Chicago, IL, USA to Louisville, KY, USA from $21: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Chicago to Louisville: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$21 - Train, busBest price
477 kmDistance
3h 46m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Louisville with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Chicago - Louisville operators
Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Louisville, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
http://www.amtrak.com
Bus from Chicago Union Station to Louisville, KY
Average Duration
6hEstimated price
$28-190Bus from Indianapolis Amtrak Station to Louisville, KY
Average Duration
1h 55mEstimated price
$217-288Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Chicago Union Station to Indianapolis
Average Duration
4h 54mEstimated price
$1909-283Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway to Louisville
Average Duration
1h 10mEstimated price
$1905-280Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Louisville
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$283-1903Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Louisville
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$283-289Website
delta.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Covington
Average Duration
3h 27mEstimated price
$283-1908Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Lexington
Average Duration
1h 28mEstimated price
$283-1901Website
aa.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Covington
Average Duration
1h 18mEstimated price
$283-1904Website
southwest.com
Plane from Chicago Midway to Covington
Average Duration
1h 8mEstimated price
$1906-1907Website
united.com
Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Lexington
Average Duration
1h 27mEstimated price
$1900-1901Chicago to Louisville: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Chicago and Louisville offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Chicago to Louisville covering a distance of 296 miles. The drive typically takes around 4 hours and 56 minutes, offering plenty of opportunities to explore charming towns along the way.
💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing ranging from $50 to $80 for the journey by car from Chicago to Louisville. Whether you're seeking a budget-friendly ride or a more comfortable option, there are various choices available to suit your travel preferences.
Average price
$50 - $80
🚆 Experience a leisurely train journey from Chicago to Louisville! The scenic route covers a distance of 291 miles and takes approximately 7 hours and 6 minutes to reach your destination.
🚌 Step onboard a bus towards Nashville as part of your travel itinerary. The bus departs from either Chicago 95th & Dan Ryan or the Greyhound Bus Station, offering a comfortable ride for about 6 to 7 hours before arriving in Louisville. Contact Greyhound at 1 231-2222 for any assistance.
🌆 Enjoy the convenience of a seamless bus transfer to Louisville from Chicago with Greyhound. With various route options ranging from 6 to 7 hours of travel time, sit back, relax, and soak in the sights as you make your way to the vibrant city of Louisville.
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Chicago to Louisville, Amtrak is the primary operator. On board, you will find a café car offering a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals for purchase, including sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Dining options are somewhat limited so it’s a good idea to bring your own snacks if you have specific preferences.
• Amtrak offers several seating options on this route, including Standard Coach, Business Class, and First-Class seating. The Standard Coach seats are comfortable with decent legroom, while Business Class offers extra space and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. There may be a limited number of First-Class sleeper options available; however, they are less common on this route.
• You can catch your train through Amtrak (amtrak.com) and also check out Greyhound (greyhound.com) for bus alternatives. Make sure to visit the Louisville station's website for any transit schedules, local dining options around the station, and facility information (louisvilleky.gov). Upon arrival at the Louisville station, there are restrooms available, and you may leave your luggage at the Amtrak ticket office for a few hours if you plan to explore the city before checking in to accommodation.
🛫 Embark on a quick and convenient journey from Chicago to Louisville by catching a direct flight from Chicago Midway Airport to Louisville Airport. With Southwest Airlines offering this route, you can reach your destination in just 1 hour and 10 minutes.
🛄 Sit back and relax during your approximately 3 hours and 46 minutes flight from Chicago to Louisville. Enjoy the scenic views from above as you make your way to your destination in Kentucky.
💸 Prices for flights between Louisville and Chicago can range from $78 to $498, providing travelers with a range of options to suit their budget and schedule. Plan your trip accordingly and get ready for a seamless air travel experience between these two vibrant cities.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Louisville Airport
🚌 Traveling from Chicago to Louisville by bus is a convenient option with services departing twice daily and taking approximately 6 hours to reach your destination.
🛣️ The route from Chicago to Louisville covers a distance of 302 miles and can be completed in around 6 to 7 hours, depending on the specific bus schedule and stops along the way.
💸 Prices for the bus between Louisville and Chicago can vary from $28 to $190, making it a budget-friendly choice for those looking to explore these two vibrant cities in the Midwestern United States.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
Louisville, KY station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check both Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound schedules for your desired travel times, as both provide services from Chicago Union Station to Louisville; you can find info and book tickets directly at their websites: Amtrak [amtrak.com] and Greyhound [greyhound.com]
• During your 6-hour bus ride, pack snacks and entertainment to keep yourself occupied, as the route offers limited opportunities for breaks; consider bringing a portable charger for your devices.
• Upon arriving at the Louisville station, note that it's centrally located with easy access to local transport options like the TARC (Transit Authority of River City), which can take you to various attractions and neighborhoods; check their routes and schedules here: [ridetarc.org]
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Chicago to Louisville.
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The cheapest way to travel from Chicago to Louisville is by taking a combination of train and bus. The cost of this journey can range from $21 to $180, depending on the specific train and bus options chosen. The total travel time is approximately 7 hours and 49 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Louisville is by flying. There are multiple airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, with a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 40 minutes. Prices for flights can range from $65 to $430, depending on the airline and time of booking.
Chicago to Louisville is approximately 436 km. The road distance is slightly longer at 477 km. The drive can take around 4-5 hours depending on traffic conditions and the route chosen.
One of the best ways to travel from Chicago to Louisville without a car is by taking a bus. There are several bus companies that offer routes from Chicago to Louisville, with a transfer in Indianapolis. The journey takes approximately 6 hours and 28 minutes and the ticket prices range from $65 to $140, depending on the company and time of travel.
The average travel time from Chicago to Louisville is around 3 hours and 40 minutes, including any transfers.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Louisville. There are over 410 hotels to choose from, offering a wide range of prices and amenities. Prices start at $47 per night, providing affordable options for all budgets.
Yes, you can drive from Chicago to Louisville. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 476 km. It takes approximately 4 hours and 56 minutes to drive from Chicago to Louisville, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Yes, there is a direct bus between Chicago and Louisville. The bus departs from Chicago Union Station and arrives in Louisville. The service operates twice daily, seven days a week, with a journey time of approximately 7 hours and 5 minutes.
To catch the bus from Chicago to Louisville you can go to the Chicago IL station. It is the departure point for bus services operated by Palmland Bus Lines.
The Chicago to Louisville bus services operated by Amtrak Thruway arrive at the Louisville station.
Southwest Airlines is the only airline that operates direct flights between Chicago and Louisville. They offer multiple flights throughout the day and the flight duration is typically around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Chicago to Louisville is by taking a direct flight from Chicago Midway Airport to Louisville Airport. This flight takes approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes. Southwest Airlines offers flights between these two cities, with prices ranging from $68 to $428. Overall, it takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes to reach Louisville from Chicago by plane.
The flight from Chicago to Louisville typically takes about 1 hour and 5 minutes.
The cost of a flight from Chicago to Louisville can range from $68 to $428, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and travel dates.
The cost of a bus from Chicago to Louisville typically ranges from $65 to $140.
The cost of driving from Chicago to Louisville typically ranges from $50 to $80, depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, current gas prices, and toll fees.