- 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.
Cheapest price on Oct 01
$40
Average ticket price on Oct 01
$40
Fastest journey on Oct 01
6 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Oct 01
6 h 58 m
Buses on Oct 01
2
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI 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 Wausau, WI will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
On Thu, Oct 01, we found 2 buses from Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 01 the direct buses cover the 381 km distance in an average of 6 h 58 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Thu, Oct 01 the slowest buses will take 7 h 15 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.




| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $95 |
The table below shows live departures for Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI buses for today, Wednesday, September 30. 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 | |
· | 7:10 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 6h40 | 1:50 PM Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.), WI | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Buses from Chicago, IL to Wausau, WI run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) if you book in advance.
There are 2 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 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 2 |
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 |
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.
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, Greyhound Bus 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, 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, 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.
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.
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