4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Iowa
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$218
Fastest journey
23 h 35 m
Average duration
1 d 4 h 25 m
Buses per day
2
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 $218 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Of the 2 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Iowa on Sun, Aug 23, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct buses cover the 1378 km distance in an average of 1 d 4 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 23 h 35 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest buses will take 1 d 9 h 15 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.
3:45 PM23h35Chicago, IL3:20 PMIowa$1271One-way0 transfers
4:10 AM33h15Chicago, IL1:25 PMIowa$3091One-way0 transfers
- 3:45 PM23h35Chicago, IL3:20 PMIowa$1271One-way0 transfers
- 4:10 AM33h15Chicago, IL1:25 PMIowa$3091One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train for Chicago, IL to Iowa
Omio recommends booking the flight 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 $144. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $144, and a flight costs an average of $304.
Distance: 856 miles (1378 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$193 Average price Cheapest | $436 Average price | $351 Average price | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
34h 16m Average total duration 33h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 46m Average total duration Fastest 6h 46m 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 $158 (€127) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Iowa costing on average $351 (€282).
A bus is $242 (€195) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Iowa costing on average $436 (€350).
Other travel options to Iowa take longer:
Bus takes on average 33h 46m.
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 $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $213 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 33h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $197 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 33h50 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $188 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 23h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $127 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Iowa bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Iowa buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3:15 PM Chicago, IL | 33h50 | 1:05 AM Iowa | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
| 4:10 AM Chicago, IL | 33h15 | 1:25 PM 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.
Aug 23
Aug 24
Aug 25
Aug 26
Aug 27
Aug 28
Aug 29
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 33h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $144 (€116) 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 33h 35m.
Distance 856 miles (1378 km) |
Average bus duration 33h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price $144 (€116) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 33h 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 |
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.
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.
Which Chicago, IL station do buses to Iowa leave from?
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Getting to Chicago, 95th Red Line Station from Chicago city centre
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station bus station facilities and services
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
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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