Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA bus

Sun, Jun 14
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Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA

Showing times and prices for Jun 20

Cheapest price

$109

Average price

$109

Fastest journey

17 h 50 m

Average duration

17 h 50 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

407 km

Cheap tickets

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 $109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $109.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Ottumwa, IA on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 407 km distance in an average of 17 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 50 m .

On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 17 h 50 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.

  • Greyhound
    4:10 AM17h50
    Chicago, IL
    10:00 PMOttumwa, IA
    $1091One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, flight, and bus 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 $48. 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 $48, and a flight costs an average of $146.

Distance: 252 miles (407 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Flight
Driving

$128

Average price

$96

Average price

Cheapest

$242

Average price

$60

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

18h 20m

Average total duration

17h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 26m

Average total duration

4h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 26m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 44m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA is a train with an average price of $96 (€78).

This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA:

A train is $32 (€26) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA costing on average $128 (€104).

A train is $146 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA costing on average $242 (€197).

The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 26m.

Other travel options to Ottumwa, IA take longer:

Train takes on average 4h 56m.

Bus takes on average 17h 50m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Ottumwa, IA including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

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 Ottumwa, IA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Greyhound
Departure Time
04:10AM
Arrival Time
10:00PM
Duration
17h50
Departure days
Mon, Wed, Sat
Cheapest price
$109

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, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Greyhound4:10 AM Chicago, IL
17h50
10:00 PM Ottumwa, IA0 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 Ottumwa, IA by train, flight, or bus

Compare train, flight, and bus 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.

Sun
Jun 14
Mon
Jun 15
Tue
Jun 16
Wed
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 17h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $97 (€78) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 06:25, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 252 miles (407 km) distance in 17h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $48 (€39)
Distance
252 miles (407 km)
Average bus duration
17h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$97 (€78)
Buses per day
2
Fastest bus
17h 50m
First bus
6:25 AM
Last bus
11:45 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $48 (€39)

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA can start from as little as $97 (€78) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA is $128 (€104) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA is 17h 50m to travel the 252 miles (407 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA leaves at 6:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA leaves at 11:45 PM.
A trip to Ottumwa, IA from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 17h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and Ottumwa, IA including taking a train, flight, and bus.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA.
No, the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA.
No, luggage for the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor Ottumwa, IA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Ottumwa, IA, travelers should be aware of common safety concerns such as petty theft and occasional property crime, particularly in less busy areas or after dark. It is advisable to stay in well-lit, populated places and keep personal belongings secure. Scams targeting travelers are not widely reported, but standard precautions like avoiding unsolicited offers and verifying ticket sellers' legitimacy are recommended.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA

Chicago
Ottumwa
The major bus station for departures in Chicago is Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station for your trip from Chicago to Ottumwa.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
information
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station
information

More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA

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