- Recommended
History Museum at the Castle
Engaging history museum in the historic castle-like Masonic Temple, featuring regional stories and changing exhibits.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI will cost around €36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
On Mon, Nov 02, we found 2 buses from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI, including 2 direct services.
On Mon, Nov 02 the direct buses cover the 275 km distance in an average of 4 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest buses will take 4 h 30 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.

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Buses from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €21 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:31, the last at 17:08. The fastest bus covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price €21 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 30m |
First bus 5:31 AM |
Last bus 5:08 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 10:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €51 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:05PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €53 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI buses for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 12:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h30 | 4:30 PM Appleton, Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Appleton, WI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Appleton, WI trip today.
Engaging history museum in the historic castle-like Masonic Temple, featuring regional stories and changing exhibits.
Art museum with rotating exhibitions, a strong glass collection, and a central downtown location by Lawrence University.
Hands-on children’s museum with interactive exhibits designed for creative play, learning, and family visits.
Popular riverfront park with trails, skyline views, seasonal events, and access to the Fox River and downtown.
Walkable downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings, public art, and frequent community events.
Riverfront park known for scenic dam views, walking paths, picnic space, and a quieter local atmosphere.
Wisconsin cheese curds are fresh young cheddar curds, often breaded and fried. They are a state staple celebrated for their squeaky texture and dairy heritage.
A Friday fish fry features battered or breaded perch, cod, or walleye with fries, rye bread, and coleslaw. It is a long-standing Wisconsin supper club tradition.
Brandy old fashioned sweet is Wisconsin's iconic cocktail, made with brandy, bitters, sugar, soda, and fruit. It is a classic drink in bars and supper clubs.
Long-running German restaurant with sausages, schnitzel, and old-world comfort dishes in a traditional, welcoming setting.
Refined American dining with steaks, seafood, and supper club favorites in an elegant yet approachable atmosphere.
Casual Wisconsin burger spot known for butter burgers, fresh frozen custard, and cheese curds in a family-friendly setting.
Moderate for U.S. city travel, with fairly priced hotels, dining, and low local transport costs versus larger American destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Appleton, WI.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI 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 Appleton, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Appleton, Transit Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Appleton, WI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Appleton, Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Appleton, Transit Center. ATMs are available at Appleton, Transit Center.
Ticket office support is available at Appleton, Transit Center.
Available at Appleton, Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Appleton, Transit Center: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Check bus stations information for Chicago, IL and Appleton, WI, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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