- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$47
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$51
Fastest journey on Aug 29
4 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Aug 29
5 h 10 m
Buses on Aug 29
3
Distance
323 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
On Sat, Aug 29, we found 3 buses from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL, including 3 direct services.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct buses cover the 323 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest buses will take 5 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.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $68 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 5h 27m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $68, while a flight costs an average of $690.
Distance: 200 miles (323 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$68 Average price Cheapest | $690 Average price | $56 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 27m Average total duration Fastest 4h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $622 (€501) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL costing on average $690 (€556).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 57m.
You'll arrive about -2h -37m sooner (4h 57m by bus vs 3h 20m by car) and save roughly $-11.89 (€-9.58) compared to fuel and tolls ($68 (€55) vs $56 (€45)). 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 Greyhound, Infobus.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 01:35PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $42 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $42 |
The table below shows live departures for Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, August 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:40 AM Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA | 4h45 | 4:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:45 PM Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go), IA | 5h00 | 7:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 29 | |||||
![]() | 7:50 AM Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station), IA | 5h45 | 1:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 57m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 01:20, the last at 16:05. The fastest bus covers the 200 miles (323 km) distance in 4h 5m.
Distance 200 miles (323 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 4h 5m |
First bus 1:20 AM |
Last bus 4:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Iowa City, IA 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 Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL buses use the Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago. Use this guide to compare Iowa City, IA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station). ATMs are available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station).
Available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Iowa City, E Court St (Greyhound Bus Station): Bus station is wheelchair accessible.
Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) is 1 km from Iowa City city centre. Public transport options include:
Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Convenience store available at the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go). ATMs are available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go).
Ticket office support is available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go).
Available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go): Station is accessible for people with disabilities.
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 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need