Fastest way from Chicago to Memphis: Flight, about 2h (from €205). Cheapest: Bus, from €76 (about 9h 35min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Greyhound, FlixBus, Frontier Airlines; main departure point: Chicago Bus Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Chicago to Memphis
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Chicago Bus Station | €76 | 1 |
| Greyhound | Bus | Chicago Bus Station | €85 | 2 |
| Frontier Airlines | Flight | Chicago OHare Airport | €342 | 1 |
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Practical tips
A full day on the road is a real cost. If your schedule is tight, compare the bus and flight in the table first, and keep the bus for when you want to save money and your timing is flexible.
In the US, a bus stop can be a street corner rather than a station. Read the pickup address on your e-ticket, find it on a map the day before, and do not rely on the city name alone.
Chicago has more than one airport. Confirm which one your flight uses before choosing how to get there, since the route from downtown differs and a mix-up can cost you your flight.
Bus fares tend to rise as departure approaches and popular times sell out. Booking ahead gives you a better price and a seat on the departure that suits you, including a late one.
Look at whether the itinerary is direct or involves a change. With a connection, leave a comfortable margin and avoid the last departure of the day so a delay does not strand you.
The journey experience
Chicago to Memphis is a long haul through the Midwest and into the Mississippi Delta, and the first question is simple: do you want to save money or save time? The page's table puts bus and flight side by side so you can see at a glance which one fits your budget and your schedule.
The bus is the budget option. Long-distance coaches link the two cities, usually with reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi on many services and a luggage hold, and an overnight departure can save you a night of accommodation. Services may be direct or involve a change, so check the itinerary before you book. The plane is the fast choice: a short nonstop hop from one of Chicago's airports to Memphis International, which suits you if your time is limited or you dislike long hours on the road.
My advice: if you are travelling on a tight budget and have a flexible day, take the bus and book early for the best fare. If you only have a few days, fly. Either way, always confirm the exact departure point on your e-ticket, because bus stops in the US are not always inside a station. Book online, keep your confirmation on your phone, and you will arrive in Memphis without surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Chicago → Memphis
It depends on your priority. The bus is the cheaper option, from €76, and works well if your schedule is flexible or you want an overnight trip. The plane takes about 2 hours and starts from €205, so it is the better choice if time matters more than cost.
By bus, expect roughly 10 to 11 hours, depending on the service and any stops or changes. By plane, the flight takes about 2 hours. Remember to add time for getting to the airport, security and boarding, which makes the real gap smaller than it looks.
Bus tickets start from €76 and typically go up to €86. Flights start from €205. Prices vary with the date and how far ahead you book, so booking early is the best way to get the lowest fare, especially for the bus.
Departure points can vary by operator, and some US bus stops are on a street rather than in a station. The exact pickup and drop-off address is shown on your booking and e-ticket, so check it before the day of travel and arrive a little early.
Flights are the quickest way and the search results show whether an option is nonstop or includes a change. Bus itineraries can also differ in this respect, so check the details of each departure before booking if you want to avoid a connection.
Why visit Memphis?
- ✓ Tour Graceland, Elvis Presley's iconic mansion, and see his Jungle Room, car collection and private jets
- ✓ Explore Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll where Elvis, Johnny Cash and B.B. King recorded
- ✓ Walk down Beale Street for live blues, juke joints and Memphis-style dry-rub ribs
- ✓ Visit the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated
- ✓ Watch the Peabody Hotel ducks parade to the lobby fountain, then enjoy Mississippi River views from Tom Lee Park
When to visit Memphis?
HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE
April to May and September to October — mild, sunny weather, before the humid summer heat
What to do in Memphis?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Memphis?
Plan 2 to 3 days in Memphis. In 2 days you can cover Beale Street, Sun Studio, the Rock 'n' Soul Museum and Graceland, while a third day lets you add the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, the Peabody Hotel ducks and a barbecue crawl. Book Graceland and the Civil Rights Museum in advance, and rent a car or use rideshare since attractions are spread out.
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