- Must visit
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
Major art museum known for its broad collection spanning Asian art, European painting, contemporary works, and the iconic Shuttlecocks on the lawn.
Cheapest price
$116
Average price
$145
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
14 h 40 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
661 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $116.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO without transferring at least once.
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· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $63. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $63, and a flight costs an average of $141.
Distance: 410 miles (661 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$124 Average price | $97 Average price Cheapest | $394 Average price | $103 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 42m Average total duration 11h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 36m Average total duration 9h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 4.0kg 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 Kansas City, MO:
A train is $27 (€22) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO costing on average $124 (€101).
A train is $297 (€243) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO costing on average $394 (€322).
Other travel options to Kansas City, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 6m.
Bus takes on average 11h 12m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 13h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $217 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 03:45AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 20h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Kansas City, MO buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 12:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 13h20 | 1:35 PM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 9:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 12h00 | 9:45 PM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 1 transfer | |
· · | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 17h30 | 3:45 AM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 2 transfers | |
· · | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 13h00 | 3:45 AM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 2 transfers | |
· · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 20h20 | 7:10 PM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 2 transfers | |
· · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 20h00 | 7:10 PM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Kansas City, MO run on average 5 times per day, taking around 11h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 410 miles (661 km) distance in 11h 15m.
Distance 410 miles (661 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 11h 15m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Kansas City — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kansas City trip today.
Major art museum known for its broad collection spanning Asian art, European painting, contemporary works, and the iconic Shuttlecocks on the lawn.
The United States’ official World War I museum, presenting powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and a memorial complex with sweeping city views.
Highly regarded museum celebrating the history, athletes, and cultural impact of Negro Leagues baseball in the United States.
Signature shopping and walking district known for Spanish-inspired architecture, fountains, lights, and one of the city’s most polished urban experiences.
Creative neighborhood filled with galleries, murals, studios, and warehouses, especially popular for art walks and photography.
Historic riverfront district with walkable streets, older commercial buildings, and a lively local atmosphere near downtown.
Slow-smoked pork ribs coated with a thick, sweet, tomato-molasses sauce. They are one of the signature foods most associated with Kansas City barbecue.
Smoky, caramelized cubes cut from the point end of a beef brisket, prized for their bark and rich flavor. Burnt ends are a classic Kansas City barbecue specialty.
Beef brisket seasoned with a spice rub and smoked low and slow until tender. It is a staple of Kansas City barbecue culture and often served with sauce on the side.
Iconic casual barbecue spot famous for ribs, burnt ends, and the Z-Man sandwich, with a lively no-frills atmosphere.
Modern, chef-driven barbecue restaurant serving polished versions of Kansas City staples in a more upscale, comfortable setting.
Established local favorite with a broader menu, excellent smoked meats, and a refined barbecue experience suited to groups and dinners.
Moderate by U.S. city standards. Dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels vary by season and events.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and round up for cafés if you like.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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