- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest, Fastest
+
Traverse City, Hall St (Bay Area Transportation Authority)
Chicago Union Station
$941•One-way
The cheapest and fastest busesfrom Traverse City, MI to Chicago, ILShowing times and prices for Jul 09
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
12h 25m
Average duration
12h 25m
Buses per day
1
Distance
274 km
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Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL bus
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a flight costs an average of $211.
Distance: 225 miles (363 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
$86 Average price Cheapest | $303 Average price |
8h 41m Average total duration 8h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 1h 29m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of $86 (€70).
This is compared to other travel options from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $217 (€179) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL costing on average $303 (€249).
The fastest way to travel from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 29m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Traverse City, MI and Chicago, IL including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:25AM | Arrival Time 10:50PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Live departures
Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 8365 AMTRAK · 355 Wolverine | 10:25 AM Traverse City, MI | 12h25 | 9:50 PM Chicago Union Station, Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL by bus or flight
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 11m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $69 (€57) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:45, the last at 11:20. The fastest bus covers the 225 miles (363 km) distance in 12h 15m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 225 miles (363 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€57) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 12h 15m |
First bus 6:45 AM |
Last bus 11:20 AM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 49 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to Chicago
Things to do in Chicago
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
A top natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, fossils, and broad science collections.
- Must visit
Museum Of Science And Industry
A large hands-on science museum with a German submarine, space exhibits, and interactive engineering displays.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Chicago’s signature downtown park, home to Cloud Gate, gardens, public art, and major seasonal events.
- Must visit
The Magnificent Mile
The city’s best-known avenue for architecture, shopping, and bustling urban energy along North Michigan Avenue.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
A popular pedestrian waterfront with excellent skyline views, bridges, and easy access to boat architecture tours.
Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. It is one of Chicago’s most iconic and debated local specialties.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with yellow mustard, relish, onions, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt. It is a classic local street food served without ketchup.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thinly sliced seasoned roast beef piled onto an Italian roll, often dipped in its juices and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is a defining working-class Chicago sandwich.
Alinea
Chicago’s world-famous fine-dining restaurant known for highly creative tasting menus and theatrical presentation. It offers one of the city’s most celebrated upscale dining experiences.
Ricobene's
A beloved casual institution best known for breaded steak sandwiches and hearty Italian-American comfort food. It has a loyal local following and an old-school atmosphere.
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
A legendary Chicago chain celebrated for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza and a classic casual atmosphere. One of the city’s best-known places to try this signature dish.
United States Dollar
Chicago is pricey for hotels and dining, but budget eats and public transit help keep daily costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 15-20% for taxis and rideshares; USD 1-2 per drink at bars; USD 1-2 per bag for bellhops; USD 2-5 per night for housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Traverse City, MI 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $69 (€57) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL is $86 (€70) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL is 12h 15m to travel the 225 miles (363 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL leaves at 6:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:20 AM.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Traverse City, MI is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 12h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Traverse City, MI and Chicago, IL including taking a bus and flight.
No, the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL.
No, luggage for the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL.
Since neither Traverse City, MI nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Traverse City, MI to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Traverse City, MI
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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