- 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
$47
Average price
$47
Fastest journey
5 h 54 m
Average duration
5 h 54 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
249 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manitowoc, WI 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 Manitowoc, WI to Chicago, IL will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $47.
Of the 1 buses that leave Manitowoc, WI for Chicago, IL on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct buses cover the 249 km distance in an average of 5 h 54 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h 54 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest buses will take 5 h 54 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Manitowoc, WI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $43, and a flight costs an average of $145.
Distance: 154 miles (249 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$47 Average price | $145 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $34 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 39m Average total duration 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration 5h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manitowoc, WI to Chicago, IL:
A train is $4 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manitowoc, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $47 (€39).
A train is $102 (€84) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manitowoc, WI to Chicago, IL costing on average $145 (€119).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 9m.
Train takes on average 5h 19m.
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 Amtrak | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 05:29PM | Duration 5h54 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $47 |
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 Manitowoc, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $47 (€39) but you can travel from only $43 (€35) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 06:35, the last at 17:45. The fastest bus covers the 154 miles (249 km) distance in 5h 54m.
Distance 154 miles (249 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€39) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 5h 54m |
First bus 6:35 AM |
Last bus 5:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 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 Manitowoc, WI 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