- Must visit
Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
A renowned desert-focused museum, zoo, and botanical garden west of Tucson. It is one of the region’s signature attractions for understanding Sonoran Desert wildlife, plants, and landscapes.
Cheapest price
$177
Average price
$343
Fastest journey
1 d 15 h
Average duration
1 d 20 h 2 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
2316 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ will cost around $343 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $177.
Of the 6 buses that leave Chicago, IL for Tucson, AZ on Fri, Jun 05, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 05 the direct buses cover the 2316 km distance in an average of 1 d 20 h 2 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 15 h .
On Fri, Jun 05 the slowest buses will take 1 d 22 h 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $161. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $161, and a flight costs an average of $191.
Distance: 1439 miles (2316 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$330 Average price | $294 Average price Cheapest | $413 Average price | $366 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
38h 48m Average total duration 38h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 54h 30m Average total duration 54h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 54m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 25h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ:
A train is $36 (€29) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ costing on average $330 (€267).
A train is $119 (€96) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ costing on average $413 (€334).
Other travel options to Tucson, AZ take longer:
Bus takes on average 38h 18m.
Train takes on average 54h 0m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 39h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $147 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50AM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 44h45 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $236 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 44h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $354 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 39h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 44h45 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $247 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 44h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $272 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 44h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $291 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 43h20 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $405 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:15PM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 46h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $408 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 46h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $367 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 43h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $304 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 51h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $176 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ buses for today, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:00 PM Chicago, IL | 46h50 | 2:50 PM Tucson, AZ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, June 4 | |||||
![]() | 3:50 AM Chicago, IL | 44h45 | 12:35 AM Tucson, AZ | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:10 AM Chicago, IL | 46h00 | 2:10 AM Tucson, AZ | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:30 AM Chicago, IL | 39h00 | 7:30 PM Tucson, AZ | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 AM Chicago, IL | 44h25 | 1:35 AM Tucson, AZ | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:15 AM Chicago, IL | 46h00 | 3:15 AM Tucson, AZ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, and train 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.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ run on average 9 times per day, taking around 38h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $147 (€119) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 1439 miles (2316 km) distance in 39h 0m.
Distance 1439 miles (2316 km) |
Average bus duration 38h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $147 (€119) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 39h 0m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Tucson — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Tucson trip today.
A renowned desert-focused museum, zoo, and botanical garden west of Tucson. It is one of the region’s signature attractions for understanding Sonoran Desert wildlife, plants, and landscapes.
One of the largest aerospace museums in the United States, featuring historic aircraft, hangars, and outdoor displays. It is especially popular with aviation enthusiasts and families.
The city’s leading art museum, known for Latin American, Western, and regional collections in downtown Tucson. A strong choice for both major exhibitions and local artistic context.
A scenic desert canyon area with paved tram roads, hiking trails, and excellent mountain views. It is one of Tucson’s most popular outdoor destinations for both visitors and locals.
The signature landscape around Tucson, famous for giant saguaro cactus forests, scenic drives, and hiking. It is the city’s essential nature experience and a top photography spot.
A lively main street known for independent shops, murals, nightlife, and a casual local atmosphere. It is one of the best areas for walking and experiencing Tucson’s creative side.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog in a bolillo-style bun, topped with beans, onions, tomatoes, mayo, mustard, and jalapeño sauce. It is one of Tucson’s signature borderland street foods.
Thinly sliced, air-dried beef often shredded and served with eggs, tacos, or burritos. It is a hallmark of Sonoran cooking and especially associated with Tucson.
An open-faced flour tortilla baked until crisp and topped with melted cheese, sometimes with green chiles. This Arizona classic is a longtime Tucson favorite.
Upscale dining with desert views, known for refined Southwestern cuisine and a polished resort setting. Good choice for a fine-dining Tucson meal.
Beloved downtown restaurant known for creative Mexican cooking, elegant presentation, and a distinctive menu format. Long one of Tucson’s best-known dining rooms.
Popular family-run Mexican restaurant on Tucson’s South Side, known for generous portions, Sonoran specialties, and a lively local feel.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels and upscale restaurants cost more in peak season.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-18% for basic service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff where appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need