- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
CHF62
Average price
CHF85
Fastest journey
7 h
Average duration
8 h 10 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
559 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Saint Paul, MN 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 Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL will cost around CHF85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF62.
Of the 6 buses that leave Saint Paul, MN for Chicago, IL on Wed, Aug 05, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 559 km distance in an average of 8 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 9 h 15 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
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FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from CHF45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of CHF45, and a flight costs an average of CHF70.
Distance: 347 miles (559 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
CHF73 Average price Cheapest | CHF95 Average price | CHF268 Average price | CHF69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 5m Average total duration 8h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 52m Average total duration 7h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 1h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.6 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.7 - 3.3kg 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 Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL:
A bus is CHF23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL costing on average CHF95.
A bus is CHF195 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL costing on average CHF268.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 22m.
Bus takes on average 8h 35m.
You'll arrive about -3h -13m sooner (8h 35m by bus vs 6h 22m by car) and save roughly CHF-3.59 compared to fuel and tolls (CHF73 vs CHF69). 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 Greyhound, FlixBus.
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 12:50AM | Arrival Time 08:45AM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 12h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price CHF50 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:55PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF52 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF52 |
The table below shows live departures for Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 8:20 AM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 9h15 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· | 8:55 AM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 12h45 | 9:40 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:50 PM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 8h25 | 9:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:55 PM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 8h20 | 10:15 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:55 PM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 8h20 | 5:15 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:50 AM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 7h55 | 8:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:50 AM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 7h00 | 7:50 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF45 but you can travel from only CHF38 by train.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 347 miles (559 km) distance in 7h 55m.
Distance 347 miles (559 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF45 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 7h 55m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Saint Paul, MN 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.

Most Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL buses use the St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station. Use this guide to compare Saint Paul, MN and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need