- Must visit
National Civil Rights Museum
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$87
Fastest journey
9 h 30 m
Average duration
12 h 55 m
Buses per day
5
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 $87 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Of the 5 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Memphis, TN on Tue, Jun 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 774 km distance in an average of 12 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 30 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus+
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FlixBus
FlixBus+
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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 prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $86.
Distance: 480 miles (774 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$111 Average price Cheapest | $159 Average price | $358 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 18m Average total duration 10h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 57m Average total duration 10h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 3h 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 $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $159 (€129).
A bus is $247 (€200) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN costing on average $358 (€290).
Other travel options to Memphis, TN take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 27m.
Bus takes on average 10h 48m.
You'll arrive about -3h -58m sooner (10h 48m by bus vs 7h 50m by car) and save roughly $-1.16 (€-0.94) compared to fuel and tolls ($111 (€90) vs $109 (€89)). 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 Greyhound, FlixBus.
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 09:45AM | Arrival Time 08:45PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 06:30AM | Duration 13h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $76 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Memphis, TN buses for today, Monday, June 15. 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+![]() | 5:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 13h15 | 6:30 AM 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 4 times per day, taking around 10h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $49 (€40) 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 30m.
Distance 480 miles (774 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€40) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 30m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Memphis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Memphis trip today.
Major museum at the former Lorraine Motel, tracing the American civil rights movement and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. One of Memphis’s most important cultural sites.
Museum on the original Stax Records site, celebrating soul music legends and the label’s deep connection to Memphis. A favorite for music fans and culture-focused visitors.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum telling the story of Memphis music, from rural roots to the rise of rock and soul. Compact, well-curated, and easy to pair with Beale Street.
Memphis’s most famous entertainment street, known for live music, neon signs, and deep blues heritage. A core stop for first-time visitors day or night.
Walkable downtown district with galleries, restored buildings, murals, and a more local feel than Beale Street. Popular for photography and casual exploring.
Huge urban park with lakes, trails, open space, and outdoor recreation. One of the best green spaces in Memphis for families, walkers, and cyclists.
Slow-smoked pork ribs, usually served dry-rubbed or lightly sauced. They are one of Memphis’s signature barbecue specialties.
Chopped or pulled smoked pork piled on a bun, often topped with slaw. It is a classic everyday Memphis barbecue order.
Memphis barbecue famous for a spice rub applied before smoking rather than heavy sauce. It highlights the city’s pit-smoking tradition.
Established upscale downtown restaurant offering tasting flights, refined New American dishes, and a polished atmosphere.
Beloved local barbecue spot celebrated for ribs, pulled pork, and barbecue spaghetti in an unfussy traditional atmosphere.
Popular long-running barbecue restaurant known for Memphis-style ribs, pulled pork, and smoked wings in a lively casual setting.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than in larger coastal cities, though tourist areas and live music venues cost more.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis or tip 10-15%, and tip hotel staff and valet.
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.

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