- Recommended
Discovery Center Museum
Major regional museum campus with natural history, planetarium, aquarium exhibits, and hands-on science displays for all ages.
Cheapest price on Oct 07
$15
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$18
Fastest journey on Oct 07
1 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
1 h 50 m
Buses on Oct 07
3
Distance
128 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL 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 Rockford, IL will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
On Wed, Oct 07, we found 3 buses from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 07 the direct buses cover the 128 km distance in an average of 1 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Wed, Oct 07 the slowest buses will take 1 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.






Buses from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 1h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 03:20, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 79 miles (128 km) distance in 1h 10m.
Distance 79 miles (128 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 10m |
First bus 3:20 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL buses for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:30 PM Chicago, IL | 1h50 | 4:20 PM Rockford, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:30 PM Chicago, IL | 1h50 | 5:20 PM Rockford, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Rockford, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rockford, IL trip today.
Major regional museum campus with natural history, planetarium, aquarium exhibits, and hands-on science displays for all ages.
Historic village museum with period buildings, gardens, and costumed interpretation that brings northern Illinois history to life.
Art museum focused on American art, regional works, and changing exhibitions in a manageable downtown setting near the river.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, lagoons, bike paths, and open lawns. Popular for walks, events, and skyline views.
Downtown riverfront district with murals, venues, shops, and events. A practical base for walking between major central attractions.
Scenic municipal park with river views, wooded trails, a lagoon, and historic features. Good for a quieter local walk.
Swedish meatballs with gravy, potatoes, and lingonberries reflect Rockford's strong Swedish heritage and are a classic local comfort meal.
Thin, crisp Swedish cookies traditionally flavored with ginger or cardamom, common at local bakeries and heritage events.
A soft, cardamom-scented Swedish sweet roll enjoyed with coffee, tied to Rockford's long-standing Scandinavian baking traditions.
Upscale downtown restaurant serving steaks, seafood, and seasonal American dishes in an elegant supper-club atmosphere.
Long-running neighborhood Italian restaurant popular for pizza, pasta, and a classic, family-friendly atmosphere.
Historic Swedish-American restaurant known for meatballs, potato sausage, and classic Scandinavian desserts in a casual setting.
Rockford is cheaper than major US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking are usually moderate, while public transit and attractions stay fairly low-cost for visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL 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 Rockford, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL buses use the Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station to Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Rockford, IL 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 is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago.
Available at Chicago: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) is 11 km from Rockford city centre. Public transport options include:
Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit). ATMs are available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit).
Ticket office support is available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit).
Available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit): Access ramps available for buses.
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