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Kansas City to Chicago bus

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Kansas City - Chicago Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 5 intercity buses per day from Kansas City to Chicago. Traveling by bus from Kansas City to Chicago usually takes around 14 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance412 mi (664 km)
Shortest duration10h 50m
Cheapest price$50.97
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines1

Kansas City to Chicago Route Map

Kansas City Chicago

How much is a bus ticket from Kansas City to Chicago?

Bus tickets for a trip from Kansas City to Chicago cost $75.63 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

$120$80$40MarApr

Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Kansas City to Chicago is expected to be between $74 and $108. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is April 3, 2024, when tickets are available for April 3, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $78.

Monthly average prices

$100$80$60$40$20AMJJASONDJFM
Bus tickets from Kansas City 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 $64. On the other hand, traveling on this route during September might cost you a bit more than usual. Bus tickets for September trips cost $94, on average. But no need to stress — booking your bus ticket in advance can help you snag cheaper tickets.

Prices as travel date approaches

$175$140$105$70$353020100

To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 29 days in advance to save up to $150.69.

What bus companies travel from Kansas City to Chicago?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Kansas City to Chicago. Greyhound connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound514h 9m$101.44
  • 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 5 bus trips from Kansas City to Chicago every day, with the average journey taking around 14 hours and 9 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Chicago usually start from $51.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 8 minutes to cover the 412 miles from Kansas City to Chicago. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours and 50 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to Chicago at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, 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 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Kansas City to Chicago, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 5 scheduled buses that travel from Kansas City 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 Kansas City to Chicago; ticket prices start at $48.00.

City Information

Kansas City

Straddling two states, Kansas City is a vibrant modern city with plenty of activities for visitors. Those wishing to learn more about the city’s culture and history should not miss out on the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Arts, which offers artworks for both children and adults alike. If you seek something a bit quirkier and more interesting, the Arabia Steamboat Museum will certainly satisfy your curiosity. While you are in town, don’t forget to pay the Boulevard Brewing Company a visit. It is the largest specialty brewer in the Midwest and the source of pride from many local residents.

Kansas City’s signature barbecue is another source of pride, and you should take every occasion to try it out. Some noticeable venues with well-received barbecue dishes include Danny Edwards Boulevard BBQ and Arthur Bryant's Barbeque. If that’s not really your thing, The Farmhouse and Providence New American Kitchen are also worth checking out.

Kansas City’s principal bus station is located on Troost Ave, and it offers bus trips to Chicago, Wichita and Denver, among many other places. Kansas City Union Station provides Amtrak intercity train services, and the trains Missouri River Runner and Southwest Chief pass through the station on their way. Kansas City International Airport is located 15 miles northwest 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 Kansas City?

Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave  - KCYGLI-0

Image credit: Paul Sableman

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave

Located on Troost Avenue, the Bus Terminal provides intercity bus service from Kansas City on Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, and Amtrak Thruway buses. Popular routes from this station travel to cities such as Columbia, Chicago, and Wichita. The lounge inside the station includes seating, restrooms, and a cell phone charging station to help you stay connected during your trip. Several public transit options depart from nearby 12th St, so it’s easy to travel throughout Kansas City from the bus terminal.

All bus stations in Kansas City:

  • Bus Terminal - 1101 Troost Ave

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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