The cheapest and fastest buses from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$48
Fastest journey
5 h 35 m
Average duration
5 h 35 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
189 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 1 buses that leave Bloomington, IL for Chicago, IL on Thu, Dec 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Dec 04 the direct buses cover the 189 km distance in an average of 5 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 35 m .
On Thu, Dec 04 the slowest buses will take 5 h 35 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €22, and a train costs an average of €12.
Distance: 117 miles (189 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€37 Average price Cheapest | €45 Average price |
5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Live departures
Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL buses for today, Wednesday, December 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:10 PM Bloomington, Normal Railway Station | 5h35 | 12:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Dec 04
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL
Buses from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) but you can travel from only $15 (€12) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 117 miles (189 km) distance in 5h 35m.
Distance 117 miles (189 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $27 (€22) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 35m |
First bus 05:15 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $15 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bloomington, IL 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.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. Rex skeleton, Sue.
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U. S. Offering free admission.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Bloomington, IL to Chicago, IL
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