- Must visit
Ellwood House Museum
A restored 1879 Victorian mansion and estate interpreting DeKalb history, architecture, and the barbed wire era. One of the city's best-known heritage attractions.
Cheapest price
$131
Average price
$131
Fastest journey
11 h 2 m
Average duration
14 h 50 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
498 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL will cost around $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $131.
It's difficult to get from Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL without transferring at least 2 times.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $77. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $77, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 309 miles (498 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$112 Average price Cheapest | $330 Average price | $161 Average price |
13h 25m Average total duration 12h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 33m Average total duration 10h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL:
A bus is $48 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL costing on average $161 (€131).
A bus is $218 (€178) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL costing on average $330 (€270).
Other travel options to DeKalb, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 3m.
Bus takes on average 12h 55m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 12:45PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 10h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $159 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Metro Transit | Departure Time 08:43PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 11h02 | Departure days Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Metro Transit | Departure Time 09:13PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 18h37 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $131 |
Operator Metro Transit | Departure Time 11:43PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 16h07 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $131 |
The table below shows live departures for Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:50 AM Minneapolis, MN | 10h55 | 12:45 PM DeKalb, IL | 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 Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 12h 55m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $77 (€63) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 12:05, the last at 12:05. The fastest bus covers the 309 miles (498 km) distance in 10h 55m.
Distance 309 miles (498 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $77 (€63) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 10h 55m |
First bus 12:05 PM |
Last bus 12:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of DeKalb — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect DeKalb trip today.
A restored 1879 Victorian mansion and estate interpreting DeKalb history, architecture, and the barbed wire era. One of the city's best-known heritage attractions.
Historic homestead of Joseph Glidden, inventor of a successful barbed wire design. Small but important local museum for agricultural and industrial history.
University art museum with rotating exhibitions of contemporary, regional, and global art. A strong cultural stop on the Northern Illinois University campus.
The city's main walking district with historic buildings, murals, shops, events, and the Egyptian Theatre. The best area for first-time visitors.
A broad walkable campus with collegiate architecture, museums, public art, and green spaces. A key area shaping DeKalb's identity.
Large community park with trails, open lawns, sports areas, and a relaxed local atmosphere. Good for a casual walk or picnic.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and celery salt. It is a classic Northern Illinois favorite often found around DeKalb
Thin-sliced roast beef simmered in seasoned jus and served on a long roll, often dipped and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is one of the most iconic regional sandwiches near DeKalb
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. While associated with Chicago, it is a familiar special-occasion dish across Northern Illinois
A popular breakfast and lunch spot known for skillets, pancakes, sandwiches, and friendly small-town diner service
An established steakhouse offering steaks, seafood, and classic American dishes in a polished, traditional setting suitable for a nicer dinner
A long-running DeKalb favorite known for burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and a lively sports-pub atmosphere with a broad beer selection
Costs are generally lower than in major U.S. cities. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and upscale dining vary by season and events.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants before tax. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Minneapolis, MN to DeKalb, 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 DeKalb, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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