- Must visit
Saint Louis Art Museum
Major fine arts museum in Forest Park with collections spanning ancient to contemporary art. A top cultural stop known for strong exhibitions and an iconic hilltop setting.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Showing times and prices for May 26
Cheapest price
$61
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
7 h 5 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
419 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $61.
Fast buses
Of the 6 buses that leave Chicago, IL for St. Louis, MO on Tue, May 26, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct buses cover the 419 km distance in an average of 7 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 55 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest buses will take 8 h 45 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.
FlixBus12:15 AM6h10Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:25 AMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$611One-way0 transfers- FlixBus9:45 AM5h55Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:40 PMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$621One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus5:15 PM6h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station11:20 PMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$621One-way0 transfers
· 10:50 PM9h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station7:55 AMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$851One-way1 transfer- · 11:10 PM8h45Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL7:55 AMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$851One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus9:45 AM5h55Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station3:40 PMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$621One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus5:15 PM6h05Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station11:20 PMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$621One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus12:15 AM6h10Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station6:25 AMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$611One-way0 transfers
- · 2:45 PM8h30Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station11:15 PMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$1141One-way1 transfer
- · 11:10 PM8h45Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL7:55 AMSt. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)$851One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $31. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $31, and a flight costs an average of $72.
Distance: 260 miles (419 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $404 Average price | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 57m Average total duration 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO is a train with an average price of $61 (€49).
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO:
A train is $11 (€8) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO costing on average $72 (€58).
A train is $342 (€276) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO costing on average $404 (€326).
The fastest way to travel from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 21m.
Other travel options to St. Louis, MO take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 0m.
Bus takes on average 6h 27m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -3h -16m sooner (6h 27m by bus vs 4h 11m by car) and save roughly $-11.14 (€-8.99) compared to fuel and tolls ($72 (€58) vs $61 (€49)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 St. Louis, MO Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 06:25AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $63 |
Live departures
Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO bus times
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO buses for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 9:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 5h55 | 3:40 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| · | 2:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 8h30 | 11:15 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 5:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 6h05 | 11:20 PM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| · | 10:50 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 9h05 | 7:55 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 1 transfer | |
| · | 11:10 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 8h45 | 7:55 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 1 transfer | |
| FlixBus | 12:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 6h10 | 6:25 AM St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) | 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 St. Louis, MO 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.
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Why should you book Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO.
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 St. Louis, MO.
- 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO.
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 St. Louis, MO.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
USAUSA
Buses from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by train.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 260 miles (419 km) distance in 5h 55m.
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 $31 (€25)
Distance 260 miles (419 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 5h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
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 $31 (€25)
Bus providers: FlixBus, Greyhound from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MOYou can travel by bus between Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $31 (€25). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€33)
FlixBus frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 35m
Cheapest Price
$68 (€55)
Greyhound frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to St. Louis
Things to do in St. Louis
Discover the best of St. Louis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St. Louis trip today.
- Must visit
City Museum
Highly original artist-built museum playground inside a former warehouse, with tunnels, slides, installations, and rooftop features. One of the city’s most famous and unusual attractions.
- Recommended
Missouri History Museum
History museum in Forest Park covering St. Louis, Missouri, and regional stories through accessible permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- Must visit
Forest Park
One of the largest urban parks in the United States, home to major museums, trails, lakes, and landmark institutions. A core St. Louis destination.
- Recommended
Citygarden
Downtown urban sculpture park blending contemporary public art, fountains, and landscaping. Very photogenic and popular for casual walks.
- Recommended
Delmar Loop
Lively entertainment and walking district known for shops, music venues, street art, and the St. Louis Walk of Fame. A favorite social area.
- Vegetarian
St. Louis-Style Pizza
A local pizza style with a very thin, cracker-like crust, cut into squares and traditionally topped with Provel cheese. It is one of the city’s most distinctive foods.
- Vegetarian
Toasted Ravioli
Breaded and fried ravioli, usually served with marinara sauce. Despite the name, it is fried, and it is a classic St. Louis appetizer found across the city.
- Vegetarian
Gooey Butter Cake
A rich, sweet cake with a dense, buttery base and soft, gooey topping. It is a beloved St. Louis dessert with deep local roots.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
An iconic St. Louis dessert stand celebrated for thick frozen custard concretes and a nostalgic roadside atmosphere.
Lona's Lil Eats
A popular, casual eatery known for big rice paper wraps, bold flavors, and a lively neighborhood feel.
Charlie Gitto's On The Hill
A long-established Italian restaurant in the historic Hill neighborhood, known for toasted ravioli, pasta, and classic old-school service.
United States Dollar
Generally affordable by major U.S. city standards, with moderate hotel and dining prices and many low-cost attractions.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-6 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
FAQs: Bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO can start from as little as $41 (€33) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO is $72 (€58) ; 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 St. Louis, MO is 5h 55m to travel the 260 miles (419 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 St. Louis, MO leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO leaves at 11:45 PM.
Yes, there are 2 direct buses a day from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO with FlixBus, Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound for the best way to get you to St. Louis, MO. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to St. Louis, MO from Chicago, IL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MO including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO:
- 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).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Since neither Chicago, IL nor St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO, travelers should be cautious in certain neighborhoods with higher crime rates, especially after dark. Common safety concerns include petty theft, pickpocketing, and occasional scams targeting visitors near popular attractions like the Gateway Arch. It’s advisable to stay in well-populated areas, avoid displaying valuables openly, and use reputable transportation services to minimize risks.
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 St. Louis, MO
Chicago
St. Louis
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 St. Louis.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
information
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
information
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station
information
The major bus station for arrivals in St. Louis is St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center) for your trip to St. Louis from Chicago.
St. Louis, S 15th St (Civic center)
information
Most popular bus connections from Chicago, IL
More options for your journey from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from St. Louis, MO and Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections to St. Louis, MO
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