IA → IL · about 200 miles
Iowa City to Chicago bus schedule
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run 26 direct buses a week from Iowa City to Chicago. The fastest takes 4 hours 10 minutes; the first bus leaves at 1:35 AM and the last at 2:45 PM. The standard fare with Jefferson Lines is $45 one way.
Timetable data from · No schedule changes since at least
- Buses a week
- 26
- Fastest trip
- 4h 10m
- First bus
- 1:35 AM
- Last bus
- 2:45 PM
- Standard fare
- $45
A standard fare is the carrier's published one-way price. Many carriers price by demand, so the fare when you book can be higher or lower. Fares don't include any fees the carrier's ticket site may add; BusSchedules.com adds no fees. Fares for Greyhound aren't listed here.
Timetable
Times are local to each stop. Timetables published by tds.ai, refreshed October 15, 2026. Schedules change, so check times when you book.
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Days | Stops | Bus company | Standard fare & ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:35 AM | 5:45 AM | 4h 10m | Daily | Iowa City to Chicago | Jefferson Lines Full timetable | $45Book (carrier website) |
| 7:50 AM | 1:35 PM | 5h 45m | Daily | Iowa City Burlington Trailways to Chicago Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 11:40 AM | 4:25 PM | 4h 45m | Daily | Iowa City Burlington Trailways to Chicago Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
| 2:45 PM | 7:45 PM | 5h 00m | Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Iowa City to Chicago Bus Station | Greyhound Full timetable | Fare not listed, no online booking link |
Route map
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Where to board in Iowa City Where you get off in Chicago The route of the busiest trip
Where to catch the bus in Iowa City
- Iowa City Burlington Trailways Map of Iowa City Burlington Trailways (Google Maps)
Where the bus stops in Chicago
Return trip: Chicago to Iowa City
Questions
How long is the bus from Iowa City to Chicago?
The fastest direct bus takes 4 hours 10 minutes; the typical trip is 5 hours.
How much is the bus from Iowa City to Chicago?
The standard one-way fare with Jefferson Lines is $45. Many carriers price by demand, so the fare when you book can be higher or lower. Fares don't include any fees the carrier's ticket site may add; BusSchedules.com adds no fees. Fares for Greyhound aren't listed here; check its website.
What time is the first bus from Iowa City to Chicago?
The earliest departure is at 1:35 AM (Daily) and the last at 2:45 PM (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun).
Which bus companies go from Iowa City to Chicago?
Jefferson Lines and Greyhound run direct buses on this route.
Where do I catch the bus in Iowa City?
Buses to Chicago leave from Iowa City Burlington Trailways.