1map logoGo to main page

Chicago, IL, USA to Rockford, MI, USA from $31: 7 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chicago, United States of America
to
Rockford, United States of America

How to Get from Chicago to Rockford: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$31 by busBest price
220 kmDistance
2h 51m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Rockford 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.

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
4h  21m
Estimated price
$42-141
Recommended
Company
Greyhound, Amtrak Thruway
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
5h  34m
Estimated price
$31-99
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 220 km
Duration: 2h 51m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  13m
Estimated price
$30-50
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  13m
Estimated price
$132-315
Company
Southwest Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
2h  51m
Estimated price
$198-865
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
4h  10m
Estimated price
$420-421
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  4m
Estimated price
$422-423
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Chicago to Rockford

Traveling from Chicago to Rockford offers you the chance to transition from the bustling city life filled with skyscrapers and vibrant culture to the more serene, small-town atmosphere where nature and community take center stage.

Best Neighborhoods in Rockford

Rockford's neighborhoods each offer distinctive features and local charm.

Cherry Valley
• Family-friendly parks and recreational spaces.
• Charming shops and delightful dining options.
Downtown Rockford
• A vibrant arts district with galleries and theaters.
• Numerous restaurants and nightlife opportunities.
Historical District
• Beautifully preserved 19th-century architecture.
• Rich history and local museums to explore.

Best Times To Visit Rockford's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Rockford's top spots.

Anderson Japanese Gardens
Visit early mornings or weekdays for tranquility and fewer crowds.
Burpee Museum of Natural History
Plan a visit during the late afternoon midweek for a quieter experience.
Rockford Art Museum
Early Saturday mornings are ideal to enjoy exhibits with fewer visitors.

Rockford Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Rockford experiences a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters, making the seasons distinct. Spring and fall present the most pleasant weather for exploring, while winters can affect outdoor activities, so pack accordingly.

Dining Recommendation

One must-try dish in Rockford is the locally sourced duck confit served at the elegant yet cozy dining spot, The Norwegian. This dish showcases rich, bold flavors that reflect the area's culinary roots, providing a charming dining experience that contrasts with Chicago's fast-paced, diverse food scene.

Chicago - Rockford operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Rockford, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Chicago Union Station to Grand Rapids Vernon J. Ehlers Station

Average Duration
4h 4m
Estimated price
$429-424
Bus
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Kalamazoo Bus Stop

Average Duration
2h 50m
Estimated price
$314-315

Bus from Kalamazoo, MI - Amtrak to Rockford, MI

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 800-292-3831
Website
https://www.indiantrails.com/

Bus from Kalamazoo, MI to Rockford, MI

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$316-1415
Plane
Website
https://www.southwest.com/

Plane from Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) to Grand Rapids Airport (GRR)

Average Duration
53m
Estimated price
$424-1414
Website
https://www.aa.com/

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Grand Rapids (GRR)

Average Duration
1h 2m
Estimated price
$1410-1411

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Lansing (LAN)

Average Duration
1h 4m
Estimated price
$1412-42900
Website
https://www.united.com/

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Grand Rapids (GRR)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$1410-1413
Website
https://iflysouthern.com/

Plane from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Muskegon (MKG)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$4295-428
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 231-739-7161
Website
https://portcitycab.com/

Taxi from Muskegon to Rockford

Average Duration
49m
Estimated price
$3175-311
Contact phone
+1 231-780-5466
Website
https://bluecitytransportation.com/

