Traveling By Bus: Chicago To Las Vegas Trip Duration

There are many ways to travel from Chicago to Las Vegas, including by plane, train, bus, or car. The bus is one of the slowest ways to travel between the two cities, with the fastest bus taking between 38 hours 30 minutes and 38 hours 50 minutes to complete the journey. However, it is also one of the cheapest ways to travel between the two cities, with tickets starting at $115.99.

Bus travel time and cost

The bus is one of the slowest ways to travel from Las Vegas to Chicago, with the journey taking between 35 hours and 15 minutes and 44 hours and 15 minutes. There are no direct routes, so you will have to transfer in St. Louis, about a third of the way through the trip. The bus is also one of the more expensive ways to make the journey, with prices ranging from $115.99 to $343 for a one-way ticket.

The Greyhound bus station in Chicago is located at the Chicago Amtrak Bus Station at Chicago Union Station, 225 S. Canal Street. In Las Vegas, the bus station can be found at 200 S. Main Street.

FlixBus offers tickets for this route from $115.99, with an average price of $169.99. Their buses have large and comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The journey takes a minimum of 38 hours and 30 minutes.

CheckMyBus offers tickets starting at $161, with prices going up to $254 on Saturdays. Their buses have Wi-Fi and power outlets, and they offer 20 connections per day.

Bus route and stops

From Las Vegas, NV to Chicago, IL

The bus route from Las Vegas to Chicago covers a distance of 1829 miles. The fastest bus takes 38 hours and 50 minutes, but there are 9 direct buses per day, with the first leaving at 12:15 am and the last at 11:45 pm.

There are 9 bus stations in Las Vegas:

• Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas Blvd)
• Las Vegas S Strip Transit Terminal
• Las Vegas Downtown (1st St)
• Henderson (Galleria at Sunset)
• Las Vegas Airport
• Las Vegas North (E Craig Rd)
• Las Vegas Strip (Gilespie St)
• Las Vegas (Cox Pavilion - University of Nevada, Las Vegas)
• Las Vegas (Treasure Island)

From Chicago, IL to Las Vegas, NV

There are 3 bus stations in Chicago:

• Chicago Bus Station
• Chicago Train Station
• Chicago (Cumberland Farms)

The bus will stop at the Greyhound station off Harrison St.

Bus company and reviews

When travelling by bus from Las Vegas to Chicago, there are a few bus companies to choose from, including FlixBus, Greyhound, and Las Vegas Express Bus.

FlixBus

FlixBus is a popular choice for this route, with direct buses running between the two cities. FlixBus offers comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets on board. They also have a rating of 4.5 stars from customers. The journey takes approximately 38 hours and 30 minutes, and tickets start at $187.99. FlixBus allows you to bring one carry-on and one checked bag, and additional luggage can be purchased for $10.

Greyhound

Greyhound is another option, with buses departing from Las Vegas Strip Transit Terminal and arriving at the Greyhound station in Chicago. However, there seem to be no recent reviews specifically for this route.

Las Vegas Express Bus

Las Vegas Express Bus offers bus services from Las Vegas to various destinations in California. While there are no specific reviews for the trip to Chicago, the company has an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on 160 reviews. Reviews mention the punctuality of the buses, cleanliness, and friendly staff. However, some passengers have noted issues with luggage fees, language barriers, and mandatory tips.

When choosing a bus company, it is essential to consider factors such as comfort, amenities, reviews, and price to make an informed decision.

Pros and cons of taking the bus

Taking the bus from Las Vegas to Chicago is a journey of around 1846 miles, with the fastest route taking 38 hours and 30 minutes. Here are some pros and cons of taking the bus for this trip.

Pros of Taking the Bus

• Cost-effective: Bus travel is generally the cheapest way to travel between the two cities, with tickets starting at around $187.99.
• Eco-friendly: Bus travel is one of the most environmentally-friendly ways to make the journey, reducing your carbon footprint.
• Comfort: Buses often have comfortable seats, toilets, and other amenities such as Wi-Fi and power outlets, making the journey more pleasant.
• Convenience: With multiple bus stations in both Las Vegas and Chicago, you can choose departure and arrival points that suit your needs, and there are also often multiple departure times throughout the day.
• Scenery: Taking the bus allows you to see the changing landscapes and cities along the way, offering a different perspective than flying.

Cons of Taking the Bus

• Time: The bus journey is significantly longer than flying, which takes around 4-5 hours. The time spent on the bus may not be worth the cost savings for those with tight schedules.
• Discomfort: Long bus journeys can be uncomfortable, especially if you are unable to get a seat that suits your preferences (e.g., window or aisle).
• Delays: Buses may experience delays due to traffic, road conditions, or other factors, which can extend the journey time even further.
• Limited luggage space: Buses have limited luggage capacity, so you may need to pay extra if you have a lot of baggage.

Other ways to travel from Las Vegas to Chicago

While taking the bus is one way to travel from Las Vegas to Chicago, there are several other options for making the journey. Here are some alternative ways to travel between the two cities:

By Plane

Flying is the fastest way to travel from Las Vegas to Chicago, with the journey taking around 4 to 5 hours. There are several airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, including Spirit and Southwest Airlines. Flying can also be a relatively affordable option, with tickets sometimes available for as low as $20 each way if booked in advance. However, there are some drawbacks to flying, such as airport security and boarding wait times, the cost of checked luggage, and the risk of flight cancellations or delays.

By Car

Driving from Las Vegas to Chicago is another option, and it offers several advantages. Firstly, you have reliable transportation available throughout your trip. Secondly, you can easily explore both on and off the Las Vegas Strip without having to rely on public transportation or rideshares. The drive is approximately 1750 miles and takes around 26 hours, so it is important to plan for breaks and rest stops along the way. The scenic route also offers beautiful desert scenery and the opportunity to stop at places like the Joshua Tree National Forest and the Mojave National Preserve.

By Train and Bus

If you're looking for a more scenic and leisurely way to travel, you can take the train and bus from Las Vegas to Chicago. This journey typically takes around 35 hours and involves taking the train from Las Vegas to either Denver or Salt Lake City, and then transferring to a bus for the remainder of the trip. While this option is cheaper than flying or driving, it is important to consider the longer travel time.

By Bus Only

Taking a direct bus from Las Vegas to Chicago is another option, with several bus companies offering this route, including Greyhound, Megabus, and Flixbus. This journey usually takes between 35 and 38 hours, and tickets can be purchased for as low as $24 one way. However, it is important to consider the potential lack of bathroom facilities on some buses and the congestion at bus terminals.

Frequently asked questions