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Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Rockford to Iowa City. Traveling by bus from Rockford to Iowa City usually takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 132 mi (213 km) |
| Shortest duration | 6h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $53.50 |
| Most frequent service | Burlington Trailways |
| Bus lines | 1 |
What bus companies travel from Rockford to Iowa City?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Rockford to Iowa City. Burlington Trailways is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burlington Trailways | 1 | 6h 20m | $53.50 |
As part of the Trailways network, Burlington Trailways offers intercity bus service across various states in the Midwest, plus stops in major cities like Chicago and Denver. Passengers love traveling on Trailways buses because of the high-end amenities onboard, including satellite TV, power outlets at every seat, and clean restrooms. Burlington Trailways is also known for the best free Wi-Fi and its helpful, friendly crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 20 minutes to cover the 132 miles from Rockford to Iowa City. 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.
There is usually only one bus per day from Rockford to Iowa City. It leaves the station in Rockford at 8:00am each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
City Information
Rockford
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located on the banks of the Rock River, Rockford is one of Illinois' best vacation destinations and the state's fourth-largest city. With its vast, green open spaces, golf courses, four rivers, and Rock Cut State Park, this city offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Rockford is often referred to as the City of Gardens, owing to its numerous beautifully-landscaped areas. The Anderson Japanese Gardens boasts the reputation of being one of the highest-quality Japanese gardens in North America, with picturesque water features and exotic plants; the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.
Head indoors to Rockford's museums on cooler days, including the Riverfront Museum Park and the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Finish the day with tickets for a show at the Coronado Performing Arts Centre and enjoy the atmospheric-style theatre and movie house's outstanding interior architecture.
Rockford is conveniently situated near three airports, Rockford International, Chicago O'Hare International, and Dane County Regional. Bus service runs from these airports and Union Station in Chicago to easily access the city. In addition, Amtrak Thruway buses connect Rockford to Amtrak's rail network, with destinations via train including Detroit, St. Louis, and even New York.
Iowa City
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
The old capital city of Iowa, Iowa City, is a historic area with plenty of quaint old buildings and beautiful landmarks. The most notable attraction is the Old Capitol Building in the middle of the University of Iowa's campus. The building's first floor is a museum dedicated to the state's history so that you can brush up on your Hawkeye State knowledge (we'll get you started: the Iowa state rock is the geode!). For more history and culture, hit up Plum Grove, the home of the first Governor of Iowa, and the University of Iowa Art Museum.
Thanks to its lively cultural scene, Iowa City's food scene is vibrant and diverse. One of the must-try establishments in the city is Short's Burger and Shine, which features a wide variety of burgers made from locally sourced meat. In addition, the Hamburg Inn No. 2 is an award-winning restaurant, with visitors including many past presidents.
Bus service to Iowa City arrives right downtown for easy access to Iowa City's highlights. Although there is a small municipal airport in Iowa City, most commercial flights will depart from nearby Cedar Rapids Airport or even from Des Moines, about 100 miles away.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Rockford?
Main departure station: E Side Tranfer Ctr
The East Side Transfer Center (commonly shortened to just "E Side") is a bus station in Rockford. While some refer to it as just a Greyhound station, the center also services Van Galder Bus and Burlington Trailways. Together, the three carriers provide service across the Midwest, including Chicago. Within the transfer center, you can find a waiting room, vending machines, and restrooms. There are also benches outside if you'd prefer to get some fresh air while waiting. If you have time to kill, there's also a Subway and Cracker Barrel for a more substantial meal. For overnight connections, there are a number of convenient hotels just across I90.
All bus stations in Rockford:
E Side Tranfer Ctr
Where does the bus arrive in Iowa City?
Main arrival station: Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
The Burlington Trailways Station in Iowa City is part of the Court St Transportation Center near downtown. Buses usually board outside the multi-story parking garage on Court Street. The station includes a large indoor waiting area with seating, restrooms, and even a charging station for your devices. You can walk to three hotels, a sushi restaurant, a Mexican restaurant, a Starbucks, and a bar in the immediate area, so you definitely won't have to travel hungry or thirsty. Greyhound and Burlington Trailways buses depart from this station and connect Iowa City to Des Moines, Chicago, Omaha, and more cities throughout the Midwest.
All bus stations in Iowa City:
Burlington Trailways Station - 170 E Court St
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