Cheap bus tickets from Rochester to Chicago
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Bus from Rochester to Chicago: Journey Information
There are 8 intercity buses per day from Rochester to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Rochester to Chicago usually takes around 17 hours and 40 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 13 hours and 45 minutes.
- Distance
- 518 mi (833 km)
- Shortest duration
- 13h 45m
- Cheapest price
- CHF 59.26
- Trips per day
- 8
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 2
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Rochester to Chicago Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Rochester to Chicago?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Rochester to Chicago.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 93.26Cheaper | Avg. PriceCHF 114.21 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration17h 40m | Duration11h 45mFaster |

There are several bus options that can take you from Rochester to Chicago:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Rochester to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Rochester to Chicago cost about CHF 74 when you book at the cheapest time, 22 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 Rochester to Chicago by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Rochester to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from CHF 65 to CHF 104. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 7, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at CHF 73.
Average bus ticket prices from Rochester to Chicago by month
Taking the bus from Rochester to Chicago is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only CHF 84. If you're planning to take the bus from Rochester to Chicago during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 115. 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 22 days in advance. This way, you can save up to CHF 43.47 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Rochester to Chicago?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Rochester to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 8 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 33h 25m | CHF 172.97 |
| Greyhound | 8 | 17h 39m | CHF 93.16 |
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 trip per day from Rochester to Chicago, and the average ticket for this route costs only CHF 172.97.






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 8 bus trips from Rochester to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 39 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from CHF 59.26.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Rochester to Chicago
There are 8 scheduled buses that travel from Rochester 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 Rochester to Chicago; ticket prices start at CHF 65.
Trips per day
8
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 40 minutes to cover the 518 miles from Rochester to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 13 hours and 45 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)
518
Distance (km)
833
The first bus leaves at 5:10 AM and the last bus leaves at 11:35 PM. To see the times for all buses from Rochester to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
5:10am
Latest bus
11:35pm
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.
Most crowded
Thursday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Rochester



Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.
Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.
The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louise M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest 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 Rochester?
Main departure station: Rochester Bus Stop
Most buses depart from the main station in Rochester.
All bus stations in Rochester:
- Rochester Bus Stop
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 Rochester?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
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