Cheap bus tickets from Indianapolis to Chicago

Indianapolis to Chicago Route Map

There are several bus options that can take you from Indianapolis to Chicago:

• FlixBus US: 10 daily buses from $30
• Greyhound: 9 daily buses from $30
• Barons Bus Lines: 2 daily buses from $86
• Amtrak Thruway: 2 daily buses from $53
• Jefferson Lines: 1 daily bus from $179

What bus companies travel from Indianapolis to Chicago?

There are multiple buses that travel from Indianapolis to Chicago, including FlixBus US, Greyhound, Barons Bus Lines, Amtrak Thruway. Here is what you should know about the 5 most popular bus lines:

• FlixBus US

  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 10 trips per day from Indianapolis to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $47.18.

  
• Greyhound

  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 9 bus trips from Indianapolis to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 16 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $29.98.

  
• Barons Bus Lines

  Book Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago from $86. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $109.49 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 12 hours and 25 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 11 hours and 45 minutes.

  On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $86 for a weekend trip to Chicago.

• Amtrak Thruway

  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 $53. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

• Jefferson Lines

  Book Jefferson Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago from $179. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Indianapolis to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $179 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Indianapolis, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from 350 S Illinois St. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.

  An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Indianapolis to Chicago takes 16 hours and 35 minutes.

  On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $179 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.

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?

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
• Indianapolis (W Vermont St)

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

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
• Union Station