Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Knoxville
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Bus from Chicago to Knoxville: Journey Information
There are 6 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Knoxville. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Knoxville usually takes around 18 hours and 36 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 455 mi (732 km) |
| Shortest duration | 15h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $83.46 |
| Trips per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Chicago to Knoxville Bus Schedule
There are several bus options that can take you from Chicago to Knoxville:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Knoxville?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Knoxville cost $93.97 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 Knoxville by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Chicago to Knoxville in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $94 to $130. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 10, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Knoxville this week, bus tickets are available starting at $97.
Average bus ticket prices from Chicago to Knoxville by month
Taking the bus from Chicago to Knoxville is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $103. If you're planning to take the bus from Chicago to Knoxville during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $164. 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 18 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $95.83 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Knoxville?
There are multiple buses that travel from Chicago to Knoxville, including Greyhound, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 4 | 18h 33m | $157.49 |
| FlixBus US | 2 | 19h 1m | $156.57 |
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 4 bus trips from Chicago to Knoxville every day, with the average journey taking around 18 hours and 33 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Knoxville usually start from $87.46.
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 2 trips per day from Chicago to Knoxville, and the average ticket for this route costs only $156.57.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Knoxville
There are 6 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Knoxville 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
6
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The bus takes an average of 18 hours and 36 minutes to cover the 455 miles from Chicago to Knoxville. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours and 20 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)
455
DISTANCE (KM)
732
The first bus leaves at 12:40am and the last bus leaves at 11:55pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Knoxville, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
12:40am
LATEST BUS
11:55pm
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
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: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses to Knoxville 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 Knoxville?
Main arrival station: Knoxville Bus Station
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Knoxville.
All bus stations in Knoxville:
- Knoxville Bus Station
Need a return trip from Knoxville to Chicago?
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