Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Rochester

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Bus from Chicago to Rochester: Journey Information

There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Rochester. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Rochester usually takes around 18 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 14 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance
518 mi (833 km)
Shortest duration
14h 40m
Cheapest price
$63.97
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
2

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Chicago to Rochester Bus Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Chicago to Rochester.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$122.56CheaperAvg. Price$133.06
Daily Trips4Daily Trips2
Duration18h 39mDuration11h 30mFaster
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How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Rochester?

Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Rochester cost $72.21 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 Rochester by travel date

$120$80$40AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Rochester in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $65 to $111. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 9, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Rochester this week, bus tickets are available starting at $82.

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Rochester by month

$150$120$90$60$30JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Chicago to Rochester is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $87. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Rochester during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $127. 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 28 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $81.78 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Rochester?

There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Rochester, including Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound218h 30m$120.88
FlixBus US218h 56m$125.70
  • 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 2 bus trips from Chicago to Rochester every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Rochester usually start from $62.97.

    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
  • 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 2 trips per day from Chicago to Rochester, and the average ticket for this route costs only $125.70.

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Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Rochester

There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Rochester 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 Rochester; ticket prices start at $94.

TRIPS PER DAY

4

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The bus takes an average of 18 hours and 39 minutes to cover the 518 miles from Chicago to Rochester. However, the fastest bus only takes 14 hours and 40 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)

518

DISTANCE (KM)

833

The first bus leaves at 10:15am and the last bus leaves at 7:40pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Rochester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

10:15am

LATEST BUS

7:40pm

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Rochester 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, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.

MOST CROWDED

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Thursday

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.

Rochester

Rochester, NYROC-1ROC-2

Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.

Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.

The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?

Main departure station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Buses to Rochester leave from 3 stations in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

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

Where does the bus arrive in Rochester?

Main arrival station: Rochester Bus Stop

All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Rochester.

All bus stations in Rochester:

  • Rochester Bus Stop

Need a return trip from Rochester to Chicago?

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