Deutschland
España
France
Italia
México
Nederland
United Kingdom
Cheap bus tickets from Louisville to Chicago
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Louisville to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 20 intercity buses per day from Louisville to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Louisville to Chicago usually takes around 7 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 55 minutes.
- Distance
- 269 mi (433 km)
- Shortest duration
- 4h 55m
- Cheapest price
- CHF 32.55
- Trips per day
- 20
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 4
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 400+ 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.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Louisville to Chicago Bus Schedule
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Louisville to Chicago (Based on 11 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
There are several bus options that can take you from Louisville to Chicago:
- Amtrak Thruway: 2 daily buses from CHF 68
- Barons Bus Lines: 2 daily buses from CHF 116
- FlixBus US: 4 daily buses from CHF 33
- Greyhound: 13 daily buses from CHF 33
How much is a bus ticket from Louisville to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Louisville to Chicago cost about CHF 54 when you book at the cheapest time, 7 days ahead. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. 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 Louisville to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Louisville to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CHF 52 to CHF 86. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 17, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at CHF 52.
Average bus ticket prices from Louisville to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Louisville to Chicago is usually cheapest in February, when the average ticket price is only CHF 56. If you're planning to take the bus from Louisville to Chicago during May, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 67. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 7 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CHF 24.23 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Louisville to Chicago?
There are 4 bus lines from Louisville to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 13 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:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 2 | 6h 39m | CHF 68.48 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 15h 25m | CHF 131.95 |
| FlixBus US | 4 | 6h 37m | CHF 54.84 |
| Greyhound | 13 | 7h 5m | CHF 54.61 |
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 Louisville to Chicago start at CHF 68.48. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Barons Bus Lines is a ground transportation company that serves various cities across the Midwest. The company follows through on its slogan of “ride like royalty” with a fleet of modern coaches boasting enhanced amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, ADA accessible steps, and spacious bathrooms. With a reputation for skilled drivers, top-notch safety, and stellar customer service, it's no wonder Barons Bus won the 2022 Wanderu Passengers' Choice Award for #1 Business Travelers' Favorite.
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 Louisville to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only CHF 54.84.
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 13 bus trips from Louisville to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 7 hours and 5 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from CHF 32.55.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Louisville to Chicago
There are 20 scheduled buses that travel from Louisville to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 15 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.
Trips per day
20
Direct trips
15
The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 40 minutes to cover the 269 miles from Louisville to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 55 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.
Distance (mi)
269
Distance (km)
433
The first bus leaves at 2:00 AM and the last bus leaves at 8:00 PM. To see the times for all buses from Louisville to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
2:00am
Latest bus
8:00pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Louisville to Chicago for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, 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.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
Louisville
A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.
Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.
The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.
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 Louisville?
Main departure station: Louisville Bus Station
The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.
All bus stations in Louisville:
- Louisville Bus Station
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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Louisville?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Louisville
Continue by bus from Chicago
- Chicago, IL to Washington DC BusCHF 79+
- Chicago to Galena Bus
- Chicago to Louisville BusCHF 49+
- Chicago to Detroit BusCHF 43+
- Chicago to Minneapolis BusCHF 96+
- Chicago to New York BusCHF 125+
- Chicago to Philadelphia BusCHF 106+
- Chicago to Green Bay BusCHF 33+
- Chicago to Wausau BusCHF 33+
- Chicago to Champaign BusCHF 39+
- Chicago to Indianapolis BusCHF 41+
- Chicago to Ann Arbor BusCHF 40+
- Chicago to Kalamazoo BusCHF 27+
- Chicago to St Louis BusCHF 52+
- Chicago to Toledo BusCHF 37+
- Chicago to Nashville BusCHF 72+
- Chicago to Milwaukee BusCHF 17+
Check out these popular routes
- Edmonton to Calgary BusCHF 21+
- Washington DC to New York, NY BusCHF 33+
- Atlanta to New York BusCHF 108+
- Ithaca to New York BusCHF 46+
- New York, NY to Washington DC BusCHF 38+
- New York to Boston BusCHF 42+
- New York to Philadelphia BusCHF 27+
- Philadelphia to Brooklyn Bus
- Providence to New York BusCHF 34+
- Toronto to Ottawa BusCHF 28+
- Washington DC to Philadelphia, PA BusCHF 26+
- Boston to New York BusCHF 40+
- New York to Montreal BusCHF 74+
- New York to Atlanta BusCHF 106+
- New York to Ithaca BusCHF 45+
- New York to Providence BusCHF 34+
- Philadelphia to New York BusCHF 24+
- Madison to Chicago BusCHF 34+
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.