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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from Chicago to Springfield. Traveling by bus from Chicago to Springfield usually takes around 5 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 179 mi (288 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 5m |
| Cheapest price | $29.49 |
| Trips per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Chicago to Springfield?
Bus tickets for a trip from Chicago to Springfield cost $31.36 on average. Opting to take a bus is a wallet-friendly way to make this trip. 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
Bus tickets from Chicago to Springfield are expected to cost between $30 and $45 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Springfield within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from $31. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly avg. prices
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 27 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $40.83 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Chicago to Springfield?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Chicago to Springfield that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 1 | 5h 21m | $77.02 |
| Greyhound | 4 | 5h 19m | $40.91 |
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 1 trips per day from Chicago to Springfield, 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 4 bus trips from Chicago to Springfield every day, with the average journey taking around 5 hours and 19 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Springfield usually start from $29.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 5 hours and 19 minutes to cover the 179 miles from Chicago to Springfield. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 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.
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, 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 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Chicago to Springfield, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from Chicago to Springfield every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 3 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 Chicago, IL to Springfield, IL; ticket prices start at $18.00.
City Information
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.
Springfield
Image credit: Thank You (22.5 Millions+) views
Link to image attributionThere are 34 cities in America called Springfield, but the state capital of Illinois is one of the most well-known. Beyond Springfield's political clout as a state capital, it is known for being the home of Abraham Lincoln for many years, plus the site of his final resting place. While in town, you can visit President Lincoln's restored home, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and the Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery. An enormous bronze bust of Lincoln outside his tomb features a nose as shiny as a new penny, rubbed by scores of visitors who consider it good luck.
Springfield is one of the state's best destinations thanks to more than just history. Check out the incredible artistry on display in the capitol building's stained glass windows, or discover the dogwoods lining 5 miles of trails in the Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Not to mention Springfield's bustling craft beer scene; hit up the city's microbreweries, nano breweries, and craft beer companies like the famous Springfield Beer Company.
It should be no surprise that one of the primary transportation methods to Springfield is called the Lincoln Service. This Amtrak train route stops in Springfield on its way from Chicago to St. Louis, and so does the Amtrak Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago. Amtrak Thruway buses run from Springfield to Peoria, where travelers can connect to further bus destinations.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Chicago?
Image credit: Jeramey Jannene
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Buses to Springfield leave from 3 stations in Chicago.
All bus stations in Chicago:
Bus Station - 630 W Harrison St
Dan Ryan Bus Station
Chicago Train Station Bus Stop
Where does the bus arrive in Springfield?
Main arrival station: Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL
All buses from Chicago arrive at one main station in Springfield.
All bus stations in Springfield:
Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL
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