Taxi from Muskegon to Rockford

Average Duration
49m
Estimated price
0-0
Drive

Drive from Chicago to Rockford

Average Duration
3h 13m
Estimated price
$30-50

Chicago to Rockford: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chicago and Rockford 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 adventure from the bustling city of Chicago to the charming town of Rockford. Traverse a distance of 191 miles, with an estimated drive time of 3 hours and 13 minutes. 💰 Indulge in the freedom of the open road with car travel costs ranging between $30 to $50 for the journey from Chicago to Rockford. Enjoy the flexibility to explore unique roadside attractions and delightful pit stops along the way.
Average price
$30 - $50
🚆 Traveling from Chicago to Rockford by train takes approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes. The ticket prices for this journey typically range from $42 to $141, offering a budget-friendly transportation option. 🚆 The route from Chicago to Rockford covers a distance of 82.3 miles and involves a transfer during the journey. Passengers will first board a bus towards Madison, operated by Van Galder Coach USA, which takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes to reach Rockford Amtrak Station. 🚆 The second part of the journey includes a bus towards E State St, managed by Rockford Mass Transit District. This leg of the trip lasts about 30 minutes, providing passengers with a convenient way to reach their final destination in Rockford.
Useful tips for train travellers
Onboard services on your train trip from Chicago to Rockford may include a café car offering light snacks, beverages, and meals. Be sure to check the specific train operator's onboard dining options, as Midwest trains typically provide comfortable seating areas for dining.
When choosing your seat, consider the options available on Amtrak's services for this route. They typically provide Coach Class seating as the main option, which is spacious and comfortable. If you're looking for an upgraded experience, Amtrak also offers Business Class seating with extra legroom and wider seats.
The primary operator for your route is Amtrak. You can find ticket and schedule information on their official website: Amtrak. Another operator that occasionally offers services is the Metra rail, which mainly provides commuter services. For local transport and schedules, visit Metra.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Chicago to Rockford by plane is to take a direct flight from Chicago Midway Airport to Grand Rapids Airport. This flight typically takes around 50 minutes. 💸 The prices for flights between Rockford and Chicago can range from $198 to $865, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability. It takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes to reach Rockford from Chicago by plane.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Grand Rapids Airport
🚌 Experience a seamless journey from Chicago to Rockford by bus in approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes covering a distance of 82.3 miles with a transfer. Begin with a bus towards Madison operated by Van Galder Coach USA from Chicago Union Station to Rockford Amtrak Station. 🛣️ Choose the convenience of Route 3, where you can reach Rockford in 2 hours and 59 minutes, covering 82.3 miles with a transfer. Board the bus towards Madison by Van Galder Coach USA at Chicago Union Station, arriving at Rockford Amtrak Station before transferring to a bus heading towards E State St with Rockford Mass Transit District. 🌆 Lastly, opt for Route 4 for a 2 hours and 51 minutes journey spanning 90.6 miles with a transfer. Board a bus towards Danville Transit with Greyhound from Greyhound Bus Station in Chicago and transfer to a Rockford Mass Transit District bus towards E State St for a hassle-free trip to Rockford.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chicago to Rockford.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Chicago and Rockford is approximately 137 miles. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: it takes about 4 hours and 21 minutes to reach Rockford from Chicago by train, around 6 hours and 29 minutes by taking a bus and then transferring to Amtrak Thruway operated by Indian Trails, 2 hours and 50 minutes by plane, and 3 hours and 13 minutes by car when traveling from Rockford to Chicago. These travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chicago to Rockford is to drive, with an estimated cost of $30-$50 and a travel time of 3 hours and 13 minutes. This allows for flexibility and the convenience of having a personal vehicle. However, if time is of the essence, flying is the most time-efficient option, with a travel time of 2 hours and 50 minutes. Although it may be more expensive, it significantly reduces travel time compared to other modes of transportation.
The prices of a train ticket from Chicago to Rockford vary between $42 and $141. The exact price depends on factors such as the time of travel, type of ticket, and availability. It is recommended to check with the respective train operators for the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information.
To get from Chicago to Rockford without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The driving distance between the two cities is 191 miles, and it typically takes about 3 hours and 13 minutes to drive from Chicago to Rockford. The cost of driving can vary, with prices ranging from $30 to $50 depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.
To travel from Chicago to Rockford without a car, the best option is to take the train. It takes approximately 4 hours and 21 minutes and costs between $40 and $150. Another option is to take a combination of bus and Amtrak Thruway operated by Indian Trails, which takes about 6 hours and 29 minutes. Lastly, you can also fly from Chicago to Rockford, which takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $190 and $410.
The flight between Chicago and Rockford typically takes around 50 minutes. The exact duration might vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. The cost of a flight between Rockford and Chicago can range from $198 to $405, depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors. It is advisable to check with different airlines to find the best deals and fares.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Rockford. With over 90 hotels available, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices start at $50, offering affordable options for travelers. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly motel, Rockford has a variety of choices to make your stay comfortable and convenient.

Trips from Chicago