Cheap bus tickets from Buffalo to Chicago

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Bus from Buffalo to Chicago: Journey Information

There are 5 intercity buses per day from Buffalo to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Buffalo to Chicago usually takes around 15 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 11 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance
452 mi (727 km)
Shortest duration
11h 55m
Cheapest price
$58.97
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
Greyhound
Bus lines
2

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Buffalo to Chicago Bus Schedule

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How much is a bus ticket from Buffalo to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Buffalo to Chicago cost $70.22 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 Buffalo to Chicago by travel date

$180$120$60AugSep

If you're planning to travel by bus from Buffalo to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $64 to $170. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on September 2, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $69.

Average bus ticket prices from Buffalo to Chicago by month

$125$100$75$50$25JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Buffalo to Chicago is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only $74. If you're planning to take the bus from Buffalo to Chicago during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $102. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$2501020

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 23 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $48.72 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Buffalo to Chicago?

There are multiple buses that travel from Buffalo to Chicago, including Greyhound, Barons Bus Lines. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular bus lines:

BUSDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound414h 24m$104.97
Barons Bus Lines124h 5m$72.00
  • 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 4 bus trips from Buffalo to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 14 hours and 24 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $56.97.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu
  • Book Barons Bus Lines from Buffalo to Chicago from $72. Typically there is one Barons Bus Lines schedule per day from Buffalo to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay $72 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 24 hours and 5 minutes.

    On weekends, Barons Bus Lines offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay $72 for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Buffalo to Chicago

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.

TRIPS PER DAY

5

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The bus takes an average of 15 hours and 39 minutes to cover the 452 miles from Buffalo to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 11 hours and 55 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)

452

DISTANCE (KM)

727

The first bus leaves at 7:55am and the last bus leaves at 11:05pm. To see the times for all buses from Buffalo to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

EARLIEST BUS

7:55am

LATEST BUS

11:05pm

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

Buffalo

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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

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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?

Main departure station: Downtown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St

Downtown Terminal - 181 Ellicott St  - BNYMEG-0

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?

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

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 Buffalo?

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