- Must visit
Ellwood House Museum
A restored 1879 Victorian mansion and estate interpreting DeKalb history, architecture, and the barbed wire era. One of the city's best-known heritage attractions.
Cheapest price
$221
Average price
$221
Fastest journey
20 h 45 m
Average duration
20 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
871 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL will cost around $221 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $221.
It's difficult to get from Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL without transferring at least 2 times.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $117. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $117, and a bus costs an average of $221.
Distance: 541 miles (871 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$221 Average price | $117 Average price Cheapest | $174 Average price | $133 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 15m Average total duration 20h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 19h 8m Average total duration 18h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL:
A train is $57 (€46) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL costing on average $174 (€142).
A train is $104 (€85) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL costing on average $221 (€181).
Other travel options to DeKalb, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 38m.
Bus takes on average 20h 45m.
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 Greyhound USA | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $221 |
The table below shows live departures for Wichita, KS to DeKalb, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:10 PM Wichita, KS | 20h45 | 11:55 AM DeKalb, IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL run on average 1 times per day, taking around 20h 45m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $221 (€181) but you can travel from only $117 (€96) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 01:00, the last at 15:10. The fastest bus covers the 541 miles (871 km) distance in 20h 45m.
Distance 541 miles (871 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $221 (€181) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 20h 45m |
First bus 1:00 AM |
Last bus 3:10 PM |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of DeKalb — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect DeKalb trip today.
A restored 1879 Victorian mansion and estate interpreting DeKalb history, architecture, and the barbed wire era. One of the city's best-known heritage attractions.
Historic homestead of Joseph Glidden, inventor of a successful barbed wire design. Small but important local museum for agricultural and industrial history.
University art museum with rotating exhibitions of contemporary, regional, and global art. A strong cultural stop on the Northern Illinois University campus.
The city's main walking district with historic buildings, murals, shops, events, and the Egyptian Theatre. The best area for first-time visitors.
A broad walkable campus with collegiate architecture, museums, public art, and green spaces. A key area shaping DeKalb's identity.
Large community park with trails, open lawns, sports areas, and a relaxed local atmosphere. Good for a casual walk or picnic.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, sport peppers, a pickle spear, and celery salt. It is a classic Northern Illinois favorite often found around DeKalb
Thin-sliced roast beef simmered in seasoned jus and served on a long roll, often dipped and topped with sweet peppers or giardiniera. It is one of the most iconic regional sandwiches near DeKalb
A thick, buttery crust pizza baked in a deep pan with cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce. While associated with Chicago, it is a familiar special-occasion dish across Northern Illinois
A popular breakfast and lunch spot known for skillets, pancakes, sandwiches, and friendly small-town diner service
An established steakhouse offering steaks, seafood, and classic American dishes in a polished, traditional setting suitable for a nicer dinner
A long-running DeKalb favorite known for burgers, sandwiches, pizza, and a lively sports-pub atmosphere with a broad beer selection
Costs are generally lower than in major U.S. cities. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and upscale dining vary by season and events.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants before tax. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or add 10-15% for taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wichita, KS to DeKalb, 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 DeKalb, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Wichita, KS to DeKalb, IL buses use the Wichita, Transit Center to Dekalb, Holmes Student Center (LaTourette Hall) station pair. Use this guide to compare Wichita, KS and DeKalb, 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