- Recommended
Discovery Center Museum
Major regional museum campus with natural history, planetarium, aquarium exhibits, and hands-on science displays for all ages.
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Minneapolis, MN to Rockford, 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 Rockford, IL will cost around $156 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $140.
On Thu, Nov 05, we found 4 buses from Minneapolis, MN to Rockford, IL, including 4 direct services.
On Thu, Nov 05 the direct buses cover the 451 km distance in an average of 13 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 5 m .
On Thu, Nov 05 the slowest buses will take 13 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.

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Buses from Minneapolis, MN to Rockford, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $71 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 20:50. The fastest bus covers the 280 miles (451 km) distance in 6h 25m.
Distance 280 miles (451 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $71 |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 25m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 8:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Minneapolis, MN to Rockford, IL.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 13h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $109 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
The table below shows live departures for Minneapolis, MN to Rockford, IL buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:25 AM Minneapolis, MN | 13h55 | 3:20 PM Rockford, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:50 AM Minneapolis, MN | 13h30 | 3:20 PM Rockford, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:50 AM Minneapolis, MN | 13h30 | 4:20 PM Rockford, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:15 AM Minneapolis, MN | 11h05 | 5:20 PM Rockford, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Rockford, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rockford, IL trip today.
Major regional museum campus with natural history, planetarium, aquarium exhibits, and hands-on science displays for all ages.
Historic village museum with period buildings, gardens, and costumed interpretation that brings northern Illinois history to life.
Art museum focused on American art, regional works, and changing exhibitions in a manageable downtown setting near the river.
Large riverside park with formal gardens, lagoons, bike paths, and open lawns. Popular for walks, events, and skyline views.
Downtown riverfront district with murals, venues, shops, and events. A practical base for walking between major central attractions.
Scenic municipal park with river views, wooded trails, a lagoon, and historic features. Good for a quieter local walk.
Swedish meatballs with gravy, potatoes, and lingonberries reflect Rockford's strong Swedish heritage and are a classic local comfort meal.
Thin, crisp Swedish cookies traditionally flavored with ginger or cardamom, common at local bakeries and heritage events.
A soft, cardamom-scented Swedish sweet roll enjoyed with coffee, tied to Rockford's long-standing Scandinavian baking traditions.
Upscale downtown restaurant serving steaks, seafood, and seasonal American dishes in an elegant supper-club atmosphere.
Long-running neighborhood Italian restaurant popular for pizza, pasta, and a classic, family-friendly atmosphere.
Historic Swedish-American restaurant known for meatballs, potato sausage, and classic Scandinavian desserts in a casual setting.
Rockford is cheaper than major US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking are usually moderate, while public transit and attractions stay fairly low-cost for visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Rockford, IL.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Minneapolis, MN to Rockford, 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 Rockford, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Minneapolis, MN to Rockford, IL buses use the to Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) station pair. Use this guide to compare Minneapolis, MN and Rockford, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) is 11 km from Rockford city centre. Public transport options include:
Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit). ATMs are available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit).
Ticket office support is available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit).
Available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rockford, N Lyford Rd (Rockford Mass Transit): Access ramps available for buses.
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