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Buffalo to Chicago bus

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Buffalo - Chicago Bus Schedule

Bus
Greyhound
  1. Wed
7:35 AM
BuffaloDowntown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St
7:40 AM
ChicagoChicago Train Station Bus Stop
from $167.96
Bus
Greyhound
  1. Sun,
  2. Mon,
  3. Tue,
  4. Wed,
  5. Thu,
  6. Fri,
  7. Sat
7:35 AM
BuffaloDowntown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St
10:50 PM
ChicagoDan Ryan Bus Station
from $62.97
Bus
Greyhound
  1. Sun,
  2. Mon,
  3. Tue,
  4. Wed,
  5. Thu,
  6. Fri,
  7. Sat
7:35 AM
BuffaloDowntown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St
7:50 PM
ChicagoBus Station - 630 W Harrison St
from $48.48
Bus
Greyhound
  1. Sun,
  2. Wed,
  3. Thu,
  4. Fri,
  5. Sat
2:00 PM
BuffaloDowntown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St
1:55 PM
ChicagoDan Ryan Bus Station
from $72.17
Bus
FlixBus US
  1. Sun,
  2. Wed,
  3. Thu,
  4. Fri,
  5. Sat
2:00 PM
BuffaloDowntown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St
1:55 PM
ChicagoDan Ryan Bus Station
from $68.15

Journey Information

There are 5 intercity buses per day from Buffalo to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Buffalo to Chicago usually takes around 18 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance452 mi (727 km)
Shortest duration13h 15m
Cheapest price$43.48
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines3

How much is a bus ticket from Buffalo to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Buffalo to Chicago cost $64.09 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 prices by travel date

$90$60$30AprMay

Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Buffalo to Chicago is expected to be between $54 and $80. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 14, 2024, when tickets are available for May 14, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $62.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20MJJASONDJFMA
Bus tickets from Buffalo to Chicago are at their cheapest average price in August. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $72. On the other hand, traveling on this route during November might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for November trips cost $95, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$253020100

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 25 days in advance to save up to $51.21.

What bus companies travel from Buffalo to Chicago?

There are 3 bus lines from Buffalo to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 3 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Barons Bus Lines21d 2h 25m$72.00
FlixBus US11d 0h 57m$133.01
Greyhound317h 3m$77.65
  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Buffalo to Chicago from $72. There are 2 trips per day offered by Barons Bus Lines from Buffalo to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Barons Bus Lines ticket to Chicago. In Buffalo, Barons Bus Lines departs to Chicago from Downtown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St . In Chicago, Barons Bus Lines arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .

    An average trip on Barons Bus Lines from Buffalo to Chicago takes 26 hours and 25 minutes , while the fastest available Barons Bus Lines trip will get you to Chicago in 13 hours and 15 minutes .

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 2 trips per day. A one way ticket costs 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 1 trips per day from Buffalo to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • 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 3 bus trips from Buffalo to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 3 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $43.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 18 hours and 7 minutes to cover the 452 miles from Buffalo to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 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.

Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, 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 7:00am and the last bus leaves at 2:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Buffalo to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Buffalo 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 Buffalo to Chicago; ticket prices start at $73.00.

City Information

Buffalo

Buffalo is a great budget destination that will not burn through your pocket. Located just a few hours’ drive away from Niagara Falls, the city serves as a transportation hub for tourists who want to marvel at the sights of the famous landmark. Visitors can either enjoy the tour from a boat, or walk around the section behind the falls themselves. If you opt for a more idyllic and peaceful destination instead, Forest Lawn is a good choice. A beautiful cemetery that is far from the hustle and bustle of the big city, the destination is a perfect spot for a picnic. As the day winds down to an end, don’t hesitate to attend a performance at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which features lavish interiors as well as amazing Broadway shows.

Buffalo’s chicken wings are the city’s trademark dish, and tourists who wish to grab a bite could do so at Duff’s Famous Wings or Anchor Bar. For a wider selection, The Left Bank is an even better option.

The principal bus station in Buffalo is the Metropolitan Transportation Center downtown. Travelers can catch buses by Greyhound, New York Trailways, Fullington Trailways and Barons Bus Lines from this station. The main Amtrak train station in Buffalo is located on Exchange St not too far from the bus station. Buffalo is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s principal airport is the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is located in the suburb area of Cheektowaga. The city is also served by the nearby Niagara Falls International Airport.

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 Buffalo?

Downtown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St  - BNYMEG-0

Image credit: Can Pac Swire

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Downtown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St

The Downtown Terminal in Buffalo is the center of bus transportation in the city. The terminal currently serves many intercity bus lines such as Greyhound, FlixBus, Fullington Trailways, Barons Bus Lines, and New York Trailways. The station offers vending machines and even a Tim Horton’s for a taste of Canada’s favorite coffee and donuts. Situated in the heart of downtown Buffalo, travelers can easily access restaurants, hotels, or the Amtrak station on Exchange Street to continue their travels.

All bus stations in Buffalo:

  • Downtown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St

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 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

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