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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 16 intercity buses per day from Louisville to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Louisville to Chicago usually takes around 7 hours and 36 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
- NOK 340.42
- Trips per day
- 12
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 4
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Louisville to Chicago Bus Schedule
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Average score for buses from Louisville to Chicago (Based on 11 ratings and reviews)
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There are several bus options that can take you from Louisville to Chicago:
- Amtrak Thruway: 2 daily buses from NOK 776
- Barons Bus Lines: 2 daily buses from NOK 1,315
- FlixBus US: 4 daily buses from NOK 341
- Greyhound: 9 daily buses from NOK 340
How much is a bus ticket from Louisville to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Louisville to Chicago cost NOK 598.88 on average. 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 NOK 549 to NOK 757. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 29, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at NOK 549.
Average bus ticket prices from Louisville to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Louisville to Chicago is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only NOK 596. If you're planning to take the bus from Louisville to Chicago during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 738. 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 16 days in advance. This way, you can save up to NOK 317.71 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 9 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 | NOK 776.05 |
| Barons Bus Lines | 2 | 15h 25m | NOK 1,495.10 |
| FlixBus US | 4 | 6h 17m | NOK 608.49 |
| Greyhound | 9 | 7h 4m | NOK 640.07 |
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 NOK 776.05. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Book Barons Bus Lines from Louisville to Chicago from NOK 1,315.50. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Louisville to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay NOK 1,495.10 for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Louisville, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from Louisville Bus Station. In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.
An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Louisville to Chicago takes 15 hours and 25 minutes, while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 14 hours and 45 minutes.
On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs NOK 1,315.50 for a weekend 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 4 trips per day from Louisville to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only NOK 608.49.
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 Louisville to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 7 hours and 4 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from NOK 340.42.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Louisville to Chicago
There are 16 scheduled buses that travel from Louisville to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 12 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
16
Direct trips
12
The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 36 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 2:50am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Louisville to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
2:50am
Latest bus
8:00pm
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, 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
Tuesday
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
- Union Station
- Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Need a return trip from Chicago to Louisville?
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