How do I get from Springfield to Chicago without a car?

Both buses and trains are available for traveling between these two cities. The two options are convenient and eco-friendly ways to reach Chicago. Another option is using carpool services and riding with fellow travelers.

How long is the bus ride from Springfield to Chicago?

On average, the trip from Springfield to Chicago takes around 4h 55m, although the fastest bus will take 4h 5m, on average. This is the time it takes to travel the 176 miles (284 km) that separate the two cities.

How far is Springfield from Chicago?

Springfield and Chicago are 176 miles (284 km) apart.

How much does a bus ticket from Springfield to Chicago cost?

The bus ticket costs $45 on average. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $33 and $82, so it's best to compare them to make sure you get the best deal.

What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Once in Chicago, you can start exploring the city and discover its surroundings. The top sights and things to do are Museum of Contemporary Art, Lincoln Park Conservatory, Shedd Aquarium, Navy Pier and Brookfield Zoo.

Springfield (IL) to Chicago Bus Tickets

TodayApr 27

from $39

TomorrowApr 28

TueApr 29

WedApr 30

ThuMay 1

FriMay 2

SatMay 3

SunMay 4

Cheap buses leaving today

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: April 27 at 5:55pm
Departure city: Springfield
Departure location: Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL
Arrival time: April 27 at 10:25pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 4h 30m
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: April 27 at 5:55pm
Departure city: Springfield
Departure location: Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL
Arrival time: April 27 at 10:00pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 4h 5m
Departure time: April 27 at 3:15pm
Departure city: Springfield
Departure location: Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL
Arrival time: April 27 at 8:40pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 5h 25m
Departure time: April 27 at 5:55pm
Departure city: Springfield
Departure location: Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL
Arrival time: April 27 at 10:00pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
Operated by: FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 4h 5m
Departure time: April 27 at 3:15pm
Departure city: Springfield
Departure location: Springfield (Shaners Tire), IL
Arrival time: April 27 at 8:10pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 4h 55m

Accepted payments

Compare 2 ways to go from Springfield to Chicago.

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$33 - $82	Average Duration4h 55m	CO₂ emissions 7kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars	Most eco-friendly
Train	Average Price$22 - $289	Average Duration3h 18m	CO₂ emissions 26kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars	CheapestFastest

Busbud recommends taking the train from Springfield to Chicago

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 3 hours 18 minutes and with fares starting at just $22, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

4train per day

3h 18mAverage Duration

$22Cheapest ticket

26kgCO₂ emissions

Bus Springfield to Chicago: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$45

Average bus trip duration4h 55m

Number of daily buses3

Earliest bus departure11:40am

Distance170 miles (273 km)

Latest bus departure5:55pm

Compare bus companies

FlixBus

3.5/58,413 reviews

Staff4.1

Timeliness4

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi2.6

Flixbus is a European bus operator that offers intercity and bus travel in over 38 countries. Known for their easy-to-spot lime green buses and for offering affordable transportation between cities in Europe and the Americas, Flixbus is a good option for those looking for an affordable, reliable bus company. In their buses, you'll find free WiFi, bathrooms, and power outlets. You can also pay extra to choose your seat and get extra legroom, or even buy a snack or drink onboard directly from the driver. You can reschedule your ticket for a small fee, which varies from $1 to $5, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

Greyhound

3.5/586,945 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.8

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.3

Greyhound Lines offers the most comprehensive intercity bus services in the United States. They operate a modern, environmentally friendly fleet that serves more than 2400 destinations and carries nearly 16 million passengers annually. When traveling with them, you can expect free WiFi, onboard entertainment, bathrooms, power outlets and decent legroom. One of the great perks of Greyhound is that they connect big cities and smaller towns in the US, where you usually can't get to by train or plane. If you're looking for safe and affordable transportation, Greyhound is a great choice.

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Los Limousines, Tornado Bus, Valley Transit, New York Trailways, Wanda Coach

Springfield to Chicago Bus

With Busbud, comparing and booking tickets for a bus from Springfield to Chicago is a breeze. Browse through an extensive selection of bus fares and bus schedules to find the best deals.

We make sure you can find a bus service from Springfield to Chicago from the most reliable bus companies operating this trip.

Whether it is cheap bus tickets or more luxurious buses going to Chicago from Springfield, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.

Frequently asked questions for your trip Springfield - Chicago

How do I get from Springfield to Chicago without a car?
How long is the bus ride from Springfield to Chicago?
How far is Springfield from Chicago?
How much does a bus ticket from Springfield to Chicago cost?
What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for buses

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

04/25

$40

04/26

$36

Today

$39

04/28

$34

04/29

No data

04/30

$33

05/01

$32

05/02

No data

The cheapest trip from Springfield to Chicago was searched and found on May 1, 2025 with a price of $32

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Springfield to Chicago, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $32 to $48 for a bus ticket from Springfield to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $32 which is on 2025-05-01.

Usually Greyhound Lines, Inc. will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Meet and talk to locals at the bus stations while traveling from Springfield to Chicago.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

Start sightseeing the minute your bus leaves the station. If you're on the night bus from Springfield to Chicago, get comfy and count the stars.

Buses are energy-efficient. Carrying a passenger over 100 kms by coach only takes 0.6-0.9 liters of gas. Compare that to the 2.6 liters required by high-speed train, 6.6 liters by airplane and 7.6 liters by gas-powered car, and it's clear that the bus is a more environmentally-conscious option for your bus transportation from Springfield to Chicago.

Create your own real life musical score by curating a personalized bus travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your bus ride from Springfield to Chicago.

Did you know?

The Superbus, created by a Dutch engineer is the world's fastest bus with 250 km/h. Too bad it's only a prototype for now.

It takes 27 hours to go by bus from Lima to Cusco, one of the craziest bus trips on the world. This route is used daily by locals and backpackers.

The average number of passengers on a coach bus is 32 meaning that a bus could replace a minimum of at least 30 cars!

Will you be returning to Springfield by bus?

Bus from Springfield to Chicago

You can also go to Chicago by train

Train from Springfield to Chicago

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. With several language and currency options available, Busbud seeks to cater to international bus travelers no matter where they are in the world. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Bus Tickets from Springfield, IL to Chicago, IL