- Must visit
The Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$124
Fastest journey
9 h 40 m
Average duration
13 h 16 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
774 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL will cost around $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 5 buses that leave Memphis, TN for Chicago, IL on Wed, May 27, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct buses cover the 774 km distance in an average of 13 h 16 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 40 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest buses will take 15 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.

FlixBus
·
·
· 
FlixBus
·
·
· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $57. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 48m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 480 miles (774 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$111 Average price Cheapest | $170 Average price | $335 Average price | $109 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 37m Average total duration 8h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 1m Average total duration 10h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 48m Average total duration Fastest 4h 48m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.6kg 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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $58 (€47) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL costing on average $170 (€137).
A bus is $223 (€180) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL costing on average $335 (€270).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 7m.
Train takes on average 10h 31m.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 14h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $129 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40AM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 14h40 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:10AM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 15h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 03:05AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $134 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:05PM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 02:00PM | Duration 14h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $126 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $117 |
The table below shows live departures for Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 5:05 PM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 14h55 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:40 PM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 9h40 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, May 27 | |||||
· | 12:30 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 14h45 | 3:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 4:15 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 15h55 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 11:00 AM Memphis, Airways Transit Center | 11h05 | 10:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Memphis, TN to Chicago, IL run on average 5 times per day, taking around 8h 7m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $57 (€46) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 480 miles (774 km) distance in 9h 30m.
Distance 480 miles (774 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $57 (€46) |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 9h 30m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 6 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 United States, known for its Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and iconic collections in a landmark downtown building.
A world-class natural history museum famous for its dinosaur fossils, ancient cultures, and major scientific collections, including the celebrated T. rex specimen SUE.
A large interactive science museum in Hyde Park with hands-on exhibits, transportation displays, and family-friendly experiences in a grand historic building.
Chicago’s signature downtown park combines major public art, gardens, and event spaces, making it one of the city’s essential first stops for visitors.
The city’s best-known stretch of Michigan Avenue is lined with landmark buildings, shops, and hotels, and serves as a central walking route for first-time visitors.
A highly popular waterfront promenade with excellent architecture views, bridges, and easy access to boat tours. It is one of the city’s most scenic urban walks.
Chicago’s iconic thick, buttery-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
Thin-sliced seasoned roast beef served on a long roll, often dipped in jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera.
A celebrated West Loop restaurant with bold small plates, creative flavors, and a vibrant, modern atmosphere.
Chicago’s internationally renowned fine-dining destination known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation.
A classic Chicago pizzeria famous for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is reasonable, but hotels, parking, and fine dining add up fast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotels: USD 2-5 for housekeeping; USD 1-2 per bag.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Memphis, TN 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