Cheap bus tickets from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Bus from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL: Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL. Traveling by bus from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL usually takes around 17 hours and 18 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
- MX$1,322.06
- Trips per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Greyhound
- Bus lines
- 1
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Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL Bus Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL?
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceMX$2,011.99Cheaper | Avg. PriceMX$2,539.80 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration17h 18m | Duration11h 47mFaster |

There are several bus options that can take you from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL:
See more detailsHow much is a bus ticket from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL?
Bus tickets for a trip from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL cost MX$1,454 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 Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL by travel date
If you're planning to travel by bus from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from MX$1,482 to MX$2,064. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 27, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to Chicago, IL this week, bus tickets are available starting at MX$1,482.
Average bus ticket prices from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL by month
Taking the bus from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL is usually cheapest in May, when the average ticket price is only MX$1,895. If you're planning to take the bus from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL during March, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of MX$2,608. 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 16 days in advance. This way, you can save up to MX$1,089.96 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL. Greyhound connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | 5 | 17h 18m | MX$2,011.90 |
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 5 bus trips from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL every day, with the average journey taking around 17 hours and 18 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago, IL usually start from MX$1,322.06.






Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL
There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL 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, NY to Chicago, IL; ticket prices start at MX$1,464.
Trips per day
5
Direct trips
0
The bus takes an average of 17 hours and 18 minutes to cover the 518 miles from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL. 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 9:15 PM. To see the times for all buses from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
Earliest bus
5:10am
Latest bus
9:15pm
Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
Most crowded
Friday
Least crowded
Wednesday
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, NY?
Main departure station: Rochester Bus Stop
Most buses depart from the main station in Rochester, NY.
All bus stations in Rochester, NY:
- Rochester Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago, IL?
Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in Chicago, IL.
All bus stations in Chicago, IL:
- Dan Ryan Bus Station
- Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Need a return trip from Chicago, IL to Rochester, NY?
Search Bus TicketsPlan your next adventure
More buses from Rochester, NY
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Continue by bus from Chicago, IL
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Check out these popular routes
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