Wanderu Logo
United States flag
$
Log in
background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Indianapolis to Chicago bus

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

Indianapolis - Chicago Bus Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Bus Trip Information: Indianapolis to Chicago

There are 27 intercity buses per day from Indianapolis to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Indianapolis to Chicago usually takes around 4 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 20 minutes.

Distance165 mi (265 km)
Shortest duration3h 20m
Cheapest price$30.99
Trips per day21
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines5

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Indianapolis to Chicago

(Based on 47 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Lily

November 28, 2022- Visiting family

OurBus

Pros: Amazing! Definitely will take it again! Tips: There is a service fee!

5.0

Gabriella

November 26, 2022- Visiting family

OurBus

Pros: Very spacious and comfortable, smooth trip and on time! Cons: Free wifi. Tips: Be respectful of the people around you, don't leave trash and keep phone calls quiet!

4.0

Paul

November 24, 2022- Regular commuter

OurBus

Pros: Smooth run no heavy traffic. Cons: Stickers were different from what the e ticket showed golden instead of ourbus. Tips: N/A.

5.0

Judith

September 17, 2022- Solo travel

OurBus

Pros: I was very impressed that the bus was exactly on time or a few minutes early throughout the entire trip! Cons: A large sign up front with the INTERNET PASSWORD! Tips: Be on time! Bring Kleenex as the toilet paper had run out b4 the end of the trip. WiFi worked but not all of the time: bring a book.

5.0

Kadek

July 14, 2022- Vacation

OurBus

Pros: Everything was so good , our road view nice , no traffic jam, and most important our driver was so nice (girl driver). Cons: wifi bit slow.

Indianapolis to Chicago Route Map

Indianapolis Chicago
See more details

How much is a bus ticket from Indianapolis to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Indianapolis to Chicago cost $41.65 on average. Tickets cheaper than $41.65 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20NovDec

Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Indianapolis to Chicago is expected to be between $38 and $49. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is December 4, 2023, when tickets are available for December 4, 2023. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $38.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND
Taking the bus from Indianapolis to Chicago is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only $36. If you're planning to take the bus from Indianapolis to Chicago during May, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $45. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

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 25 days in advance to save up to $16.24.

What bus companies travel from Indianapolis to Chicago?

There are 5 bus lines from Indianapolis to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 16 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway14h 5m$40.00
Barons Bus Lines211h 8m$87.08
Burlington Trailways114h 20m$134.35
FlixBus US73h 34m$42.53
Greyhound164h 3m$42.61

  • Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Indianapolis to Chicago start at $40. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago from $75. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Indianapolis, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from 350 S Illinois St . In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago takes 11 hours and 8 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 3 hours and 20 minutes .

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Chicago.

  • Book Burlington Trailways from Indianapolis to Chicago from $130. Typically there is one Burlington Trailways schedule per day from Indianapolis to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Chicago. In Indianapolis, Burlington Trailways departs to Chicago from 350 S Illinois St . In Chicago, Burlington Trailways arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .

    An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Indianapolis to Chicago takes 14 hours and 20 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Chicago in 3 hours and 20 minutes .

    On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.

  • 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 7 trips per day from Indianapolis to Chicago, 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 16 bus trips from Indianapolis to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $31.

Frequently Asked Questions

An average train ticket from Indianapolis to Chicago costs around $41. The only Amtrak line that covers this route is the Amtrak Cardinal, with a typical travel time of about 5 hours.
The best way to get from Indianapolis to Chicago is by bus. Costing as little as $4.99 per ticket, the bus is both less expensive and usually faster than the train. A flight is technically faster, but with an average cost between $170 and $250 for a nonstop ticket and the additional time required for security, it’s probably not worth it.
Indianapolis to Chicago is a reasonable day-trip if you’re ready for a long day. The fastest bus takes around 3 hours 15 minutes. With over 35 daily buses going in each direction, however, you can arrive in Chicago as early as 6:55 a.m. and leave as late as 11:59 p.m., giving you plenty of time to explore Chicago.

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 33 minutes to cover the 165 miles from Indianapolis to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 20 minutes. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.

The first bus leaves at 1:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Indianapolis to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 27 scheduled buses that travel from Indianapolis to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 21 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Indianapolis to Chicago; ticket prices start at $23.00.

City Information

Indianapolis

Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.

Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.

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 Indianapolis?

Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Union Station (350 S Illinois St) - INDAMT-0

Image credit: Panoramio upload bot

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 350 S Illinois St

Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.

All bus stations in Indianapolis:

  • 350 S Illinois St

  • E Washington St

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses arrive in Chicago at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

  • Chicago Train Station Bus Stop

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Chicago by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Chicago to Indianapolis?

Search Bus Tickets

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android