The cheapest and fastest buses from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$93
Average price
$93
Fastest journey
20 h 20 m
Average duration
20 h 20 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
835 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rochester, NY 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 Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.
Of the 1 buses that leave Rochester, NY for Chicago, IL on Tue, Nov 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Nov 25 the direct buses cover the 835 km distance in an average of 20 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 20 h 20 m .
On Tue, Nov 25 the slowest buses will take 20 h 20 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.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €61. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 11h 43m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €61, and a train costs an average of €165.
Distance: 518 miles (835 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€75 Average price Cheapest | €165 Average price |
14h 20m Average total duration 13h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration Fastest 11h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.8 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 26h40 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $221 |
Compare prices and tickets Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL
Buses from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 03:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 518 miles (835 km) distance in 14h 55m.
Distance 518 miles (835 km) |
Average bus duration 13h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 14h 55m |
First bus 03:30 |
Last bus 23:50 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL start from as low as $75 (€61) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $92 (€75) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 3 daily trains from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 14h 55m but the average duration is 13h 50m
Train Operators
- Travel from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL with Greyhound
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Greyhound.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Rochester, Pleasant St (Greyhound Stop), NY and arrive in Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
- First train typically departs at 03:30 AM and the last at 11:50 PM
Bus providers: Greyhound from Rochester, NY to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL with Greyhound for as low as $75 (€61). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rochester, NY 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.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. Rex skeleton, Sue.
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U. S. Offering free admission.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Rochester, NY to Chicago, IL
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