Next bus departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Bus | Ames (Phillips 66) | Chicago 95Th & Dan Ryan | Cheapest | ||||
 | Bus | Ames | Chicago (Bus Station) | Fastest | ||||
| Bus | Ames (Phillips 66) | Downtown Greyhound Station | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 6:34 AM CST.
Get from Ames to Chicago
The journey takes about 9 hours 5 minutes, and with fares starting at just R 960, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular stops in Ames and Chicago?
Stops in Ames
- A
Intermodal Facility
129 Hayward Ave, Ames, IA 50014, USA
Stops in Chicago
- A630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
- B
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
- C
Polk St & Canal St
500-536 W Polk St, Chicago IL 60607, USA - D
Tornado Bus S Kedzie Ave
2807 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60623, USA - E
Cumberland CTA
5800 N Cumberland Ave, Chicago, IL 60631, USA - F
Turimex California Ave
2139 S California Ave, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
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Frequently asked questions about travelling from Ames, IA, US to Chicago by bus
Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.
How much is the bus ticket from Ames to Chicago?
The cheapest bus tickets from Ames to Chicago start at R 960. The average price for this route is around R 1 233. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the bus journey from Ames to Chicago?
The average bus journey time from Ames to Chicago is 9h 5m, covering a distance of 497 km. The fastest bus gets you there in 7h 25m and is operated by Jefferson Lines.
Which bus companies service the Ames to Chicago route?
Several major bus companies operate on this route with 2 buses available per day, including services from Greyhound, Jefferson Lines.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the bus from Ames to Chicago?
The earliest bus departs from Ames to Chicago at 10:15. And the latest bus departs at 22:20.
What are the CO₂ emissions for the bus trip from Ames to Chicago?
A bus trip from Ames to Chicago produces an estimated 12 kg of CO₂, making it a highly eco-friendly travel option and Busbud’s recommended way to travel.
What is the best bus company from Ames to Chicago?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated bus company on this route is Jefferson Lines, with an average rating of 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 759 reviews.
Which bus company has the best Wi-Fi from Ames to Chicago?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the bus company Jefferson Lines has the best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 3.1.
Which bus company offers the most punctual service from Ames to Chicago?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual bus company on this route is Jefferson Lines, with a punctuality rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars.
Which bus company has the cleanest buses from Ames to Chicago?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the bus company with the cleanest buses on this route is Jefferson Lines, with a cleanliness rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars.
Find cheapest prices for buses
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Ames, IA, US to Chicago was searched and found on 25 Dec 2025 with a price of R 1 111To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your bus tickets from Ames, IA, US to Chicago as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from R 1 111 to R 2 409 for a bus ticket from Ames, IA, US to Chicago based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 1 111, which is on 2025-12-27.
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.
