Cheap bus tickets from Omaha to Chicago
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Bus from Omaha to Chicago: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Omaha to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Omaha to Chicago usually takes around 12 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Jefferson Lines bus can make the trip in 8 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 435 mi (699 km) |
| Shortest duration | 8h 40m |
| Cheapest price | $121.00 |
| Trips per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Jefferson Lines |
| Bus lines | 2 |
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Omaha to Chicago Bus Schedule

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Omaha to Chicago (Based on 9 ratings and reviews)
5.0
June 6, 2023 - Solo travel
Burlington Trailways5.0
January 20, 2020 - Visiting family
Windstar Lines3.0
August 6, 2019 - Solo travel
Windstar Lines1.0
July 30, 2019 - Vacation
Burlington TrailwaysThere are several bus options that can take you from Omaha to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Omaha to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Omaha to Chicago cost $121.00 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 Omaha to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Omaha to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $121 to $198. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 6, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $121.
Average bus ticket prices from Omaha to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Omaha to Chicago is usually cheapest in July, when the average ticket price is only $154. If you're planning to take the bus from Omaha to Chicago during October, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $223. 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 $175.85 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Omaha to Chicago?
There are multiple buses that travel from Omaha to Chicago, including Jefferson Lines, Tornado Bus. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:
| BUS | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jefferson Lines | 1 | 8h 40m | $121.00 |
| Tornado Bus | 1 | 40h 53m | $375.00 |
Book Jefferson Lines from Omaha to Chicago from $121. Typically there is one Jefferson Lines schedule per day from Omaha to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $121 for a Jefferson Lines ticket to Chicago. In Omaha, Jefferson Lines departs to Chicago from Burlington Trailways Terminal. In Chicago, Jefferson Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St.
An average trip on Jefferson Lines from Omaha to Chicago takes 8 hours and 40 minutes.
On weekends, Jefferson Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $121 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Omaha to Chicago
There is usually only one bus per day from Omaha to Chicago. Fortunately, this happens to be a direct bus, meaning that you do not have to get on a different bus at any point during your trip. Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Omaha to Chicago; ticket prices start at $104.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 42 minutes to cover the 435 miles from Omaha to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 8 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)
435
DISTANCE (KM)
699
There is usually only one bus per day from Omaha to Chicago. It leaves the station in Omaha at 9:05pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
EARLIEST BUS
6:00pm
LATEST BUS
9:05pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Omaha to Chicago 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, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to Chicago, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
City Information
Omaha



Once known as the “Gateway to the West,” Omaha effortlessly blends its rich historical heritage with modern growth. To catch an air of the city’s old-town vibe, head towards the Old Market quarter. Featuring brick-paved streets along with horse-drawn carriages, the area is an idyllic time capsule that offers a glimpse into the past. Also situated within the quarter are the Joslyn Art Museum and the Omaha Children’s Museum. Animal lovers might want to check out Omaha’s Doorly Zoo or the Aquarium, which features cute Rockhopper penguins as well as a 70-foot shark tunnel.
Steakhouses dominate the city’s restaurant scene, but there has been a recent boom of modern eateries. If you wish to enjoy these modern foods, Kitchen Table will offer everything you need.
The busiest bus station in the city is the Burlington Trailways Terminal downtown. For trains, the main Amtrak station is located on S 9th St, not too far from the bus station. Omaha is served by Amtrak’s California Zephyr line. The city’s principal airport is the Eppley Airfield, located 3 miles northeast 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 Omaha?
Main departure station: Burlington Trailways Terminal
The Burlington Trailways Station on Jackson St, located in east Omaha, provides bus services for several bus carriers: Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Express Arrow, and Burlington Trailways. The station features an indoor waiting area, as well as vending machines and restrooms. The Burlington Trailways station is only a short walk from several cafes and restaurants if you feel like grabbing something more substantial to get you through your bus journey.
All bus stations in Omaha:
- Burlington Trailways Terminal
- Tobin Used Musical Instrument Store
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
- 3501 S California Ave
Need a return trip from Chicago to Omaha?
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