4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Iowa
Cheapest price
$208
Average price
$255
Fastest journey
1 d 9 h 15 m
Average duration
1 d 9 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1378 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Iowa 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 Iowa will cost around $255 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $208.
Of the 3 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Iowa on Thu, Jul 09, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct buses cover the 1378 km distance in an average of 1 d 9 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 9 h 15 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest buses will take 1 d 9 h 50 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.
4:10 AM33h15Chicago, IL1:25 PMIowa$2081One-way0 transfers- 5:10 AM33h15Chicago, IL2:25 PMIowa$2531One-way0 transfers
- 3:15 PM33h50Chicago, IL1:05 AMIowa$3021One-way0 transfers
- 5:10 AM33h15Chicago, IL2:25 PMIowa$2531One-way0 transfers
- 4:10 AM33h15Chicago, IL1:25 PMIowa$2081One-way0 transfers
- 3:15 PM33h50Chicago, IL1:05 AMIowa$3021One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train for Chicago, IL to Iowa
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Iowa among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $124. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $124, and a flight costs an average of $279.
Distance: 856 miles (1378 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$219 Average price Cheapest | $464 Average price | $306 Average price | $67 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
33h 26m Average total duration 32h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 25m Average total duration Fastest 7h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 49h 49m Average total duration 49h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Iowa:
A bus is $87 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Iowa costing on average $306 (€251).
A bus is $245 (€201) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Iowa costing on average $464 (€381).
Other travel options to Iowa take longer:
Bus takes on average 32h 56m.
Train takes on average 49h 19m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Chicago, IL to Iowa Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 33h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $187 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $208 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 33h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $287 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Iowa bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Iowa buses for today, Tuesday, July 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 33h15 | 8:25 AM Lake Charles, S Martin Luther King Hwy (Lennys Grill & Subs), LA | 2 transfers | |
| Wednesday, July 8 | |||||
| 4:10 AM Chicago, IL | 33h15 | 1:25 PM Iowa | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:10 AM Chicago, IL | 33h15 | 2:25 PM Iowa | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:15 PM Chicago, IL | 33h50 | 1:05 AM Iowa | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Iowa by bus, flight, or train
Compare bus, flight, and train 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.
Jul 08
Jul 09
Jul 10
Jul 11
Jul 12
Jul 13
Jul 14
Why should you book Chicago, IL to Iowa buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- 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 Greyhound with all available travel options, which are bus, flight and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to Iowa.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, flight and train to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to Iowa.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Iowa
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Iowa run on average 2 times per day, taking around 32h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $124 (€102) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:55, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 856 miles (1378 km) distance in 23h 35m.
Distance 856 miles (1378 km) |
Average bus duration 32h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $124 (€102) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 23h 35m |
First bus 1:55 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Bus providers: Greyhound from Chicago, IL to IowaYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Iowa with Greyhound for as low as $124 (€102). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Iowa
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Iowa 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 Iowa, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Iowa
Most Chicago, IL to Iowa buses use the Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) to station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Iowa bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Getting to Chicago, 95th Red Line Station from Chicago city centre
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Iowa
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Iowa and Chicago, IL
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