- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the premier art museums in the US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Cheapest price
$119
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
7 h
Average duration
8 h 11 m
Buses per day
5
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 $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $119.
Of the 5 buses that leave Saint Paul, MN for Chicago, IL on Sun, Jun 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 559 km distance in an average of 8 h 11 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h .
On Sun, Jun 21 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







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 $55. 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 $55, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 347 miles (559 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$89 Average price Cheapest | $117 Average price | $329 Average price | $85 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 $28 (€23) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL costing on average $117 (€96).
A bus is $240 (€196) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, IL costing on average $329 (€269).
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 $-4.42 (€-3.62) compared to fuel and tolls ($89 (€73) vs $85 (€70)). 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 07:50AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 05:15AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
The table below shows live departures for Saint Paul, MN to Chicago, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:50 AM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 7h00 | 7:50 AM Chicago, Cumberland Blue Line Station, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:50 AM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 7h55 | 8:45 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:20 AM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 9h15 | 5:35 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:50 PM St Paul, Union Depot Station & Terminal | 8h25 | 9:15 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 |
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 $55 (€45) but you can travel from only $47 (€39) 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 $55 (€45) |
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 — 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 US, known for Impressionist masterpieces, modern works, and the iconic bronze lions at its entrance.
Major natural history museum famous for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and extensive science collections that appeal to both adults and children.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park featuring a submarine, space exhibits, engineering displays, and immersive family-friendly experiences.
The city’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, events, and major skyline views that define modern Chicago.
Famous stretch of Michigan Avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, hotels, and frequent first-time visitor photo stops.
Highly popular waterfront promenade with architecture views, bridges, and one of the best urban walks in the city.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan, layered with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of the city’s most famous comfort foods.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, neon relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food.
Thinly sliced roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in seasoned jus and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining Chicago sandwich.
A historic old-school steakhouse serving steaks, chops, and classic Italian-American dishes in a traditional setting.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for highly inventive tasting menus and exceptional service.
A long-established Chicago favorite known for buttery deep-dish pizza and a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Moderate for a major U.S. city: casual food is manageable, but hotels, attractions, and downtown dining can be pricey.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
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.

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