- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
2 h 15 m
Average duration
2 h 20 m
Buses per day
12
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lafayette, IN 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 Lafayette, IN to Chicago, IL will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Of the 12 buses that leave Lafayette, IN for Chicago, IL on Tue, Jun 16, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct buses cover the 172 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 15 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest buses will take 2 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.

FlixBus

FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Lafayette, IN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $106.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$39 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price | $250 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 3m Average total duration 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 1h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 1h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lafayette, IN to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $34 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lafayette, IN to Chicago, IL costing on average $72 (€59).
A bus is $211 (€171) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lafayette, IN to Chicago, IL costing on average $250 (€202).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 33m.
Train takes on average 3h 23m.
Tickets start at around $39 (€31) compared to roughly $40 (€32) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $1 (€1). The journey takes 2h 33m versus 1h 59m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound, FlixBus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 08:25AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:25AM | Arrival Time 10:40AM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 12:00PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 2h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 2h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $41 |
The table below shows live departures for Lafayette, IN to Chicago, IL buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 5:20 PM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h35 | 6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:10 PM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h35 | 7:45 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:55 PM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h15 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:50 PM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h20 | 12:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
FlixBus | 4:30 AM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h40 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h30 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h55 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:25 AM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 3h15 | 10:40 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:55 AM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h35 | 11:30 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:45 AM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h15 | 12:00 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:50 AM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h55 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:50 AM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 3h20 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:55 PM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h20 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:45 PM Lafayette, North 3rd st / North st (Colonial Bakery Garage), IN | 2h30 | 4:15 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 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 Lafayette, IN to Chicago, IL run on average 14 times per day, taking around 2h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) if you book in advance.
There are 14 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:25, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 106 miles (172 km) distance in 2h 15m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Buses per day 14 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 2h 15m |
First bus 12:25 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Major natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and large family-friendly science exhibits.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park with a U-505 submarine, aviation exhibits, and immersive interactive displays.
Chicago’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate and major events, with strong appeal for first-time visitors and photographers.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River, popular for architecture views, strolling, and social-media-friendly city scenes.
Famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for landmark architecture, flagship stores, and busy big-city energy.
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 by U.S. big-city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but food and transit offer good value.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lafayette, IN 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need