Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI bus with FlixBus

Wed, Jun 17
+ Add return
FlixBus
Greyhound
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Greyhound
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI

Showing times and prices for Jun 17

Cheapest price

$63

Average price

$64

Fastest journey

4 h 20 m

Average duration

4 h 20 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

275 km

Cheap tickets

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 $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Appleton, WI on Wed, Jun 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 275 km distance in an average of 4 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .

On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 4 h 20 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.

  • Amtrak
    6:05 PM4h20
    Chicago, IL
    10:25 PMAppleton, WI
    $631One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    7:05 PM4h20
    Chicago, IL
    11:25 PMAppleton, WI
    $651One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 39m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $32, and a flight costs an average of $164.

Distance: 170 miles (275 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$49

Average price

Cheapest

$335

Average price

$42

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 44m

Average total duration

4h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 39m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

3h 5m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI is a bus with an average price of $49 (€40).

This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI:

A bus is $286 (€231) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI costing on average $335 (€271).

The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 39m.

Other travel options to Appleton, WI take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 14m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Appleton, WI including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about -2h -9m sooner (4h 14m by bus vs 3h 5m by car) and save roughly $-7.16 (€-5.80) compared to fuel and tolls ($49 (€40) vs $42 (€34)). 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 FlixBus.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
11:10AM
Arrival Time
05:25PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$77
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:00PM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Mon, Thu
Cheapest price
$35
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
01:05PM
Arrival Time
05:25PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Mon
Cheapest price
$62
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
04:10PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
6h15
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
05:00PM
Arrival Time
09:30PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$41
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:00PM
Arrival Time
10:30PM
Duration
4h30
Departure days
Fri, Sat
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
06:05PM
Arrival Time
10:25PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
07:05PM
Arrival Time
11:25PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$65

Live departures

Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI bus times

The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI buses for today, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak6:05 PM Chicago, IL
4h20
10:25 PM Appleton, WI0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI by bus or flight

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.

Wed
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23

Why should you book Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI buses with Omio?

FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI.

Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) 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 20m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
170 miles (275 km)
Average bus duration
4h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
$32 (€26)
Buses per day
2
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
4h 20m
First bus
5:31 AM
Last bus
5:08 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WIYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $32 (€26). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
$32 (€26)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Greyhound

About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 53m
Cheapest Price
$69 (€56)
Greyhound frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to 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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI can start from as little as $32 (€26) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI is $49 (€40) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI is 4h 20m to travel the 170 miles (275 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI leaves at 5:31 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI leaves at 5:08 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound for the best way to get you to Appleton, WI. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and Appleton, WI and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Appleton, WI from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Appleton, WI including taking a bus and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI:
  • Greyhound
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Appleton, WI are:
  • Hearthstone Historic House Museum, a preserved Victorian mansion showcasing original Thomas Edison light fixtures
  • The Building for Kids Children's Museum, an interactive museum offering hands-on exhibits for children
  • Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, a venue hosting Broadway shows, concerts, and other live performances
  • Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve, a natural area with trails for hiking and wildlife observation
  • History Museum at the Castle, a museum featuring exhibits on local history and the life of magician Harry Houdini.
The best things to do in Appleton, WI include:
  • Fox River Mall, a large shopping center with a wide range of retail stores and dining options
  • High Cliff State Park, offering scenic views, hiking trails, and opportunities for picnicking and camping
  • Appleton Beer Factory, a local brewery offering tours and tastings of craft beers
  • Trout Museum of Art, showcasing contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events
  • Badger Sports Park, featuring mini-golf, go-karts, and other family-friendly activities.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI depends on the bus companies:
  • 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI:
  • 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI:
  • Greyhound
    • $15 per additional bag.
  • FlixBus
    • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI. The following conditions apply:
  • FlixBus
    • Small pets in carriers allowed
    • guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Appleton, WI are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Appleton, WI, travelers should be aware of common safety concerns such as petty theft, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Scams targeting travelers are rare but can include overcharging by unofficial taxi services or local vendors, so using licensed transportation and verifying prices beforehand is recommended. Staying alert in nightlife districts and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI

Chicago
Appleton
The major bus station for departures in Chicago is Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station for your trip from Chicago to Appleton.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI

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

Most popular bus connections to Appleton, WI

HomeBusesBuses in USAChicago, IL to Appleton, WI bus

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone