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Ann Arbor to Chicago bus

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Ann Arbor to Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 7 intercity buses per day from Ann Arbor to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Ann Arbor to Chicago usually takes around 6 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance201 mi (324 km)
Shortest duration4h 10m
Cheapest price$13.98
Trips per day4
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Ann Arbor to Chicago

(Based on 22 ratings and reviews)

4.3

4.0

Melissa

November 6, 2022- Visiting friends

Greyhound

There is not much leg room, so I would highly highly recommend packing light and tagging your bag so you have more space in your seat and your not cramped by your bag.

5.0

Lisa

July 18, 2022- Visiting family

Greyhound

Safe

4.0

Patricia Ann

April 23, 2021- Visiting family

Greyhound

Cons: Stop so that passengers can stretch and use the bathroom. Tips: Crowded bus. Be careful especially if not vaccinated. The bus station in Chicago was crowded. Harder than I imagined to get an Uber.

5.0

Megan

February 17, 2020- Visiting family

Megabus

Pros: The driver was so nice and the bus was nice and new. Cons: The bus could be cleaner.

4.0

Ana

February 13, 2020- Business

Megabus

Pros: Left and got there on time. Cons: More seat/leg room.

Ann Arbor to Chicago Route Map

Ann Arbor Chicago

How much is a bus ticket from Ann Arbor to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Ann Arbor to Chicago cost $32.77 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.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20SepOct

If you're planning to travel by bus from Ann Arbor to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $28 to $60. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 22, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $30.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10NDJFMAMJJASO
Taking the bus from Ann Arbor to Chicago is usually cheapest in January, when the average ticket price is only $34. If you're planning to take the bus from Ann Arbor to Chicago during August, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $43. 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

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 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $16.27 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Ann Arbor to Chicago?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Ann Arbor to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 6 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US26h 0m$43.67
Greyhound66h 31m$38.33

  • 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 2 trips per day from Ann Arbor 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 6 bus trips from Ann Arbor to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 31 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor to Chicago is not an ideal day trip. A one-way ride takes at least 4 hours, which means you’re in for 8 hours of bus travel if you plan to return on the same day. The earliest bus of the day departs around 8:00 a.m., and the latest bus departing Chicago leaves around 11:00 p.m., meaning you could get a max of 9 hours in Chicago if you wanted to go for the day.
Yes, the Amtrak Wolverine travels between Ann Arbor and Chicago. There is only one train per day, and the trip averages about 4.5 hours. Tickets cost around $50.
The best way to travel from Ann Arbor to Chicago is by bus. With 4 bus companies offering 12 daily routes between the cities, there are a lot more options to fit your schedule. It’s also cheaper, with bus tickets averaging around $25 less than train tickets.

The bus takes an average of 6 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 201 miles from Ann Arbor to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 10 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 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Ann Arbor to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Ann Arbor to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 4 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 Ann Arbor to Chicago; ticket prices start at $37.00.

City Information

Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is a quirky city filled with interesting secrets for curious travelers. The first thing to do in Ann Arbor is to check out its crown jewel, the University of Michigan. Boasting as many as 30 libraries and more than 16 museums, the university will fulfill every culturally-inclined traveler’s desires with ease. Nature lovers who enjoy a breath of fresh air should consider hopping on the Huron River Water Trail, which offers plenty of opportunities for paddling. Also don’t miss out on a show at the famous Michigan Theater, which offers retro shows and live acts.

Travelers can enjoy an authentic Ann Arbor culinary experience at Kerrytown, a historic quarter in the city. Located there are the Ann Arbor Farmers Market, as well as Zingerman’s Deli, both of which are local favorites.

The Amtrak station at 325 Depot St serves as the city’s main hub for both bus and train travel. From the station you can catch a bus or train to various cities such as Detroit, Cleveland, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and beyond. Ann Arbor is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport.

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 Ann Arbor?

Main departure station: 325 Depot Street - Transit Station

Most buses depart from the main station in Ann Arbor.

All bus stations in Ann Arbor:

  • 325 Depot Street - Transit Station

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

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago.

All bus stations in Chicago:

  • Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

  • Dan Ryan Bus Station

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