Is there a way to reach Chicago from Denver without flying?

You can travel between these two cities by bus or train. The two options are practical and sustainable ways to reach Chicago. You can also use carpool services and share a car ride with other travelers.

How long is the bus ride from Denver to Chicago?

On average, the trip from Denver to Chicago takes around 1d 1h, although the minimum time it takes to get there is 18h 55m with the fastest bus. This is the time it takes to travel the 916 miles (1478 km) that separate the two cities.

What is the distance between Denver and Chicago?

The distance between the two cities is 916 miles (1478 km).

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

If you're headed to Chicago from Denver, chances are that your bus will depart from Union Station and arrive at Downtown Greyhound Station. These are the most popular pick-up and drop-off locations on this route, but you can find others that could fit better into your travel plans.

What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Denver to Chicago?

The average bus ticket price from Denver to Chicago is $166. In the past 30 days, prices have fluctuated between $101 and $371, 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 Grant Park, Navy Pier, Shedd Aquarium, The Field Museum and Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier.

Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from Denver to Chicago?

Yes, it is possible to take an overnight bus from Denver to Chicago. Remember to bring along essentials like a blanket and some snacks to ensure a cozy and convenient journey.

Denver to Chicago Bus Tickets

TodayMay 28

from $211

TomorrowMay 29

from $179

FriMay 30

from $200

SatMay 31

from $164

SunJun 1

MonJun 2

from $180

TueJun 3

WedJun 4

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest
Departure time: May 29 at 7:50pm
Departure city: Denver
Departure location: DENVER
Arrival time: May 31 at 2:15pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: 537-517 W. Jackson Blvd
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 1d 17h
This trip is recommended because it is: Fastest
Departure time: May 29 at 7:20pm
Departure city: Denver
Departure location: Denver
Arrival time: May 30 at 3:15pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Chicago
Operated by: Burlington Trailways
Vehicle: BusDuration: 18h 55m
Departure time: May 29 at 7:25pm
Departure city: Denver
Departure location: DENVER
Arrival time: May 30 at 10:15pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Downtown Greyhound Station
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
Greyhound Lines, Inc. + FlixBus
Vehicle: BusDuration: 1d 1h
Departure time: May 29 at 7:25pm
Departure city: Denver
Departure location: DENVER
Arrival time: May 31 at 7:55am
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: 537-517 W. Jackson Blvd
Operated by: Greyhound Lines, Inc.
Vehicle: BusDuration: 1d 11h
Departure time: May 29 at 7:20pm
Departure city: Denver
Departure location: Denver
Arrival time: May 30 at 8:30pm
Destination city: Chicago
Destination location: Chicago
Operated by: Burlington Trailways
Vehicle: BusDuration: 1d

Accepted payments

Compare 2 ways to go from Denver to Chicago.

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$101 - $371	Average Duration1d 1h	CO₂ emissions 37kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars	Most eco-friendly
Train	Average Price$85 - $384	Average Duration18h 40m	CO₂ emissions 134kg CO₂e1 out of 5 stars	CheapestFastest

Busbud recommends taking the train from Denver to Chicago

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Chicago. The journey takes about 18 hours 40 minutes and with fares starting at just $85, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

2train per day

18h 40mAverage Duration

$85Cheapest ticket

134kgCO₂ emissions

Bus Denver to Chicago: Trip Overview

Average ticket price$166

Average bus trip duration1d 1h

Number of daily buses6

Earliest bus departure7:20pm

Distance916 miles (1477 km)

Latest bus departure7:50pm

Compare bus companies

Greyhound

3.5/587,006 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.

Greyhound Denver Chicago recent customer reviews

Wasn't the best ride of my life. One of my buses was over an hour late and there was no explanation for that. Also, the buses were dirty, even after cleaning. I got gum stuck to the bottom of my backpack which was on the floor. While it was on the floor, I didn't expect gum to get attached to my bag. Also, some of the staff was true to some of the customers. I did have pretty nice bus drivers though. For the most part, the bus ride was okay.

