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Journey Information
There are 14 intercity buses per day from Rochester to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Rochester to Chicago usually takes around 25 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 15 hours and 5 minutes.
Distance | 518 mi (833 km) |
Shortest duration | 15h 5m |
Cheapest price | NOK 633.95 |
Most frequent service | Greyhound |
Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Rochester to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Rochester to Chicago cost NOK 926.39 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
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Rochester to Chicago is expected to be between NOK 946 and NOK 1,202. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 8, 2024, when tickets are available for May 8, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just NOK 946.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 29 days in advance to save NOK 1,764.87 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the 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 10 scheduled trips per day.
Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
FlixBus US | 5 | 1d 7h 47m | NOK 1,915.21 |
Greyhound | 10 | 1d 0h 44m | NOK 1,226.95 |
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 5 trips per day from Rochester 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 10 bus trips from Rochester to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 24 hours and 44 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from NOK 634.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 25 hours and 21 minutes to cover the 518 miles from Rochester to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 15 hours and 5 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.
Travelers prefer riding the bus on Saturday to enjoy the weekend in Chicago. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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.
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 3:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Rochester to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 14 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 NOK 689.92.
City Information
Rochester
Image credit: Ryan Hyde
Link to image attributionPerched 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 Louis 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: 186 Cumberland St
Buses to Chicago leave from 4 stations in Rochester.
All bus stations in Rochester:
186 Cumberland St
Rochester Bus Stop
Grace Watson Hall - Dorm Cres
Rhees Library - 755 Library Rd
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Main arrival station: Dan Ryan Bus Station
Buses arrive in Chicago at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
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