Cheap bus tickets from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL
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Bus from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL: Journey Information
There are 3 intercity buses per day from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL. Traveling by bus from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL usually takes around 7 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Thruway bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 4 minutes.
| Distance | 168 mi (270 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 4m |
| Cheapest price | $28.00 |
| Trips per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$43.50Cheaper | Avg. Price$66.18 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration7h 7m | Duration3h 59mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL?
Bus tickets for a trip from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL cost $28.00 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 bus ticket prices from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $28 to $54. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 17, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago, IL this week, bus tickets are available starting at $33.
Average bus ticket prices from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL by month
Taking the bus from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL is usually cheapest in October, when the average ticket price is only $38. If you're planning to take the bus from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $52. 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 26 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $24.59 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 4 | 7h 8m | $43.56 |
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 4h 4m | $28.00 |
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 4 bus trips from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL every day, with the average journey taking around 7 hours and 8 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago, IL usually start from $29.97.
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 Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL start at $28. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL
There are 3 scheduled buses that travel from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 2 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 Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL; ticket prices start at $37.
Trips per day
3
Direct trips
2
The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 7 minutes to cover the 168 miles from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 4 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)
168
Distance (km)
270
The first bus leaves at 1:30am and the last bus leaves at 10:58am. To see the times for all buses from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
1:30am
Latest bus
10:58am
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Jackson, MI to Chicago, IL 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
Chicago, IL
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 Jackson, MI?
Main departure station: JATA Transfer Ctr
Jackson, MI has two bus stations with service to Chicago, IL.
All bus stations in Jackson, MI:
- JATA Transfer Ctr
- 501 E Michigan Ave
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago, IL?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses arrive in Chicago, IL at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Chicago, IL:
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Chicago, IL to Jackson, MI?
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