- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
6 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
381 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Wausau, WI 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 Wausau, WI to Chicago, IL will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 1 buses that leave Wausau, WI for Chicago, IL on Mon, Aug 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 17 the direct buses cover the 381 km distance in an average of 6 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
On Mon, Aug 17 the slowest buses will take 6 h 55 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.


Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Wausau, WI to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a bus costs an average of $42.
Distance: 236 miles (381 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$67 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 38m Average total duration Fastest 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 Amtrak | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 04:29PM | Duration 8h44 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 09:40PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $41 |
The table below shows live departures for Wausau, WI to Chicago, IL buses for today, Sunday, August 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 2:45 PM Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.), WI | 6h55 | 9:40 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Wausau, WI to Chicago, IL run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 06:35, the last at 14:45. The fastest bus covers the 236 miles (381 km) distance in 6h 55m.
Distance 236 miles (381 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 6h 55m |
First bus 6:35 AM |
Last bus 2:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 Wausau, WI 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 Wausau, WI to Chicago, IL buses use the Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Wausau, WI and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.). ATMs are available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.).
Ticket office support is available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.).
Available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wausau, Transit Center (Jefferson St.): Wheelchair accessible facilities 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need