
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.
Lincoln
Image credit: Unsplash
Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska and is known as Nebraska's political hub, culture center, and foodie haven. It's home to the Nebraska State Capitol, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and other historical attractions.
The Sunken Gardens is a top place to visit for outdoor fun, with lily ponds, themed gardens, and sculptures. Young families will enjoy visiting the Lincoln Children's Zoo, offering a zoo train and up-close animal encounters. On the University of Nebraska Campus, art lovers can check the Sheldon Museum of Art for its notable sculpture garden and American art collection.
As the capital of Nebraska, Lincoln is bustling with nightlife and many fun things to do. You can participate in different activities, from the Lincoln Escape Room and Zoo Bar to the Bourbon Theater and James Arthur Vineyards. The craft beer scene in Lincoln is bustling with taprooms, breweries, and bars. Zipline Brewing Co is one of the city's most popular craft artisan lagers and ales.
Amtrak provides train service to the city, while Jefferson Lines and Burlington Trailways offer buses. StarTran provides citywide transportation to those in Lincoln.
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 Lincoln?
Main arrival station: 5250 Superior St
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Lincoln.
All bus stations in Lincoln:
5250 Superior St
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