- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$22
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$23
Fastest journey on Sep 15
1 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
2 h 5 m
Buses on Sep 15
3
Distance
118 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from South Bend, IN 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 South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL will cost around $23 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 3 buses from South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL, including 3 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 118 km distance in an average of 2 h 5 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 55 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 2 h 10 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
FlixBus

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, while a train costs an average of $49.
Distance: 73 miles (118 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$25 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 38m Average total duration 2h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $24 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL costing on average $49.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 8m.
Tickets start at around $25 compared to roughly $36 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $12. The journey takes 2h 8m versus 1h 30m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound, FlixBus, Barons Bus.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 1h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:55PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $20 |
The table below shows live departures for South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 12:30 PM South Bend, South Street Station | 1h55 | 1:25 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:55 PM South Bend, South Street Station | 2h10 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
![]() | 8:50 AM South Bend, South Street Station | 2h10 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:45, the last at 23:15. The fastest bus covers the 73 miles (118 km) distance in 1h 55m.
Distance 73 miles (118 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 1h 55m |
First bus 5:45 AM |
Last bus 11:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 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 South Bend, IN 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 South Bend, IN to Chicago, IL buses use the South Bend, South Street Station to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. Use this guide to compare South Bend, IN and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
South Bend, South Street Station is 1 km from South Bend city centre. Public transport options include:
South Bend, South Street Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at South Bend, South Street Station. ATMs are available at South Bend, South Street Station.
Ticket office support is available at South Bend, South Street Station.
Available at South Bend, South Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Bend, South Street Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station is 14 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, 95th Red Line Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station. ATMs are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station.
Available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, 95th Red Line Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need