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Cheap bus tickets from Kansas City to Chicago

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Kansas City to Chicago Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Kansas City to Chicago?

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Kansas City to Chicago.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
CZK 2,074.65
Avg. Price
CZK 2,476.38
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
10
Daily Trips
5
Duration
Duration
17h 27m
Duration
13h 0m

Bus from Kansas City to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 9 intercity buses per day from Kansas City to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Kansas City to Chicago usually takes around 17 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Thruway bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 16 minutes.

Distance412 mi (664 km)
Shortest duration8h 16m
Cheapest priceCZK 1,244.20
Trips per day1
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

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Kansas City to Chicago Route Map

Kansas City Chicago

How much is a bus ticket from Kansas City to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Kansas City to Chicago cost CZK 1,940.32 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 Kansas City to Chicago by travel date

CZK 2,847CZK 1,898CZK 949JulJul

Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Kansas City to Chicago is expected to be between CZK 1,835 and CZK 2,699. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is July 22, 2025, when tickets are available for July 22, 2025. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just CZK 1,940.

Average bus ticket prices from Kansas City to Chicago by month

CZK 3,163CZK 2,531CZK 1,898CZK 1,265CZK 633ASONDJFMAMJJ
Bus tickets from Kansas City to Chicago are at their cheapest average price in October. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around CZK 1,750. On the other hand, traveling on this route during December might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for December trips cost CZK 2,720, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

CZK 4,218CZK 3,374CZK 2,531CZK 1,687CZK 8443020100

To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 26 days in advance to save up to CZK 1,914.80.

What bus companies travel from Kansas City to Chicago?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Kansas City to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 9 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway18h 17mCZK 1,244.20
Greyhound917h 10mCZK 2,611.13
  • 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 Kansas City to Chicago start at CZK 1,244. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • 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 Kansas City to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from CZK 1,370.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Kansas City to Chicago

The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 10 minutes to cover the 412 miles from Kansas City to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 hours and 16 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.

Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.

The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 9:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Kansas City to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 9 scheduled buses that travel from Kansas City 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 Kansas City to Chicago; ticket prices start at CZK 1,307.47.

City Information

Kansas City

Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.

Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.

Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest of Downtown.

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 Kansas City?

Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave  - KCYGLI-0

Image credit: Paul Sableman

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave

Located on Troost Avenue, the Bus Terminal provides intercity bus service from Kansas City on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Amtrak Thruway buses. Popular routes from this station travel to cities such as Columbia, Chicago, and Wichita. The lounge inside the station includes seating, restrooms, and a cell phone charging station to help you stay connected during your trip. Several public transit options depart from nearby 12th St, so it’s easy to travel throughout Kansas City from the bus terminal.

All bus stations in Kansas City:

  • Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave

  • Union Station - 30 W Pershing Rd

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

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

  • Chicago (Union Station), Illinois

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