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Champaign to Chicago bus

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Champaign - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 6 intercity buses per day from Champaign to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Champaign to Chicago usually takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 2 hours,

Distance126 mi (203 km)
Shortest duration2h 0m
Cheapest price$19.99
Trips per day5
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines4

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from Champaign to Chicago

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.4

4.0

Aleksandra

December 27, 2019- Solo travel

Greyhound

Seats

5.0

Cade

November 17, 2019- Solo travel

Pros: Loved the outlets! Cons: It was kind of cold on the bus, but not your fault at all!

5.0

Daniela

October 11, 2019- Visiting family

M&M Shuttle

Pros: The driver was very nice! And we arrived on time so that was great! Cons: Everything was perfect.

5.0

Loretta

September 28, 2019- Visiting family

Pros: The seats were comfortable and roomy. The ride felt safe and I didn't have to worry about feeling uncomfortable with other passengers on the bus. The driver of the bus was very friendly. It was nice not to have to navigate and figure out where to go, since I am not from Illinois. Cons: Nothing. Tips: None.

5.0

Sivaraman

July 31, 2019- Solo travel

Greyhound

Cleanliness, WLAN Wifi network

Champaign to Chicago Route Map

Champaign Chicago

How much is a bus ticket from Champaign to Chicago?

Champaign to Chicago bus tickets cost an average of $38.41. The bus is a fantastic option for those looking for a wallet-friendly alternative to make this trip. Use the search function on Wanderu, tailor the dates according to your trip, and start booking in advance. You may find tickets at an even lower cost if you're booking in advance!

Average prices by travel date

$45$30$15MarApr

If you’re worried about costs, you’ll find that the best period to book a bus from Champaign to Chicago is January, when tickets go at an average of $26. It’s best to avoid taking the bus from Champaign to Chicago in May if you want to score the cheapest bus tickets, as prices may be higher than usual at around $53.

Need to book a bus ticket during the peak period? No worries! you can still get better prices if you book your trip in advance.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15AMJJASONDJFM
Over the next four weeks, bus tickets from Champaign to Chicago will likely cost about $38.41. The cheapest bus tickets are $29 if you plan in advance. The longer you wait, the more expensive bus tickets get. Avoid paying higher prices by booking soon!

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100
Prices tend to rise as it gets closer to the travel date, so buying your tickets as early as possible is best to receive the best savings. Book your tickets at least 5 days in advance to pocket an extra $3.19 in savings.

What bus companies travel from Champaign to Chicago?

There are 4 bus lines from Champaign to Chicago available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 3 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
Burlington Trailways112h 10m$112.86
FlixBus US22h 15m$27.93
Greyhound33h 44m$32.18
Tornado Bus21d 18h 53m$239.68
  • Book Burlington Trailways from Champaign to Chicago from $109. Typically there is one Burlington Trailways schedule per day from Champaign to Chicago and you can expect on average to pay for a Burlington Trailways ticket to Chicago. In Champaign, Burlington Trailways departs to Chicago from Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave . In Chicago, Burlington Trailways arrives at Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St .

    An average trip on Burlington Trailways from Champaign to Chicago takes 12 hours and 10 minutes , while the fastest available Burlington Trailways trip will get you to Chicago in 2 hours and 0 minutes .

    On weekends, Burlington Trailways offers 1 trip per day and you could expect to pay for a one way ticket for your weekend getaway trip to Chicago.

  • 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 2 trips per day from Champaign 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 3 bus trips from Champaign to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 3 hours and 44 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $20.

  • 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

Yes! All service providers for this route, including Greyhound, Flixbus US, and Burlington Trailways, have WiFi. To guarantee non-stop entertainment, preload shows or bring a book in case of poor or unstable WiFi signals.

A typical bus ride from Champaign to Chicago averages around 4 hours and 6 minutes, spanning 126 miles. The quickest bus cuts this travel time to just 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to watch a movie or catch up on sleep. Remember that arrival times might fluctuate due to varying traffic conditions affecting the schedule.

If you’re eyeing a trip from Champaign to Chicago on a weekend, brace yourself for a crowded journey. Bus travels on Monday are typically the busiest days for this route as it starts the work week. It’s wise to book your tickets well in advance to secure your spot.

However, if you have the flexibility, Tuesday would be a better day to travel as it is typically the least busiest day for this route.

