Cheap bus tickets from Kansas City to Chicago
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Bus from Kansas City to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Kansas City to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Kansas City to Chicago usually takes around 15 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 9 hours and 40 minutes.
- Distance
- 412 mi (664 km)
- Shortest duration
- 9h 40m
- Cheapest price
- NOK 698.54
- Trips per day
- 14
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 2
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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. PriceNOK 1,126.04Cheaper | Avg. PriceNOK 1,190.83 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips14 | Daily Trips5 |
Duration | Duration15h 19m | Duration12h 59mFaster |

Kansas City to Chicago Route Map

There are several bus options that can take you from Kansas City to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Kansas City to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Kansas City to Chicago cost about NOK 915 when you book at the cheapest time, 24 days ahead. 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
If you're planning to travel by bus from Kansas City to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from NOK 765 to NOK 1,256. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 6, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at NOK 897.
Average bus ticket prices from Kansas City to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Kansas City to Chicago is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only NOK 944. If you're planning to take the bus from Kansas City to Chicago during June, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 1,228. 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 24 days in advance. This way, you can save up to NOK 569.63 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
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 12 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 12 | 16h 6m | NOK 1,180.44 |
| Jefferson Lines | 2 | 11h 48m | NOK 876.90 |
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 12 bus trips from Kansas City to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 16 hours and 6 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from NOK 698.54.






Jefferson Lines is a well-established intercity bus company with service to some of the Midwest’s top travel destinations. As one of the United States’ largest bus service providers, Jefferson Lines is beloved by students, commuters, and vacationers in America’s heartland. Travel with Jefferson Lines is comfortable thanks to reclining seats, individual climate controls, restrooms, and free WiFi. You can even check the status of your trip with their bus tracker tool. The carrier provides safe, affordable, and reliable service from Kansas City to Chicago with ticket prices as low as NOK 849.91.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Kansas City to Chicago
There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from Kansas City to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so no matter which bus you take, you will have to transfer buses at least once during your journey. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Kansas City to Chicago; ticket prices start at NOK 595.
Trips per day
14
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 19 minutes to cover the 412 miles from Kansas City to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 9 hours and 40 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)
412
Distance (km)
664
The first bus leaves at 3:10 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:25 PM. To see the times for all buses from Kansas City to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
3:10am
Latest bus
11:25pm
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, 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.
Most crowded
Saturday
Least crowded
Thursday
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 Art, 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?
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
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 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
Need a return trip from Chicago to Kansas City?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
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