- Must visit
The Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$68
Fastest journey
3 h 30 m
Average duration
3 h 39 m
Buses per day
15
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Indianapolis, IN 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 Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL will cost around $68 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 15 buses that leave Indianapolis, IN for Chicago, IL on Sun, May 24, 14 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 24 the direct buses cover the 263 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
On Sun, May 24 the slowest buses will take 3 h 45 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.
FlixBus

FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $39, and a flight costs an average of $110.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$61 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price | $369 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 51m Average total duration 4h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg 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 Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $15 (€12) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL costing on average $76 (€61).
A bus is $308 (€249) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL costing on average $369 (€298).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 55m.
Train takes on average 4h 21m.
You'll arrive about -2h -12m sooner (3h 55m by bus vs 2h 43m by car) and save roughly $-9.36 (€-7.57) compared to fuel and tolls ($61 (€49) vs $51 (€41)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:35AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $41 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
The table below shows live departures for Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, May 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:25 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 4h20 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:25 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 4h45 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:35 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 3h40 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:30 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 3h45 | 4:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:10 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 3h45 | 6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:45 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 4h00 | 7:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:25 PM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 3h45 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:35 PM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 3h35 | 12:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 24 | |||||
FlixBus | 3:15 AM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 3h55 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 4h15 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 3h50 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
8893 AMTRAK · 302 Lincoln Service | 6:40 AM Indianapolis Station, Indianapolis, IN | 6h00 | 11:40 AM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:40 AM Indianapolis, Illinois St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 5h00 | 10:40 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:35 AM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 3h55 | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 AM Indianapolis, E Washington St / N Delaware St (City/County Building), IN | 3h30 | 12:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL run on average 14 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) if you book in advance.
There are 14 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:30. The fastest bus covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 35m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
A world-class natural history museum famous for its dinosaur fossils, ancient cultures, and major scientific collections, including the celebrated T. rex specimen SUE.
A large interactive science museum in Hyde Park with hands-on exhibits, transportation displays, and family-friendly experiences in a grand historic building.
Chicago’s signature downtown park combines major public art, gardens, and event spaces, making it one of the city’s essential first stops for visitors.
The city’s best-known stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with landmark buildings, shops, and hotels, and serves as a central walking route for first-time visitors.
A highly popular waterfront promenade with excellent architecture views, bridges, and easy access to boat tours. It is one of the city’s most scenic urban walks.
Chicago’s iconic thick, buttery-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Thin-sliced seasoned roast beef served on a long roll, often dipped in jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
A celebrated West Loop restaurant with bold small plates, creative flavors, and a vibrant, modern atmosphere.
Chicago’s internationally renowned fine-dining destination known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation.
A classic Chicago pizzeria famous for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is reasonable, but hotels, parking, and fine dining add up fast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotels: USD 2-5 for housekeeping; USD 1-2 per bag.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Indianapolis, IN 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.

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