The bus service from Champaign to Chicago starts at 8 am and ends at 3 pm when the final bus departs. To view the entire range of bus departure times for your specific travel dates, use the search bar to access the detailed bus schedules.

Six scheduled buses from Champaign to Chicago daily offer travelers many choices. Five buses operate as direct routes, ensuring a seamless trip without any transfers.

Want to view all your travel options? Consider the train from Champaign to Chicago, with train ticket prices start at around $20.

City Information

Champaign

Champaign, IL - CHM-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Champaign, IL - CHM-2

Image credit: Pixabay

Champaign is a fantastic city that beckons visitors to explore its unique blend of artistic, ethnic, and diverse culinary scene. Exquisite restaurants and wine bars are located within stunning art and science museums and sports centers. Be in awe of The Virginia Theatre, which opened its doors to Champaign in 1921. There, you’ll find plays and performances within its Spanish Revival-style interior. Craving more art? Head down to Krannert Art Museum to witness captivating art installations and events.

Dive into the Champaign Public Library, adorned with murals and boasts a vibrant space for teens, cozy meeting rooms, a charming Library Café, and a bookstore selling over 20,000 used books, CDs, and movies. If you like long walks in the park, you’re in luck. The sprawling Meadowbrook Park offers serene woods, meandering paths, and a sculpture garden showcasing around twenty stunning art installations by local artists, perfect for an afternoon stroll or photo session.

Afterward, energize at the Memorial Stadium and witness thrilling games hosted by the Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and wrestling teams at the iconic dome-shaped 15,544-seat indoor arena.

As the day ends, the vibrant college town ambiance near the University of Illinois comes alive. This is the perfect spot to savor handcrafted brews at nearby bars and devour a delightful farm-to-table meal at one of the eateries.

The Illinois Terminal is Champaign’s primary bus and train station, served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Jefferson Lines, and Greyhound. From Champaign, you can continue your journey and visit some of the other top destinations in Illinois.

Chicago

With 77 unique neighborhoods, a vibrant festival scene, an expansive waterfront, and delightful parks, Chicago is sure to cater to any visitor’s taste. This makes the big city one of the best urban vacation destinations for millennials and a must-visit for anyone visiting Illinois.

Start your day at the Art Institute of Chicago and explore a world-class collection of Impressionist works and modern masterpieces. To better understand Chicago’s architectural heritage, the Chicago Architecture Center offers immersive experiences, including tours by boat and walking excursions.

For a better view of Chicago’s breathtaking architecture, visit the Skydeck Chicago atop the Willis Tower. Here, you’ll find the highest observation deck in the United States, which boasts panoramic views spanning four states from 1,353 feet above. Step onto The Ledge’s glass-floored balconies for a thrilling view of Chicago’s skyline.

Once your stomach starts to rumble, you can grab the iconic Chicago-style hot dog and head down to Millennium Park, a sprawling lakefront spanning three blocks. Once there, you’ll be entertained with countless outdoor activities and attractions like a Ferris Wheel, an enchanting outdoor music pavilion, and an ice skating rink.

Come nightfall, the city lights dance to the beats of Chicago’s renowned jazz and house music. Visit The West Loop, which beckons with trendy restaurants, bars, and clubs, promising you an unforgettable evening in the heart of Chicago.

Chicago is one of the Midwest’s most significant transportation hubs, providing easy access to nearby destinations ideal for day trips and international travel from two airports. Getting to the Windy City is a breeze thanks to plenty of bus and train stations throughout the city, like the beautiful Union Station!

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Champaign?

Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave  - CHMAMT-0

Image credit: Beyond My Ken

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

The Illinois Terminal is located at 45 East University Avenue in Champaign. The transport center opened in 1999, and now provides bus and train service in the Champaign-Urbana area. The terminal is served by Amtrak, Burlington Trailways, Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and local mass transit. Make sure to wait in the correct station building; Champaign’s old train station, dating to 1898, is just across the street. The Illinois Terminal offers short-term parking, fast food, and even meeting spaces and banquet halls. Thanks to the station’s convenient location, some of the best restaurants and bars in downtown Champaign are just a short walk away.

All bus stations in Champaign:

  • Illinois Term - 45 E University Ave

  • 3604 N Mattis Ave

  • Pilot Travel center

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 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

  • 3501 S California

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