- Must visit
Denver Art Museum
Major art museum known for Indigenous arts, Western American collections, and striking architecture in the Golden Triangle district.
Cheapest price
$252
Average price
$338
Fastest journey
20 h 30 m
Average duration
1 d 2 h 24 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
1475 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO will cost around $338 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $252.
Of the 6 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Denver, CO on Thu, Jul 02, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 02 the direct buses cover the 1475 km distance in an average of 1 d 2 h 24 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 20 h 30 m .
On Thu, Jul 02 the slowest buses will take 1 d 10 h 45 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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FlixBus+
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FlixBus+
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· · · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $77. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.4 - 1.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, and a train costs an average of $111.
Distance: 916 miles (1475 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$152 Average price Cheapest | $286 Average price | $170 Average price | $212 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
22h 49m Average total duration 22h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 21m Average total duration 18h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 23m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.5 - 3.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.4 - 8.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO costing on average $170 (€140).
A bus is $134 (€110) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO costing on average $286 (€236).
Other travel options to Denver, CO take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 51m.
Bus takes on average 22h 19m.
Tickets start at around $152 (€125) compared to roughly $212 (€175) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $60 (€49). The journey takes 22h 19m versus 14h 22m 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.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 31h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $167 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $252 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $130 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 24h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 35h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 34h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $181 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Denver, CO buses for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 21h35 | 9:00 AM Denver, Union Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+![]() | 5:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 24h05 | 4:20 PM Denver, Union Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 35h40 | 9:30 AM Denver, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
· · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 34h45 | 8:55 AM Denver, Union Station | 3 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 2 | |||||
· · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 31h05 | 4:20 PM Denver, Union Station | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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 Denver, CO run on average 2 times per day, taking around 22h 19m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $77 (€64) but you can travel from only $56 (€46) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 916 miles (1475 km) distance in 21h 9m.
Distance 916 miles (1475 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 (€64) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 21h 9m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Denver — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Denver trip today.
Major art museum known for Indigenous arts, Western American collections, and striking architecture in the Golden Triangle district.
Large natural history and science museum with dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, and an IMAX and planetarium.
Exceptional single-artist museum holding the largest collection of Clyfford Still’s work, ideal for modern art fans.
Denver’s most famous historic block, known for preserved buildings, lights overhead, and lively downtown atmosphere.
Central pedestrian-friendly corridor in downtown Denver for walking, people-watching, and accessing major sights.
Highly popular creative neighborhood known for murals, warehouses, and a strong social media presence.
Denver’s signature spicy chile stew or sauce, usually made with roasted green chiles and pork, and served over burritos, fries, or eggs. It is a defining Front Range comfort food.
A classic omelet associated with Denver, typically filled with ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. It is one of the city’s best-known breakfast dishes.
Lean, flavorful bison is a Rocky Mountain staple often served as a burger in Denver. It reflects Colorado’s ranching heritage and regional game culture.
Modern upscale steakhouse with polished service, excellent beef, and a lively downtown atmosphere. Ideal for a refined Denver dinner.
Established Southwestern and frontier-style restaurant just outside central Denver, known for bison, elk, and Colorado-inspired cuisine in a distinctive adobe setting.
Historic Denver steakhouse famous for Old West atmosphere, game meats, and Rocky Mountain specialties. A classic choice for trying iconic regional dishes.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Lodging can be pricey downtown, but casual dining and coffee are fairly typical.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis 10-15%, hotel staff a few dollars, and round up for cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO 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 Denver, CO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Denver, CO buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Denver, Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Denver, CO bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need