The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA
Cheapest price
$156
Average price
$156
Fastest journey
9 h 45 m
Average duration
9 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
407 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA 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 Ottumwa, IA will cost around $156 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $156.
It's difficult to get from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA without transferring at least once.


Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €36, and a flight costs an average of €188.
Distance: 252 miles (407 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€127 Average price | €62 Average price Cheapest | €269 Average price |
10h 15m Average total duration 9h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA buses for tomorrow, Sunday, November 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:10 AM Chicago, IL | 9h45 | 3:55 PM Ottumwa, IA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA by train, bus, or flight
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.
Nov 30
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $157 (€127) but you can travel from only $44 (€36) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 06:10. The fastest bus covers the 252 miles (407 km) distance in 9h 45m.
Distance 252 miles (407 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $157 (€127) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 45m |
First bus 06:10 |
Last bus 06:10 |
Bus providers: Burlington Trailways from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IAYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA with Burlington Trailways for as low as $44 (€36). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Burlington Trailways
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA 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 Ottumwa, IA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA, follow these tips:
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Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
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