- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Alma, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, and a flight costs an average of $325.
Distance: 185 miles (298 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$62 Average price Cheapest | $394 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 0m Average total duration 9h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Alma, MI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $333 (€274) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Alma, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $394 (€325).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 30m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 10h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 04:40AM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $63 |
Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Alma, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $58 (€48) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:45, the last at 12:05. The fastest bus covers the 185 miles (298 km) distance in 10h 35m.
Distance 185 miles (298 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€48) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 10h 35m |
First bus 6:45 AM |
Last bus 12:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
A top natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, fossils, and broad science collections.
A large hands-on science museum with a German submarine, space exhibits, and interactive engineering displays.
Chicago’s signature downtown park, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and major seasonal events.
The city’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, and bustling urban energy along North Michigan Avenue.
A popular pedestrian waterfront with excellent skyline views, bridges, and easy access to boat architecture tours.
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
Chicago is pricey for hotels and dining, but budget eats and public transit help keep daily costs manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops; USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Alma, MI to Chicago, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need