- Must visit
Denver Art Museum
One of the largest art museums in the West, known for Indigenous art, global collections, and striking architecture.
Cheapest price
$206
Average price
$254
Fastest journey
21 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 22 m
Buses per day
5
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 $254 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $206.
Of the 5 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Denver, CO on Sun, Aug 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 16 the direct buses cover the 1475 km distance in an average of 1 d 5 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 21 h 35 m .
On Sun, Aug 16 the slowest buses will take 1 d 11 h 40 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 $78. 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 $78, and a train costs an average of $113.
Distance: 916 miles (1475 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$154 Average price Cheapest | $290 Average price | $172 Average price | $215 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 $172 (€140).
A bus is $136 (€110) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Denver, CO costing on average $290 (€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 $154 (€125) compared to roughly $215 (€175) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $61 (€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 04:05PM | Duration 30h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $179 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 09:00AM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 09:30AM | Duration 35h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $161 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:55AM | Duration 34h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $161 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Denver, CO buses for today, Saturday, August 15. 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+![]() | 5:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 24h00 | 4:05 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 | |
| Sunday, August 16 | |||||
· · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 30h50 | 4:05 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 $78 (€64) but you can travel from only $57 (€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 $78 (€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, CO — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Denver, CO trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the West, known for Indigenous art, global collections, and striking architecture.
A major natural history museum with dinosaur fossils, space exhibits, wildlife dioramas, and rooftop city views.
This museum explores Colorado and Western heritage through Native history, artifacts, and regional storytelling.
Denver's landmark downtown park and civic heart, framed by museums, government buildings, festivals, and open lawns.
A scenic urban lake and park with skyline and mountain views, trails, boating, and one of Denver's best sunsets.
A lively pedestrian mall lined with shops, public art, and free shuttle service through the center of downtown Denver.
Denver omelet with ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. It is strongly associated with the city and remains a classic local breakfast order.
Green chile is a beloved Front Range staple, served as a pork-rich stew or smothered over burritos, fries, and breakfast plates across Denver.
A juicy burger topped with roasted green chiles and cheese. It reflects Colorado's chile-loving comfort food culture and is common in Denver pubs.
Acclaimed fine dining restaurant focused on wood-fired New American cuisine, seasonal Colorado ingredients, and polished service in an elegant room.
Popular modern Mexican spot celebrated for green chile, tacos, and strong margaritas. Casual atmosphere with a long local following.
Beloved neighborhood eatery serving creative breakfasts and brunch. A reliable place to try a Denver omelet in a relaxed, local setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels and dining are mid-to-high, while transit is reasonable. Costs are usually lower than New York or San Francisco.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-$2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip screens; rounding up or $1 is common.
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, with some services arriving at Denver. 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.
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.
Chicago is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago.
Available at Chicago: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Denver has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Denver. ATMs are available at Denver.
Ticket office support is available at Denver.
Available at Denver: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Denver: The station is wheelchair accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need