How Much is a Bus Ticket from Memphis, Tennessee to Chicago, Illinois? The Ultimate Guide

As someone who loves to travel and has taken the bus between Memphis and Chicago more times than I can count, I‘m excited to provide you with this comprehensive guide to planning your own bus trip between these amazing cities! Having ridden on all the major bus lines, I‘ll give you insider tips to find the best fares and make your journey comfortable and fun. Let‘s dive in!

Choosing the Best Bus Company for Your Needs

With several carriers providing service from Memphis to Chicago, you have options to find the right fit. Here‘s how the main contenders compare:

Greyhound

Greyhound has long been the ubiquitous name in bus travel, with its expansive routes and frequent schedules. I‘ve taken Greyhound more than any other line over the years. Their coaches are nice and reliable, and I like that many have power outlets and WiFi now. You‘ll find everything from basic economy seats to premium classes on Greyhound. Their app makes checking schedules and booking easy. If I want flexibility in departure times, they‘re my go-to.

Megabus

For crazy cheap fares, you can‘t beat Megabus. I once snagged a $2 ticket from Memphis to Chicago – granted I booked months in advance, but still! Their bright blue double-decker buses feel almost posh. I suggest grabbing a seat on the upper level for great views along the highway. Megabus is perfect when you‘re on a tight budget but don‘t want to sacrifice comfort. My only gripe is their schedules can be more limited.

Flixbus

A newer player, Flixbus won me over with their generous cancellation policy. You can modify or cancel your reservation up to 15 minutes prior to departure at no charge! Their buses have plenty of legroom and amenities to make the long journey easier. Last time I rode Flixbus from Memphis to Chicago, they showed movies and offered snacks onboard. If you value flexibility and comfort, Flixbus is a great bet.

Indian Trails

For a family-owned company, Indian Trails rocks. Their buses have spacious seating with footrests, individual lights, and outlets. I love that their Memphis-Chicago route stops in Nashville – that quick break and stretch is so nice for the long haul. They have fewer daily departures, so I recommend booking early. If you want quality service with more personal touches, Indian Trails deserves consideration.

No matter which carrier you select, booking your tickets at least 2-3 weeks early will help secure the best fares and your preferred travel times. I always use the bus companies’ websites to compare schedules and pricing across multiple dates and times.

Picking Your Ideal Seat

One of my top tips for enjoying bus travel is getting the right seat. Here are my favorites:

Up Top on Double-Decker Buses

For awesome views of the passing scenery, you can‘t beat the upper deck on a double-decker bus, like those Megabus uses. Sitting up top feels like flying first class! I‘d highly recommend seats toward the front by the big windshield for the best vista. Downside is you have to trek downstairs for the restroom.

Bulkhead Rows

Many buses have a bulkhead row right behind the driver with extra legroom. If you snag these seats, you can really stretch out. I‘m 6‘1" and bulkhead seats are a lifesaver for me comfort-wise. They also don‘t have anyone reclining into your space. Earplugs are a must though, as the engine noise is louder up front.

Window Seats in the Middle

While not the roomiest, window seats in the midsection let you curl up against the side and snooze in relative privacy. Having the wall to lean on is cozy. I always bring a pillow and blanket to get comfy. Choose a window toward the back if you start feeling queasy from looking down the aisle. The motion sickness is less apparent further back.

Aisle Seats in the Back

My last recommendation is an aisle seat toward the rear. You‘ll have an easier time getting to and from the restroom, and you won‘t have to climb over other passengers as much when they are napping. You also avoid the engine noise up front. The only downside is sometimes the ride can be bumpier in back.

No matter where you sit, avoid booking the very last row, as those seats don‘t recline. Pack earplugs and an eye mask too for shutting out noise and light when you want to sleep.

Bus Travel Tips from a Pro

With so many trips between Memphis and Chicago under my belt, I‘ve learned some pro tips to make bus rides more pleasant:

• Pack snacks! Buses rarely serve meals, so bring granola bars, nuts, sandwiches – anything that travels well in a backpack. Refillable water bottles let you stay hydrated too.

• Dress for comfort in soft, breathable fabrics. Layers help adjust to bus temperatures. Don‘t forget socks – shoes off help me relax.

• Download movies, playlists, books, magazines etc. to your phone or tablet. Buses have chargers, but headphones are a must!

• Travel pillow and blanket make napping a breeze. I love my inflatable pillow.

• Get up and walk the aisle periodically to stretch your legs. Just be careful when the bus is moving.

• Be courteous and avoid conversations or music without headphones. Let your neighbors rest.

• Arrive early – you‘ll want time to find your seat, stow bags, and get comfy before departure.

• Keep valuables on you, and know where your luggage is to speed departure.

Follow these tips, and you‘ll be a Bus Travel Pro like me in no time! Let me know if you have any other bus questions. Safe travels, my friend!

All About Chicago‘s Fabulous Public Transit

When you arrive in Chicago, the city has fantastic transit options to take you affordably to every neighborhood. Here‘s your guide to navigating Chicago like a local:

CTA Buses

Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses serve the entire city and are my go-to for getting around affordably. Fares are $2.25 (with senior and student discounts available) and buses run 24/7 along major routes. You can pay with a Ventra transit card or exact change onboard. Buses stop every 2-3 blocks in downtown areas. Used the CTA Trip Planner to map your bus route.

CTA Train Lines

Known as the "L", CTA trains are fast and frequent – you‘re never far from a station! Fares are $2.50 with free transfers between lines. Trains start around 4am and run until 1am daily. The red and blue lines operate 24 hours a day. I love using the train to get from downtown hotels to nightlife hotspots like Wrigleyville. Download the Ventra app to pay digitally.

Metra Commuter Rail

Stretching to suburbs, Metra trains are great for trips outside the city center. Fares vary by zone, and trains run less often than CTA. You can buy tickets on the Ventra app, at stations, or onboard. I took Metra last time I visited family in Naperville – so much nicer than driving!

Pace Buses

Like Metra, Pace buses serve suburbs with routes spreading into neighboring states. Fares are comparable to CTA. When my friend lived in Evanston, we‘d take Pace to downtown clubs on the weekends. Use Ventra for Pace too.

Taxis/Rideshares

While pricier, taxis and rideshares like Uber/Lyft are readily available 24/7. They‘re great when you don‘t want to walk far at night or have lots of luggage. I stick to transit during the day but love Uber at night – safety first!

Bottom line, ditch the car and enjoy the convenience of Chicago‘s transit. The city is your oyster! Feel free to ask me about getting around this fabulous town.

Wishing you happy travels!
Lillie