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Houston to Chicago bus

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Houston - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 38 intercity buses per day from Houston to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Houston to Chicago usually takes around 36 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Tornado Bus bus can make the trip in 20 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance942 mi (1516 km)
Shortest duration20h 10m
Cheapest price$69.47
Trips per day5
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines3

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Houston to Chicago

(Based on 5 ratings and reviews)

4.4

2.0

Akiode

June 5, 2019- Vacation

Greyhound

Pros: It was pleasant, 24 layover. Cons: Schedule of the vehicle by providing extra bus if there is a breakdown. Tips: Nor.

How much is a bus ticket from Houston to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Houston to Chicago cost $107.75 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

$255$170$85MarMar

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 $129 to $255. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on March 25, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to Chicago this week, bus tickets are available starting at $129.

Monthly avg. prices

$250$200$150$100$50AMJJASONDJFM
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

$325$260$195$130$653020100

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 18 days in advance to save $178.39 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Houston to Chicago?

There are 3 bus lines from Houston to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 22 daily trips, Greyhound usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US171d 15h 45m$207.12
Greyhound221d 11h 34m$174.13
Tornado Bus523h 37m$244.00
  • 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 17 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 22 bus trips from Houston to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 35 hours and 34 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $69.

  • Tornado Bus is a Texan bus company operating in Texas and Mexico. Their bus service connects cities such as Houston, McAllen, San Antonio, and the international border at El Paso. Their buses offer onboard WiFi, plenty of leg room, air conditioning, restrooms, and power outlets.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 36 hours and 30 minutes to cover the 942 miles from Houston to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 20 hours and 10 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.

Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Houston to Chicago 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, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Houston to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 38 scheduled buses that travel from Houston to Chicago every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 5 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Houston to Chicago; ticket prices start at $179.00.

City Information

Houston

Houston, TX - HOU-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, TX - HOU-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, TX - HOU-2

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 (Bus Station)

  • Downtown - 605 Gray St

  • 2525 Southwest Fwy (Timewise/Shell gas station lot)

  • Tornado Bus Station - Lockwood

Where does the bus arrive in Chicago?

Chicago Greyhound Bus Station - CHIGLI3-0

Image credit: Jeramey Jannene

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St

Buses arrive in Chicago at 5 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

  • 3501 S California Ave

  • 3501 S California

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