- Must visit
Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
Regional art museum in a landmark building with rotating exhibitions, glass art, and strong Wisconsin connections in downtown Wausau.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:45, the last at 14:45. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (381 km) distance in 6h 0m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 0m |
First bus 7:45 AM |
Last bus 2:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 3 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 12:55AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $82 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI buses for today, Saturday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 6:35 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 7h15 | 1:50 PM Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.), WI | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:15 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 6h35 | 1:50 PM Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.), WI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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Discover the best of Wausau, WI — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wausau, WI trip today.
Regional art museum in a landmark building with rotating exhibitions, glass art, and strong Wisconsin connections in downtown Wausau.
Local history museum covering Marathon County through exhibits on logging, settlement, and community life in a historic setting.
Restored 1874 house museum interpreting Victorian-era life and the city's early history through period rooms and guided visits.
Large hillside park with trails, gardens, and overlooks above downtown; especially popular for river and city views.
Downtown riverfront space for walking, events, and watching whitewater action on the Wisconsin River in the center of Wausau.
Scenic riverside trail and park corridor linking downtown with green space, public art, and easy walks along the water.
Fresh white cheese curds, a Wisconsin staple often eaten squeaky-fresh or lightly battered and fried. They reflect the region's strong dairy heritage.
Bratwurst grilled or simmered in beer with onions, a classic Wisconsin cookout and tavern dish tied to the state's German immigrant traditions.
A Friday fish fry of battered or breaded fish with fries, coleslaw, and rye bread. It is a long-standing Wisconsin supper club and tavern tradition.
Long-running deli and bakery known for sandwiches, soups, pastries, and coffee in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Popular local spot for breakfast and brunch, especially hearty skillets, pancakes, and other classic American comfort dishes.
Casual brewpub known for wood-fired pizza, burgers, and house beers in a lively downtown setting.
Moderate for a small US city: lodging and dining are below big-city rates, but car travel is common and transit options are limited.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or add 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or a tip screen.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Wausau, WI.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI 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 Wausau, WI, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI buses use the Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station to Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.) station pair. Use this guide to compare Chicago, IL and Wausau, WI bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station is 21 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station.
Available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station: Wheelchair accessible with elevator service.
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.
Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.). ATMs are available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.).
Ticket office support is available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.).
Available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.): Wheelchair accessible facilities available.
Check bus stations information for Chicago, IL and Wausau, WI, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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