- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$141
Average price
$141
Fastest journey
10 h 55 m
Average duration
10 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
663 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Kansas City 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 to Chicago, IL will cost around $141 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
Of the 1 buses that leave Kansas City for Chicago, IL on Sat, Aug 29, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 29 the direct buses cover the 663 km distance in an average of 10 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 55 m .
On Sat, Aug 29 the slowest buses will take 10 h 55 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 Kansas City to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $68. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $68, and a flight costs an average of $177.
Distance: 411 miles (663 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$94 Average price | $81 Average price Cheapest | $363 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 39m Average total duration 12h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 30m Average total duration 10h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Kansas City to Chicago, IL:
A train is $13 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Kansas City to Chicago, IL costing on average $94.
A train is $282 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Kansas City to Chicago, IL costing on average $363.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 0m.
Bus takes on average 12h 9m.
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 12:50AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $141 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 11h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 21h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound USA | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 05:45AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $177 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:50PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $122 |
The table below shows live departures for Kansas City to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:40 AM Kansas City | 13h25 | 10:05 PM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:50 PM Kansas City | 10h55 | 5:45 AM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, August 23 | |||||
![]() | 12:50 AM Kansas City | 10h55 | 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 Kansas City to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 12h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $73 but you can travel from only $68 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 411 miles (663 km) distance in 10h 55m.
Distance 411 miles (663 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $73 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 10h 55m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 6 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 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 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 and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need