- 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 02
$33
Average ticket price on Sep 02
$45
Fastest journey on Sep 02
3 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 02
4 h 8 m
Buses on Sep 02
4
Distance
204 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Grand Rapids, MI 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 Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
On Wed, Sep 02, we found 4 buses from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL, including 4 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 02 the direct buses cover the 204 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Wed, Sep 02 the slowest buses will take 4 h 20 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, while a flight costs an average of $220.
Distance: 126 miles (204 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price | $220 Average price | $52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 53m Average total duration 4h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 37m Average total duration 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 1h 23m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.2kg 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 Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $13 (€11) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $55 (€45).
A bus is $178 (€144) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $220 (€178).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 7m.
Bus takes on average 4h 23m.
Tickets start at around $42 (€34) compared to roughly $52 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $10 (€8). The journey takes 4h 23m versus 2h 46m 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 FlixBus, 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 06:15PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 10:35PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
The table below shows live departures for Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:15 PM Grand Rapids, MI | 4h20 | 10:35 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:15 PM Grand Rapids, MI | 4h20 | 11:35 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:40 PM Grand Rapids, MI | 3h55 | 11:35 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 23m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:45, the last at 14:55. The fastest bus covers the 126 miles (204 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 126 miles (204 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 3h 55m |
First bus 6:45 AM |
Last bus 2:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 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 Grand Rapids, MI 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 Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago, IL buses use the to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. Use this guide to compare Grand Rapids, MI and Chicago, IL 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, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red 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, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need