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Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Rochester

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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 1 daily train trips available from Chicago to Rochester.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
€104.64
Avg. Price
€104.86
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
2
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
22h 18m
Duration
11h 30m

Bus from Chicago to Rochester: Journey Information

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Rochester. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Rochester usually takes around 22 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 22 hours and 5 minutes.

Distance518 mi (833 km)
Shortest duration22h 5m
Cheapest price€56.88
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines2

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Price trends for buses from Chicago to Rochester

Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Rochester by month

€109€87€65€43€22DJFMAMJJASON

Prices as travel date approaches

€130€104€78€52€263020100

What bus companies travel from Chicago to Rochester?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Rochester that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US222h 19m€113.61
Greyhound123h 45m€62.41
  • 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 .

  • 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 1 bus trips from Chicago to Rochester every day, with the average journey taking around 23 hours and 45 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Rochester usually start from €59.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Rochester

The bus takes an average of 22 hours and 20 minutes to cover the 518 miles from Chicago to Rochester. However, the fastest bus only takes 22 hours and 5 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.

Because many passengers travel from Chicago to Rochester at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, 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.

The first bus leaves at 6:00pm and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Rochester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Chicago to Rochester. 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 Rochester; ticket prices start at €53.88.

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.

Rochester

Rochester, NY

Image credit: Ryan Hyde

Link to image attribution

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?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago has two bus stations with service to Rochester.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

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

Get around town with Moovit

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