- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
World-class civil rights museum at the Lorraine Motel. Essential for understanding the movement, Dr. King, and the American struggle for justice.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$71
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$89
Fastest journey on Sep 14
9 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
12 h 58 m
Buses on Sep 14
9
Distance
774 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN will cost around $89 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 9 buses from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN, including 2 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 774 km distance in an average of 12 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 35 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 15 h 35 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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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $107 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 51m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $107, while a flight costs an average of $552.
Distance: 480 miles (774 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$107 Average price Cheapest | $180 Average price | $552 Average price | $111 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 27m Average total duration 11h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 55m Average total duration 10h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 51m Average total duration Fastest 4h 51m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg 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 Memphis, TN:
A bus is $73 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $180.
A bus is $445 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $552.
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 25m.
Bus takes on average 11h 57m.
Tickets start at around $107 compared to roughly $111 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $5. The journey takes 11h 57m versus 7h 50m 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, FlixBus.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $61 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 16h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 15h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN buses for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 9:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 11h00 | 8:45 PM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 9:55 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 15h35 | 1:30 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
· | 10:15 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 15h15 | 1:30 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 5:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 13h25 | 6:30 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 9h35 | 8:05 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
+ FlixBus | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 16h10 | 3:00 PM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 16h10 | 3:00 PM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 15h50 | 3:00 PM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 15h50 | 3:00 PM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Memphis, TN run on average 5 times per day, taking around 11h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $57 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 480 miles (774 km) distance in 9h 20m.
Distance 480 miles (774 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 20m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Memphis, TN — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis, TN trip today.
World-class civil rights museum at the Lorraine Motel. Essential for understanding the movement, Dr. King, and the American struggle for justice.
Major museum of Memphis music history inside a former recording studio. A must for soul, blues, and rock fans exploring the city's sound.
Interactive museum on Stax Records and Southern soul legends. Worth visiting for Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and immersive music storytelling.
Memphis's legendary entertainment street, famous for live music, neon, and history. A classic walk for atmosphere, nightlife, and cultural identity.
Mississippi riverfront park with broad lawns, monuments, and skyline views. Ideal for an easy walk and classic river scenery.
Large urban park with old-growth forest, trails, playgrounds, and zoo access. Excellent for nature, families, and a break from downtown.
Memphis-style pork ribs are slow-smoked over hardwood, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are the city’s most iconic barbecue tradition.
Pulled pork shoulder is smoked until tender, chopped or shredded, and often topped with slaw. It is a staple of Memphis barbecue joints.
Barbecue spaghetti mixes smoked pork, tomato-based sauce, and spaghetti. This quirky Memphis specialty reflects the city’s barbecue creativity.
Beloved traditional barbecue spot famous for pulled pork sandwiches, ribs, and barbecue spaghetti. Casual and deeply tied to Memphis food culture.
Historic fine dining destination serving refined Southern cuisine and an acclaimed brunch. Elegant setting inside a former mansion in Midtown.
Long-running Memphis institution for fried chicken and Southern sides. Bustling, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong local following.
Moderate for U.S. city breaks: hotels and dining are generally below New York or Miami, while car, rideshare, and attraction costs can add up.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts; small tips are appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Memphis, Airways Transit Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Memphis, TN 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, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Memphis, Airways Transit Center is 11 km from Memphis city centre. Public transport options include:
Memphis, Airways Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple restaurants and food services available.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the station. ATMs are aTMs available inside the station building.
Ticket office support is available at Memphis, Airways Transit Center.
Available at Memphis, Airways Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Memphis, Airways Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with assistance available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need