The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$23
Fastest journey
1 h 30 m
Average duration
1 h 42 m
Buses per day
5
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 $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 5 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Rockford, IL on Fri, May 22, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 22 the direct buses cover the 128 km distance in an average of 1 h 42 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 30 m .
On Fri, May 22 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.
2:10 PM1h30Chicago, IL3:40 PMRockford, IL$141One-way0 transfers
1:50 PM1h30Chicago, IL3:20 PMRockford, IL$231One-way0 transfers
6:30 PM1h50Chicago, IL8:20 PMRockford, IL$241One-way0 transfers
3:30 PM1h50Chicago, IL5:20 PMRockford, IL$251One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM1h50Chicago, IL4:20 PMRockford, IL$271One-way0 transfers
2:10 PM1h30Chicago, IL3:40 PMRockford, IL$141One-way0 transfers
1:50 PM1h30Chicago, IL3:20 PMRockford, IL$231One-way0 transfers
6:30 PM1h50Chicago, IL8:20 PMRockford, IL$241One-way0 transfers
3:30 PM1h50Chicago, IL5:20 PMRockford, IL$251One-way0 transfers
2:30 PM1h50Chicago, IL4:20 PMRockford, IL$271One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus for Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a bus costs an average of $13.
Distance: 79 miles (128 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $21 (€17) compared to roughly $21 (€17) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $0.41 (€0.33). The journey takes 1h 52m versus 1h 38m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Greyhound.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
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 Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $20 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL buses for today, Thursday, May 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 12:30 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1h50 | 2:20 PM Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit), IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, May 22 | |||||
![]() | 1:50 PM Chicago, IL | 1h30 | 3:20 PM Rockford, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:10 PM Chicago, IL | 1h30 | 3:40 PM Rockford, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 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 | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL by bus
Compare 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.
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
Why should you book Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL
Buses from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 4 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 30m.
Distance 79 miles (128 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€10) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 1h 30m |
First bus 3:20 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from Chicago, IL to Rockford, ILYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $13 (€10). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL
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.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Anderson Japanese Gardens, a serene 12-acre landscape featuring traditional Japanese design elements and seasonal flora
- Burpee Museum of Natural History, home to the famous dinosaur skeleton Jane and various natural history exhibits
- Rockford Art Museum, showcasing contemporary and modern art with rotating exhibitions
- Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, an indoor tropical garden with a variety of plant species and seasonal displays
- Midway Village Museum, a living history museum depicting life in the early 20th century with historical buildings and artifacts.
- Anderson Japanese Gardens, a serene and meticulously landscaped garden offering a peaceful retreat
- Discovery Center Museum, an interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits for children and families
- Rockford Art Museum, showcasing contemporary and modern art in a variety of mediums
- Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, featuring tropical plants and seasonal floral displays in a glass-enclosed conservatory
- Burpee Museum of Natural History, home to dinosaur exhibits and regional natural history collections.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to Rockford, IL
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