What is the travel distance from Chicago to Ames?

The distance between the two cities is 308 miles (496 km).

What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to Ames?

The majority of buses traveling from Chicago to Ames start their journey at Downtown Greyhound Station and wind up at Intermodal Facility. These are the main departure and arrival locations on this route, there are other pick-up and drop-off locations that could make it easier for you to reach your destination.

Bus Chicago to Ames from $52 | Refundable Tickets

Next bus departures

Next departures for Chicago to Ames on November 18
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	11:50pm	Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan	17h 25m	5:15pm	Ames (Phillips 66)	Cheapest
	Bus	9:15pm	Chicago (Bus Station)	7h 30m	4:45am	Ames	Fastest

Next departures for Chicago to Ames on November 22
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	11:50pm	Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan	17h 25m	5:15pm	Ames (Phillips 66)	Cheapest
	Bus	9:20am	Downtown Greyhound Station	7h 55m	5:15pm	Ames (Phillips 66)	Fastest
FlixBus + Greyhound Lines, Inc.	Bus	5:45am	Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan	11h 30m	5:15pm	Ames (Phillips 66)	No tags
	Bus	9:15pm	Chicago (Bus Station)	1d 1h	10:15pm	Ames	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 3:30 AM CST.

Get from Chicago to Ames

This route is served by bus only

The journey takes about 11 hours 30 minutes and with fares starting at just $54, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2bus per day

11h 30mAverage Duration

307 milesDistance

12kgCO₂ emissions

Compare bus companies

Greyhound

3.5/587,379 reviews

Staff3.6

Timeliness2.9

Cleanliness3.3

Wifi2.4

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.

Greyhound Chicago Ames recent customer reviews

Station kinda dirty and severe lack of communication

Austin L.

December 12, 2021

Terrible. Horrible staff and the schedule is ridiculously ineffective.. hell.

Priyal S.

August 15, 2018

Bus was canceled and staff do not know the reason. It is hard to understand.

Myunghwan H.

March 12, 2018

Jefferson Lines

4/5759 reviews

Staff4

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4

Wifi3.2

US bus companies: FlixBus, BlaBlaCar Bus, ALSA, Greyhound, Intercape, Trenitalia, Sindbad

Where are the popular stops in Chicago and Ames?

Stops in Chicago

A - Downtown Greyhound Station

B - Chicago O'Hare International Airport

C - Polk St & Canal St

D - Tornado Bus S Kedzie Ave

E - Cumberland CTA

F - Turimex California Ave

Stops in Ames

A - Intermodal Facility

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Chicago to Ames, IA, US by bus

What is the travel distance from Chicago to Ames?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Chicago to Ames?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

11/16

$55

11/17

No data

Today

$128

11/19

$52

11/20

No data

11/21

$57

11/22

$61

11/23

No data

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Ames, IA, US was searched and found on Nov 19, 2025 with a price of $52

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

You can expect to pay from $52 to $207 for a bus ticket from Chicago to Ames, IA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $52 which is on 2025-11-19.

Usually Jefferson Lines 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.