Rochester, NY, USA to Chicago, IL, USA from $24: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Rochester to Chicago: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$24 by trainBest price
837 kmDistance
3h 54m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Rochester to Chicago 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.
Rochester - Chicago operators
Explore transport companies operating between Rochester and Chicago, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Rochester (ROC) to Chicago Midway (MDW)
Average Duration
1h 55mEstimated price
$38-326Plane from Rochester (ROC) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
2h 15mEstimated price
$3263-3264Website
delta.com
Plane from Rochester (ROC) to Chicago Midway (MDW)
Average Duration
3h 55mEstimated price
$382-3261Plane from Rochester (ROC) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Average Duration
4h 11mEstimated price
$382-3262Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Rochester to Chicago Union Station
Average Duration
11h 43mEstimated price
$24-200Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Rochester Bus Stop to Chicago Bus Station
Average Duration
14h 50mEstimated price
$64-202Contact phone
+1 800-858-8555Website
trailways.com
Bus from Rochester, NY to Buffalo, NY
Average Duration
1h 25mEstimated price
$24-382Other from Rochester to Chicago
Average Duration
10h 9mEstimated price
$380-381Rochester to Chicago: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Rochester and Chicago 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 an exciting road trip from Rochester to Chicago! Enjoy the scenic 603-mile drive through the heart of America.
💰 The cost of this journey ranges from $100 to $160, providing budget-friendly options for travelers looking to explore Midwest charm.
⏱️ Take approximately 10 hours and 9 minutes to reach Chicago by car, filled with anticipation for the iconic cityscape and deep-dish pizza awaiting your arrival.
Average price
$100 - $160
🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Rochester to Chicago on the Amtrak service departing twice daily. Enjoy approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes of travel time through the heartland of the United States.
🌆 Arrive at the bustling Chicago Union Station, a historic transportation hub dating back to 1925. Take in the iconic architecture and explore the vibrant city of Chicago, known for its diverse neighborhoods, delicious food, and world-class museums.
💰 Ticket prices for the Rochester to Chicago train range from $24 to $200, offering a range of options to suit different budgets. Relax, sit back, and enjoy the convenience and comfort of rail travel on this exciting journey across states.
Departure Point
Rochester station
Arrival Point
Chicago Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: Amtrak is the primary operator for this route, and they offer catering services that include Snack Bar options, serving light meals and beverages. Merchants on the train may also provide a selection of sandwiches, salads, and snacks. Ensure you check their menu before your trip for any seasonal offerings.
• Seating Options: The Amtrak Cardinal route offers different classes of seating. You can choose from Coach Class (Economy), Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class offers standard seating with reclining capability, while Business Class provides more spacious seating and complimentary beverages. First Class offers the most luxurious experience, with premium dining options and wider seats. Be sure to reserve your seats early as they can fill up quickly.
• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arriving at Chicago Union Station, take note that the station has luggage storage services available if you want to explore the city without your bags. They also have public restrooms. For navigating, follow the signs to the main exit, which leads you to the street level. For convenience, download the station map from their site prior to arrival to familiarize yourself with the layout.
🛫 Flying from Rochester Airport to Chicago Midway Airport is a quick and convenient option, with direct flights taking just 1 hour and 55 minutes.
🌆 Travelers can expect a flight duration of around 3 hours and 54 minutes when flying from Rochester to Chicago, with ticket prices ranging from $38 to $326, offering a range of options for various budgets.
Departure Point
Rochester Airport
Arrival Point
Chicago Midway Airport
🚌 Starting from Rochester travelers can take a 14-hour and 50-minute journey to Chicago by bus with transfers in Buffalo and Cleveland.
🌉 The route spans a distance of 639 miles with convenient transfers at each stop, offering a comfortable and scenic ride from upstate New York to the Midwest city of Chicago.
🎫 Pricing for this bus trip from Rochester to Chicago can range from $64 to $202, providing budget-friendly options for those looking to explore the vibrant city of Chicago from the northeast.
Departure Point
Rochester Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
Chicago Bus Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Ensure you book your tickets in advance through Greyhound's website at greyhound.com to secure the best prices for multi-leg journeys, as prices can vary significantly from $64 to $202.
• During your layover in Buffalo, take the opportunity to grab a meal at the nearby Anchor Bar, famous for its Buffalo wings and located just a 5-minute walk from the bus station.
• Upon arriving at the Chicago Bus Station, be aware that it's located at 630 W Harrison St; if you need further transport, the CTA Blue Line is easily accessible from nearby, connecting you quickly to downtown Chicago.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Rochester to Chicago.
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The distance between Rochester and Chicago is approximately 836.9 km by road. By train, it takes around 11 hours and 43 minutes to travel from Rochester to Chicago. Another option is to take a train to Buffalo and then fly to Chicago Midway, which typically takes about 5 hours and 33 minutes. Lastly, by plane, the travel time from Rochester to Chicago is approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Rochester to Chicago is by train, with tickets ranging from $24 to $200. While this may take a longer time of 11 hours and 43 minutes, it offers a more budget-friendly option. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the fastest option, taking only 3 hours and 44 minutes. Although more expensive with ticket prices ranging from $75 to $800, it allows you to reach your destination quickly.
The prices for a train ticket from Rochester to Chicago range from $24 to $200, depending on the class and any discounts available. If you prefer to travel by bus, the prices vary from $34 to $137, depending on the bus company and the type of ticket.
To travel from Rochester to Chicago without using public transportation, you can opt to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 970.4 km, and it usually takes around 10 hours and 9 minutes to drive directly. However, please note that travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions. Considering the cost of gas and other expenses, the price to drive from Rochester to Chicago ranges from $100 to $160.
The most convenient and fastest way to travel from Rochester to Chicago without a car is by taking a plane. It takes approximately 3 hours and 44 minutes and the cost varies between $75 and $800. If you prefer a more affordable option, you can also take a train, which takes around 11 hours and 43 minutes and costs between $24 and $200. Another option is to travel by bus, which takes approximately 12 hours and 58 minutes and costs between $30 and $140.
Yes, there is a direct train link between Rochester and Chicago. The train journey takes approximately 11 hours and 43 minutes and operates twice daily, allowing travelers to easily reach their destination. However, there is no direct bus service between the two cities, but it is possible to travel by bus with a transfer in Ithaca which takes approximately 12 hours and 58 minutes.
The flight between Rochester and Chicago typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. The cost of a flight between these two cities can vary, ranging from $78 to $756, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Chicago, with over 1,116 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $58, so there are options to fit various budgets.