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Bloomington to Chicago bus

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Bloomington - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 4 intercity buses per day from Bloomington to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Bloomington to Chicago usually takes around 5 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance196 mi (316 km)
Shortest duration4h 50m
Cheapest price$30.99
Trips per day4
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Bloomington to Chicago

(Based on 13 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

hui

February 12, 2024- Solo travel

FlixBus US

Pros: i love it! Cons: everything is great! Tips: get the bus on time.

5.0

Hari

November 12, 2022- Solo travel

Miller Transportation

Pros: nothing special. Cons: driver was very rude.

5.0

Emily

August 24, 2022- Visiting friends

Miller Transportation

Pros: Bus was in great condition. Buss picked up on time and arrived on time. Cons: The rest room was ok, but could've been cleaner and more up to date.

4.0

Jared

July 7, 2019- Visiting family

Miller Transportation

Pros: For my trip from Bloomington, IN to Chicago, it was great. For my trip from Chicago to Bloomington, I had a driver who cursed and yelled at passengers. He threatened to call the cops on the entire bus and he threatened to kick us all off for no reason. I thought he was going to get violent. Cons: Fire staff who make customers feel unsafe. Reward those who do their job well.

4.0

Junyan

July 2, 2019- Business

Miller Transportation

legroom

How much is a bus ticket from Bloomington to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Bloomington to Chicago cost $31.49 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15MJJASONDJFMA
Bus tickets from Bloomington to Chicago are at their cheapest average price in May. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $43. On the other hand, traveling on this route during October might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for October trips cost $62, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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 22 days in advance to save up to $39.18.

What bus companies travel from Bloomington to Chicago?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Bloomington to Chicago. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US45h 5m$57.97
  • 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 Bloomington to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 4 minutes to cover the 196 miles from Bloomington to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 50 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago 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.

The first bus leaves at 7:00am and the last bus leaves at 3:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Bloomington to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Bloomington to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from Bloomington to Chicago without transferring.

City Information

Bloomington

The terrain and the university are two defining elements that have shaped this Indiana town and its residents. The hills, forests, and lakes provide a valuable and well-protected haven. Hardworking Hoosiers quarried and milled the limestone, which is then used to create spectacular buildings and sculptures around the state and country. Students and professors come to Indiana University from all over the world, bringing their ideas and goals to a community that welcomes everyone.

The lakes and parks are excellent in the summer, with perfect weather and a notable absence of students during Indiana University's summer break.

Dining in Bloomington is next-level thrilling because of the experience that local restaurants produce in unison with their cuisine and beverages – the unique character, friendly service, and attractive ambiance. It's simple to fill your stomach with excellent food, but it's not every day that you can fill your soul with a delicious experience. That makes Bloomington's culinary scene so unique: it's local, varied, and pleasantly satisfying.

To get to Bloomington, you can catch a bus from cities like Indianapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, and New York. The Central Illinois Regional Airport is only a few miles east of the city for air travel.

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 Bloomington?

Main departure station: 301 S Walnut St

Most buses depart from the main station in Bloomington.

All bus stations in Bloomington:

  • 301 S Walnut St

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station

Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

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