Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL bus with Greyhound

Tue, Nov 25
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Greyhound
FlixBus
Burlington Trailways
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Burlington Trailways
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL

Showing times and prices for Nov 26

Cheapest price

$49

Average price

$49

Fastest journey

5 h 45 m

Average duration

5 h 45 m

Buses per day

1

Distance

323 km

Cheap tickets

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 $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.

Fast buses

Of the 1 buses that leave Iowa City, IA for Chicago, IL on Wed, Nov 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 26 the direct buses cover the 323 km distance in an average of 5 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 45 m .

On Wed, Nov 26 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.

Greyhound
12:50PM5h45
Iowa City, IA
06:35PMChicago, IL
$491One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL

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 prices starting from €27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €27, and a flight costs an average of €140.

Distance: 200 miles (323 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight

€43

Average price

Cheapest

€256

Average price

6h 9m

Average total duration

5h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 18m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 18m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Republic Airlines

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL bus times

The table below shows live departures for Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, November 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 5:36 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
greyhound12:50 PM Iowa City, IA
5h45
6:35 PM Chicago, IL0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL by bus or flight

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.

Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL

USAUSA
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Icon of bus

Buses from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 39m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:10, the last at 13:55. The fastest bus covers the 200 miles (323 km) distance in 4h 20m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
200 miles (323 km)
Average bus duration
5h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
$33 (€27)
Buses per day
1
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
4h 20m
First bus
06:10
Last bus
13:55

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL start from as low as $33 (€27) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $53 (€43) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
  • On average there are 1 daily trains from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL with 1 direct service.
  • The fastest trains can take as little as 4h 20m but the average duration is 5h 39m
Train Operators
  • Travel from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus, and Burlington Trailways
  • The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Greyhound.
Stations & Schedule
  • Most trains depart from Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go), IA and arrive in Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
  • First train typically departs at 06:10 AM and the last at 01:55 PM
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus, Burlington Trailways from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus, Burlington Trailways for as low as $33 (€27). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

FlixBus

About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 30m
Cheapest Price
$108 (€88)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.

Greyhound

About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€30)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.

Burlington Trailways

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 25m
Cheapest Price
$101 (€82)
Burlington Trailways frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $50 (€41) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL is $64 (€52); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The bus time from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL is on average 7 h 5 min   for the 200 mile (322 km) long journey, but the time it takes to go between Iowa City, IA and Chicago, IL by bus can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL leaves at 1: 20AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL leaves at 4: 00PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL without having to change trains with Burlington Trailways. There is 1 direct bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus or Burlington Trailways for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus providers who offer a service to Chicago, IL from Iowa City, IA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
The cheapest month to travel from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL by bus is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL including taking a bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL:
  • Greyhound
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL for bus providers Greyhound and FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
  • Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
  • Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
  • Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
  • Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
  • Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. Rex skeleton, Sue.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
  • Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
  • Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
  • Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
  • Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
  • Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U. S. Offering free admission.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers Greyhound and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL depends on the bus companies:
  • Greyhound
    • You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
  • FlixBus
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL:
    • Greyhound
      • One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
    • FlixBus
      • One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
    Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL:
    • Greyhound
      • $15 per additional bag.
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL. The following conditions apply:
    • FlixBus
      • Small pets in carriers allowed
      • Guide dogs travel for free.
    You can reserve your seat on the bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL with the following bus companies: Greyhound and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL with the following bus providers: Greyhound and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL with the following bus providers: Greyhound and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Iowa City, IA to Chicago, IL

    Iowa City
    Chicago
    The major bus station for departures in Iowa City is Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go) for your trip from Iowa City to Chicago.
    Iowa City, S Riverside Dr (Kum & Go)
    information

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