- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$87
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$132
Fastest journey on Sep 17
20 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
1 d 3 h 38 m
Buses on Sep 17
5
Distance
1475 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL will cost around $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 5 buses from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL, including 1 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct buses cover the 1475 km distance in an average of 1 d 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 20 h 30 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest buses will take 1 d 11 h 35 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.

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· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $175 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 26m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.4 - 1.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $175, while a flight costs an average of $597.
Distance: 916 miles (1475 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$175 Average price Cheapest | $288 Average price | $597 Average price | $216 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
26h 10m Average total duration 25h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 7m Average total duration 18h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 26m Average total duration Fastest 5h 26m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 14h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.5 - 3.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 4.4 - 8.8kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $113 (€92) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL costing on average $288 (€234).
A bus is $422 (€343) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL costing on average $597 (€485).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 37m.
Bus takes on average 25h 40m.
Tickets start at around $175 (€142) compared to roughly $216 (€176) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $41 (€34). The journey takes 25h 40m versus 14h 21m 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 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 25h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 35h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 32h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
The table below shows live departures for Denver, CO to Chicago, IL buses for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:55 PM Denver, Union Station | 20h30 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· · | 7:25 PM Denver, Union Station | 35h35 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 7:25 PM Denver, Union Station | 24h10 | 8:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Denver, CO to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 25h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $68 (€55) but you can travel from only $37 (€30) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 916 miles (1475 km) distance in 4h 25m.
Distance 916 miles (1475 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€55) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 25m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Denver, CO to Chicago, 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 Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Denver, CO to Chicago, IL buses use the Denver, Union Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Denver, CO and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Denver has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Denver. ATMs are available at Denver.
Ticket office support is available at Denver.
Available at Denver: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Denver: The station is wheelchair accessible.
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, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Chicago is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are available.
Free Wi-Fi available in the waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago.
Available at Chicago: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago: Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
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