- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$162
Average price
$181
Fastest journey
11 h 55 m
Average duration
15 h 18 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
661 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Kansas 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 Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL will cost around $181 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $162.
It's difficult to get from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
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· · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 41m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $64, and a flight costs an average of $105.
Distance: 410 miles (661 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$160 Average price | $121 Average price Cheapest | $408 Average price | $104 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 10m Average total duration 10h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 4m Average total duration 8h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 1h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 4.0kg 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 Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL:
A train is $39 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL costing on average $160.
A train is $287 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL costing on average $408.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 34m.
Bus takes on average 10h 40m.
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 FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $119 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $104 |
The table below shows live departures for Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+![]() | 4:10 AM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 11h55 | 4:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 8:40 AM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 13h25 | 10:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 3:50 PM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 21h55 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 3:50 PM Kansas City, Jefferson Lines | 13h55 | 5:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 10h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $89 but you can travel from only $64 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 410 miles (661 km) distance in 10h 55m.
Distance 410 miles (661 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 10h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 7 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 Kansas 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 Kansas City, MO to Chicago, IL buses use the Kansas City, Jefferson Lines to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Kansas City, MO and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Kansas City, Jefferson Lines has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available. ATMs are available at Kansas City, Jefferson Lines.
Ticket office support is available at Kansas City, Jefferson Lines.
Available at Kansas City, Jefferson Lines: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kansas City, Jefferson Lines: Wheelchair accessible.
Kansas City, 47th St (Transit Center) is 9 km from Kansas City city centre. Public transport options include:
Kansas City, 47th St (Transit Center) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Nearby dining options are available within walking distance.
Free Wi-Fi is available at the transit center. ATMs are aTM located near the transit center entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Kansas City, 47th St (Transit Center).
Available at Kansas City, 47th St (Transit Center): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kansas City, 47th St (Transit Center): Accessible ramps and seating available.
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, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
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