2.0
Pros: It was pleasant, 24 layover. Cons: Schedule of the vehicle by providing extra bus if there is a breakdown. Tips: Nor.
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Journey Information
There are 60 intercity buses per day from Houston to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Houston to Chicago usually takes around 36 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 25 hours,
| Distance | 942 mi (1516 km) |
| Shortest duration | 25h 0m |
| Cheapest price | $107.36 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Houston to Chicago
(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)
4.4
How much is a bus ticket from Houston to Chicago?
Bus tickets for a trip from Houston to Chicago cost $143.79 on average. Bus tickets on this route can be a bit expensive due to the length of the trip. But even with a higher price tag, taking the bus is often more affordable than flying to Chicago. 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
If you're planning to travel by bus from Houston to Chicago in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $143 to $239. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 4, 2023.
If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $143.
Monthly average prices
Bus tickets from Houston to Chicago are at their cheapest average price in June. This time of year usually offers the best deals on bus tickets for this route, with ticket prices around $178. On the other hand, traveling on this route during March might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for March trips cost $234, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.
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 $177.41 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Houston to Chicago?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Houston to Chicago that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 34 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 26 | 1d 14h 40m | $252.28 |
| Greyhound | 34 | 1d 11h 16m | $213.41 |
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 26 trips per day from Houston 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 34 bus trips from Houston to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 35 hours and 16 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $107.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The bus takes an average of 36 hours and 10 minutes to cover the 942 miles from Houston to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 25 hours. 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, 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.
The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Houston to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 60 scheduled buses that travel from Houston 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 Houston to Chicago; ticket prices start at $178.00.
City Information
Houston
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.
As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.
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 Houston?
Main departure station: 6590 Southwest Hwy
Buses to Chicago leave from 5 stations in Houston.
All bus stations in Houston:
6590 Southwest Hwy
Houston Southeast Bus Station
Houston Bus Station (Greyhound)
Downtown - 605 Gray St
2525 Southwest Fwy (Timewise/Shell gas station lot)
Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain 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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