4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA
Cheapest price
$134
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
17 h 50 m
Average duration
17 h 50 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 $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $134.
Of the 1 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Ottumwa, IA on Wed, Aug 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 26 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 Wed, Aug 26 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.
4:10 AM17h50Chicago, IL10:00 PMOttumwa, IA$1341One-way0 transfers
- 4:10 AM17h50Chicago, IL10:00 PMOttumwa, IA$1341One-way0 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 $45. 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 $45, and a flight costs an average of $101.
Distance: 252 miles (407 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $208 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 13m Average total duration 17h 43m 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA:
A train is $48 (€39) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA costing on average $108 (€87).
A train is $148 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA costing on average $208 (€167).
Other travel options to Ottumwa, IA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 56m.
Bus takes on average 17h 43m.
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
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 17h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:10 AM Chicago, IL | 17h50 | 10:00 PM Ottumwa, IA | 0 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.
Aug 25
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Aug 31
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 17h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $91 (€73) but you can travel from only $45 (€36) 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 35m.
Distance 252 miles (407 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $91 (€73) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 17h 35m |
First bus 6:25 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA
Most Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St. station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Ottumwa, IA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Which Chicago, IL station do buses to Ottumwa, IA leave from?
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Getting to Chicago, 95th Red Line Station from Chicago city centre
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station bus station facilities and services
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Which Ottumwa, IA station do buses from Chicago, IL arrive at?
Getting to Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St. from Ottumwa city centre
Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St. bus station facilities and services
Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St. has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St.. ATMs are available at Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St..
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St..
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St.: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ottumwa, E Main St. / S Market St.: Limited accessibility with no special facilities.
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Ottumwa, IA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Ottumwa, IA and Chicago, IL
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