- Must visit
Columbia Museum of Art
State art museum with American, European, and contemporary works plus rotating exhibitions in a spacious downtown building.
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 CHF 52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF 48.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO without transferring at least 2 times.
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Buses from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO run on average 8 times per day, taking around 10h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF 41 if you book in advance.
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 48m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF 41 |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 8h 15m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO.
| 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 CHF 45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 9h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price CHF 46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price CHF 45 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price CHF 45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 15h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price CHF 45 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF 55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF 55 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Columbia, MO buses for today, Monday, November 2. 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 | 15h40 | 8:45 AM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 2 transfers | |
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 | 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 | 16h10 | 3:00 PM 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 | 16h45 | 3:35 PM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 2 transfers | |
· · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 16h15 | 3:05 PM Columbia, Wabash Bus Station, MO | 2 transfers | |
· · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 15h20 | 2:30 PM Columbia, Wabash Bus Station, 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 | 15h55 | 3:05 PM Columbia, Wabash Bus Station, MO | 2 transfers | |
· · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 16h25 | 3:35 PM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, November 3 | |||||
· · · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 22h05 | 8:20 AM Columbia, Wabash Bus Station, MO | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 22h30 | 8:45 AM Columbia, Highway 40 W (Midway Truck Plaza), MO | 3 transfers | |
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 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.
A Midlands staple of slow-smoked pork, usually chopped or pulled and dressed with a mustard-based sauce rooted in South Carolina German heritage.
Hash made from finely chopped pork and offal simmered with spices, traditionally served over rice at barbecue joints and family gatherings.
Stone-ground corn grits cooked creamy, often with butter or cheese. They are a long-standing Southern breakfast and supper staple across Columbia.
Stylish Southern restaurant serving shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes, and modern regional plates in a lively downtown setting.
Beloved local barbecue spot known for South Carolina pulled pork, ribs, brisket, hash and rice, with a casual counter-service atmosphere.
Casual local favorite for pimento cheese, biscuits, grits, sandwiches, and Southern breakfast plates in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Moderate for a US city. Hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit costs are low, and budget food is easy to find compared with larger East Coast destinations.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if there is table service.
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 Columbia, MO.
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.
Check bus stations information for Chicago, IL and Columbia, MO, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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