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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI
Showing times and prices for Jan 31
Cheapest price
$47
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
4 h 20 m
Average duration
5 h 2 m
Buses per day
3
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 $47.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Appleton, WI on Sat, Jan 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jan 31 the direct buses cover the 275 km distance in an average of 5 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 20 m .
On Sat, Jan 31 the slowest buses will take 6 h 15 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.
FlixBus12:00PM4h30
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station04:30PMAppleton, Transit Center
$471One-way
0 transfers
335 Hiawatha Service · 7333 AMTRAK01:05PM4h20
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL05:25PMAppleton, WI
$681One-way
1 transfer
1333 Borealis · 7333 AMTRAK11:10AM6h15
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL05:25PMAppleton, WI
$781One-way
1 transfer
335 Hiawatha Service · 7333 AMTRAK01:05PM4h20
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL05:25PMAppleton, WI
$681One-way
1 transfer
FlixBus12:00PM4h30
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station04:30PMAppleton, Transit Center
$471One-way
0 transfers
1333 Borealis · 7333 AMTRAK11:10AM6h15
Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL05:25PMAppleton, WI
$781One-way
1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI
Omio recommends booking the flight 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 €23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €23, and a flight costs an average of €237.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
€42 Average price Cheapest | €269 Average price |
4h 28m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:05PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI buses for tomorrow, Saturday, January 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at 11:58 PM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1333 Borealis · 7333 AMTRAK | 5:10 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 6h15 | 11:25 PM Appleton, WI | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 6:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 4h30 | 10:30 PM Appleton, Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 335 Hiawatha Service · 7333 AMTRAK | 7:05 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 4h20 | 11:25 PM Appleton, WI | 1 transfer | |
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.
Sat
Jan 31
Jan 31
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Feb 01
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Feb 06
Why should you book Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Amtrak 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 Amtrak 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?
- 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
Buses from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:31, the last at 17:08. The fastest bus covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 4h 3m.
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 3h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 4h 3m |
First bus 05:31 |
Last bus 17:08 |
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: Amtrak, FlixBus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WIYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI with Amtrak, FlixBus for as low as $29 (€23). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Amtrak
About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 3m
Cheapest Price
$57 (€45)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
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 10m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€23)
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.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI can start from as little as $29 (€23) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI is $53 (€42) ; 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 3m 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.
There are 3 buses a day from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI which require at least one change with Amtrak, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI, you can count on Amtrak, FlixBus 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 3m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI is April.
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, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI:
- Amtrak
- Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI for bus company Amtrak, FlixBus.
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:
- Amtrak
- Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
- 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.
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:
- Amtrak
- 2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
- 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:
- 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:
- Amtrak
- Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
- 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: Amtrak, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI with the following bus company: Amtrak, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Appleton, WI with the following bus company: Amtrak, FlixBus.
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
The major bus station for arrivals in Appleton is Appleton, Transit Center. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Appleton, Transit Center for your trip to Appleton from Chicago.
Appleton, Transit Center
information
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
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 buses to and from Appleton, WI and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to Appleton, WI
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