- 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
$57
Average price
$57
Fastest journey
5 h 25 m
Average duration
5 h 25 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
273 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Lansing, MI 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 Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL will cost around $57 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $57.
Of the 1 buses that leave Lansing, MI for Chicago, IL on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 273 km distance in an average of 5 h 25 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 25 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 5 h 25 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
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $33, and a flight costs an average of $212.
Distance: 169 miles (273 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$55 Average price Cheapest | $57 Average price | $417 Average price | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 56m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.6kg 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 Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $57 (€47).
A bus is $362 (€296) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $417 (€341).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 58m.
Bus takes on average 4h 55m.
Tickets start at around $55 (€45) compared to roughly $58 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $4 (€3). The journey takes 4h 55m versus 3h 8m 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
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 01:10PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $38 |
The table below shows live departures for Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 1:10 PM Lansing, Delta Center, MI | 5h25 | 5:35 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 bus, train, 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 Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $32 (€26) by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 06:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 169 miles (273 km) distance in 5h 25m.
Distance 169 miles (273 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 25m |
First bus 6:45 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 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 Lansing, MI 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 Lansing, MI to Chicago, IL buses use the to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Lansing, MI 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