Cheap bus tickets from Saint Cloud to Chicago
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Bus from Saint Cloud to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 7 intercity buses per day from Saint Cloud to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Saint Cloud to Chicago usually takes around 14 hours and 25 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 15 minutes.
| Distance | 413 mi (665 km) |
| Shortest duration | 11h 15m |
| Cheapest price | $61.97 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Saint Cloud to Chicago Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Saint Cloud to Chicago?
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Saint Cloud to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$147.45Cheaper | Avg. Price$263.72 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration14h 25m | Duration11h 4mFaster |
There are several bus options that can take you from Saint Cloud to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Saint Cloud to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Saint Cloud to Chicago cost $122.84 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Chicago. 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 Saint Cloud to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Saint Cloud to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $115 to $162. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on August 24, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $115.
Average bus ticket prices from Saint Cloud to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Saint Cloud to Chicago is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only $133. If you're planning to take the bus from Saint Cloud to Chicago during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $176. 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 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $56.16 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Saint Cloud to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Saint Cloud to Chicago, including Jefferson Lines, FlixBus US. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 6 | 16h 14m | $169.64 |
| FlixBus US | 2 | 11h 44m | $114.60 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Saint Cloud to Chicago from $168. There are 6 trips per day offered by Jefferson Lines from Saint Cloud to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $169.64 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Saint Cloud, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from 510 1st St S and 3 other stations. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Saint Cloud to Chicago takes 16 hours and 14 minutes, while the fastest available Jefferson Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 13 hours and 40 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 4 trips per day. A one way ticket costs $168 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 2 trips per day from Saint Cloud to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only $114.60.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Saint Cloud to Chicago
There are 7 scheduled buses that travel from Saint Cloud to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. However, only one of these is a direct bus. With direct service, you do not have to transfer onto a different bus at any point during your trip. Direct buses also tend to be significantly faster, which is worth bearing in mind as you compare the available options. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Saint Cloud to Chicago; ticket prices start at $128.
TRIPS PER DAY
7
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 25 minutes to cover the 413 miles from Saint Cloud to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 15 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)
413
DISTANCE (KM)
665
The first bus leaves at 6:20am and the last bus leaves at 8:05pm. To see the times for all buses from Saint Cloud to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
EARLIEST BUS
6:20am
LATEST BUS
8:05pm
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, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
City Information
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 Saint Cloud?
Main departure station: Metro Bus
Buses to Chicago leave from 5 stations in Saint Cloud.
All bus stations in Saint Cloud:
- Metro Bus
- 510 1st St S
- St. Cloud (SCSU - Atwood Center)
- 4325 Clearwater Rd
- 4801 Veterans Dr
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Saint Cloud?
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