- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$118
Average price
$137
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
10 h 30 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
529 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Jefferson City, MO 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 Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL will cost around $137 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 2 buses that leave Jefferson City, MO for Chicago, IL on Sat, Jun 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 27 the direct buses cover the 529 km distance in an average of 10 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jun 27 the slowest buses will take 10 h 30 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 Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $142.
Distance: 328 miles (529 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$120 Average price | $103 Average price Cheapest | $303 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 56m Average total duration 13h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 48m Average total duration 8h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL costing on average $120 (€99).
A train is $200 (€164) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL costing on average $303 (€248).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 18m.
Bus takes on average 13h 26m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 12:15AM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:15AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $118 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:15AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $180 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $105 |
The table below shows live departures for Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ FlixBus | 7:15 PM Jefferson City, Eastland Dr (Greyhound Bus Station), MO | 10h30 | 5:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 7:15 PM Jefferson City, Eastland Dr (Greyhound Bus Station), MO | 18h30 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
![]() | 12:15 AM Jefferson City, MO | 10h30 | 10:45 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:15 AM Jefferson City, MO | 10h30 | 11:45 AM 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 Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) but you can travel from only $44 (€36) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 328 miles (529 km) distance in 10h 30m.
Distance 328 miles (529 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 30m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 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 US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Jefferson City, MO 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 Jefferson City, MO to Chicago, IL buses use the Jefferson City, Eastland Dr (Greyhound Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Jefferson City, MO and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need