Mariko H.

April 22, 2019

I was removed from your bus by a trainee for no reason at all and ended up having to pay for a hotel until the next bus arrived the nexted day.

Adam W.

September 28, 2018

It was decent. But there were some delays.

Joseph S.

February 19, 2019

Burlington Trailways

4/518 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

Wifi5

US bus companies: FlixBus, Greyhound, Tornado Bus, Los Limousines, Valley Transit, Tufesa, Wanda Coach

Denver to Chicago Bus

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

Bus service from Denver to Chicago will be provided by the most trusted bus companies.

From cheap bus tickets to more luxurious buses traveling from Denver to Chicago, we offer a wide range of bus services to best suit your needs depending on how much your budget is.

Where are the popular stops in Denver and Chicago?

Stops in Denver

A - Union Station

B - Bus Station

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

Frequently asked questions for your trip Denver - Chicago

Is there a way to reach Chicago from Denver without flying?
How long is the bus ride from Denver to Chicago?
What is the distance between Denver and Chicago?
What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from Denver to Chicago?
What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Denver to Chicago?
What are the best sights and things to do in Chicago?
Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from Denver to Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for buses

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

Best price found

05/26

$203

05/27

$203

Today

$203

05/29

$172

05/30

$203

05/31

$174

06/01

$175

06/02

$173

The cheapest trip from Denver to Chicago was searched and found on May 29, 2025 with a price of $172

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

You can expect to pay from $172 to $341 for a bus ticket from Denver to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $172 which is on 2025-05-29.

Usually Burlington Trailways 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 Denver to Chicago.There is no better way to get inside travel information while exploring a new city than to go straight to its people.

Much more than a mere vehicle taking you from Denver to Chicago, riding the bus will expose you to some of the most stunning panoramas while enroute to your final bus stop.

Taking the bus creates the smallest carbon footprint compared to other modes of transport. Not to mention that buses will allow you to discover scenic gems from Denver to Chicago that are otherwise impossible to come by with a plane.

Make a music playlist for your bus ride from Denver to Chicago, and enjoy the scenery to tunes from your own personal soundtrack.

Did you know?

Did you know some bus companies in Germany offer to their passenger low-costs snacks and regional beer based on their destination? Prosit!

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

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.

Will you be returning to Denver by bus?

Bus from Denver to Chicago

You can also go to Chicago by train

Train from Denver to Chicago

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud helps you easily search, compare and book intercity bus tickets on a worldwide scale with our comprehensive list of bus routes and schedules. With Busbud, wherever you go, you have a worldwide bus station within reach and available in your own language and currency. Busbud partners with safe and reliable bus companies throughout the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others so you can buy tickets without a worry.

Bus Tickets from Denver to Chicago

One passenger / one way

Cheap buses leaving tomorrow

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

One passenger / one way

Compare 2 ways to go from Denver to Chicago.

Bus Denver to Chicago: Trip Overview

Compare bus companies

Greyhound Denver Chicago recent customer reviews

Denver to Chicago Bus

Where are the popular stops in Denver and Chicago?

Frequently asked questions for your trip Denver - Chicago

Is there a way to reach Chicago from Denver without flying?

How long is the bus ride from Denver to Chicago?

What is the distance between Denver and Chicago?

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

What is the ticket price for the bus trip from Denver to Chicago?

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

Is it possible to travel by overnight bus from Denver to Chicago?

Find cheapest prices for buses

About Bus Travel

Bus Travel Tips

Did you know?

Will you be returning to Denver by bus?

You can also go to Chicago by train

Top traveled bus routes

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

People from around the world trust Busbud

Popular Buses Connecting Denver

Buses Leaving from Denver

Buses Going to Denver

Popular Buses Connecting Chicago

Buses Leaving from Chicago

Buses Going to Chicago

Popular routes in this country

Popular airport transfers