Cheap bus tickets from Chicago to Knoxville
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Chicago to Knoxville Bus Schedule
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 19 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 455 mi (732 km) |
| Shortest duration | 15h 30m |
| Cheapest price | TRY 3,198.87 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Knoxville?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Knoxville cost TRY 4,247.76 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 Knoxville. 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 TRY 3,958 to TRY 7,327. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 18, 2025.
If you’re looking to travel to Knoxville this week, bus tickets are available starting at TRY 4,042.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 19 days in advance to save up to TRY 4,173.23.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Knoxville?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Knoxville that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 20h 50m | TRY 6,876.92 |
| Greyhound | 4 | 19h 48m | TRY 4,846.94 |
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 4 trips per day from Chicago to Knoxville, 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 4 bus trips from Chicago to Knoxville every day, with the average journey taking around 19 hours and 48 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Knoxville usually start from TRY 3,199.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Chicago to Knoxville
The bus takes an average of 19 hours and 55 minutes to cover the 455 miles from Chicago to Knoxville. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours and 30 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.
With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, 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 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Knoxville, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
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?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Knoxville leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
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 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
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