- Must visit
Columbia Museum of Art
State art museum with American, European, and contemporary works plus rotating exhibitions in a spacious downtown building.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€60
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€93
Fastest journey on Sep 19
9 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
12 h 21 m
Buses on Sep 19
13
Distance
511 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO 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 Columbia, MO will cost around €93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €60.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO without transferring at least once.
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· · Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €75 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €75, while a flight costs an average of €577.
Distance: 317 miles (511 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€75 Average price Cheapest | €577 Average price | €64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 11m Average total duration 10h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration Fastest 4h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO:
A bus is €4 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO costing on average €79.
A bus is €502 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO costing on average €577.
Other travel options to Columbia, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 29m.
Bus takes on average 10h 41m.
Tickets start at around €75 compared to roughly €64 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-10.39. The journey takes 10h 41m versus 6h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 10h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €41 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 17h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €42 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 15h05 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €50 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €46 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · | 5:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 15h15 | 8:20 AM Columbia, Wabash Bus Station, MO | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 5:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 15h40 | 8:45 AM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 2 transfers | |
· · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 15h40 | 2:30 PM Columbia, Wabash Bus Station, MO | 2 transfers | |
· · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 16h10 | 3:00 PM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 2 transfers | |
· · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 15h50 | 3:00 PM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 2 transfers | |
· · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 15h20 | 2:30 PM Columbia, Wabash Bus Station, MO | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
FlixBus+![]() | 12:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 10h50 | 11:05 AM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 12:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 10h25 | 10:40 AM Columbia, Wabash Bus Station, MO | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 9:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 9h55 | 7:40 PM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO run on average 8 times per day, taking around 10h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €44 but you can travel from only €42 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 317 miles (511 km) distance in 8h 15m.
Distance 317 miles (511 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price €44 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 8h 15m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Columbia, MO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Columbia, MO trip today.
State art museum with American, European, and contemporary works plus rotating exhibitions in a spacious downtown building.
Interactive state museum covering art, history, science, and technology, with broad exhibits suitable for families and curious adults.
Historic house museum presenting 19th-century urban life, decorative arts, and preservation work in downtown Columbia.
Lively downtown entertainment district with restored warehouses, public art, shops, and an easy walkable atmosphere near major attractions.
Riverfront greenway with boardwalks, bridges, canal views, and shaded trails. Popular for walking, biking, and scenic city escapes.
Compact downtown district with galleries, restored homes, and tree-lined streets. Good for strolling and seeing Columbia’s historic character.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO 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 Columbia, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) station pair, with some services arriving at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Columbia, MO 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.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) is 8 km from Columbia city centre. Public transport options include:
Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food options available within the plaza.
Wi-Fi available inside the truck plaza building. ATMs are aTM machines are available inside the truck plaza.
Ticket office support is available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza).
Available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza): Wheelchair accessible facilities available.
Columbia, Wabash Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station. ATMs are available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station.
Available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Columbia, Wabash Bus Station: Station is accessible for wheelchair users.
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