How to travel from Chicago to St Louis

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2 ways to go from Chicago to St Louis

Bus
Average PriceUS$34 - US$212Average Duration8h 30m
11kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Most eco-friendly
Train
Average PriceUS$30 - US$98Average Duration5h 1m
38kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars
Cheapest
Fastest
%{brand}s logoBusbud recommends taking the train from Chicago to St Louis

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach St Louis. The journey takes about 5 hours 1 minute, and with fares starting at just US$30, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1train per day
5h 1mAverage Duration
US$30Cheapest ticket
38kgCO₂ emissions
TodayDec 23
from US$125
TomorrowDec 24
from US$42
WedDec 25
from US$42
ThuDec 26
from US$42
FriDec 27
from US$42
SatDec 28
from US$50
SunDec 29
from US$42
MonDec 30
from US$35

Next departures to St Louis

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: December 24 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 25 at
    Destination city: St Louis
    Destination location: Gateway Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 24 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Chicago (Union Station), IL
    Arrival time: December 24 at
    Destination city: St Louis
    Destination location: Gateway Station
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 24 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
    Arrival time: December 25 at
    Destination city: St Louis
    Destination location: Gateway Station
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: December 24 at
    Departure city: Chicago
    Departure location: Downtown Greyhound Station
    Arrival time: December 24 at
    Destination city: St Louis
    Destination location: Gateway Station
    Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.Greyhound Lines, Inc.
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 10:03 AM CST.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

From Chicago to St Louis: Trip Overview

Travel the 262 miles (422 km) from Chicago to St Louis by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from Chicago to St Louis is US$47. This route is served by top travel providers like FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket priceUS$47
Average bus trip duration6h 45m
Number of daily departures1
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure6:00am
Distance262 miles (422 km)
Latest departure11:00pm
Cheapest mode of travelTrain - US$30
Fastest mode of travelTrain - 4h 46m
Popular travel companiesFlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from Chicago to St Louis

Whether you're a budget traveller or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from Chicago to St Louis is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from Chicago to St Louis for an average of US$59 and a travel time of 7 hours 53 minutes. Greyhound, FlixBus, Amtrak offer tickets starting at US$34.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from Chicago to St Louis. The trip typically takes 5 hours, with ticket prices starting at US$30. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Chicago (Union Station), IL, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from Chicago to St Louis is sometimes an option travellers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from Chicago to St Louis and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from Chicago to St Louis?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the train. The cheapest train ticket costs US$30, and the average price is US$55. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between Chicago and St Louis?

    If you're pressed for time, the train reigns supreme, taking you from Chicago to St Louis in roughly 5h 1m.

  3. How do I travel from Chicago to St Louis without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend train.

  4. How long is the bus ride from Chicago to St Louis?

    The average travel time between Chicago and St Louis is around 8h 30m, although the fastest bus will take about 5h 35m.This is the time it takes to travel the 422 km that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from Chicago to St Louis?

    When taking the bus from Chicago to St Louis, you can travel comfortably and safely with Greyhound, FlixBus, Amtrak.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between Chicago and St Louis?

    The number of buses from Chicago to St Louis can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from Chicago to St Louis by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to St Louis?

    Buses travelling between Chicago and St Louis leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at Gateway Station.

  8. How long is the trip from Chicago to St Louis?

    A train trip between Chicago and St Louis is around 5h 1m, although the fastest train will take about 4h 46m. This is the time it takes to travel the 422 km that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between Chicago and St Louis?

    The number of trains from Chicago to St Louis can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to St Louis by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from Chicago to St Louis?

    Trains travelling between Chicago and St Louis leave from Downtown Greyhound Station or Chicago O'Hare International Airport and arrive at Gateway Station.

Why choose Busbud?

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Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from Chicago to St Louis

Buses from St Louis to Chicago

Go by train

Trains from Chicago to St Louis

Trains from St Louis to Chicago

Popular routes