Best option from Memphis to Chicago: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 1h 45min – 2h 10min, from €56. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Allegiant Air, Greyhound, FlixBus; main departure point: Memphis Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Memphis to Chicago
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greyhound | Bus | Memphis Bus Station | €71 | 1 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Memphis Bus Station | €80 | 1 |
| Allegiant Air | Flight | Memphis Airport | €413 | 2 |
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Practical tips
Look at the comparison table first. If the fare gap is small and your time in Chicago is short, a flight avoids a whole day on the road. If budget matters most, the bus wins.
US bus stops can be a street corner rather than a station. Read the pickup address on your e-ticket, look it up on a map the day before, and don't assume it is the main downtown terminal.
Chicago has more than one airport. Check whether your flight lands at O'Hare or Midway, since the route into downtown differs. Both have train links to the city centre.
If you are continuing onward from Chicago, leave a generous buffer. Long bus journeys can run late, and missing the last departure of the day can cost you a night.
Fares tend to rise as departure approaches, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking ahead online gives you an instant e-ticket and the best chance of a low price.
The journey experience
Memphis to Chicago is a long Midwest-bound haul, and the first question is simple: is it worth spending a full day on the road, or should you fly? The page's comparison table puts bus and flight side by side on duration and price, so you can decide in seconds rather than piecing together several websites.
By bus, you get the cheapest way to travel without a car, with reclining seats, onboard power outlets and usually Wi-Fi on the main long-distance carriers. It suits you if you are on a tight budget, travel light and don't mind an overnight or very long day. By plane, you skip hours of highway through Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois and arrive fresh, which matters if your Chicago days are limited. Flights are the realistic option for anyone short on time.
Our advice: check the table first, then weigh what your time is worth. If the price gap is small or you have a tight schedule, fly. If you want the lowest fare and an overnight bus can save a hotel night, take the bus. Either way, confirm the exact departure stop or airport on your e-ticket, and plan how you will reach downtown Chicago on arrival. Booking early usually gets the best fare.
Frequently asked questions — Memphis → Chicago
It depends on your priorities. The bus is the cheapest option and suits budget travellers who don't mind a long day or an overnight ride. The plane is far faster and the sensible choice if time matters or the fare gap is small. Compare both in the table above.
By bus, the trip takes roughly 10 to 12 hours, depending on the service and stops. By plane, the flight takes about 2 hours, roughly 1 h 45 to 2 h 10, though you should add time for airport transfers, security and boarding.
Bus tickets start from €71, with typical fares up to €72. Flights start from €56 and typically go up to €201, depending on date and how early you book. Fares move, so booking ahead usually gives you the best price on either mode.
The bus takes 10 to 12 hours from €71, while the flight takes about 2 hours from €56. Since the starting fares are close, the plane is often the better choice. Pick the bus only if the fare you find is clearly lower or you want to travel overnight.
Departure points depend on the service you choose. Buses can leave from a station or a street-corner stop, and flights leave from Memphis airport and land at a Chicago airport. Always check the exact pickup address or airport on your e-ticket before travelling.
Why visit Chicago?
- ✓ Take an architecture river cruise along the Chicago River past Willis Tower and Marina City
- ✓ Walk The 606 and Millennium Park, from Cloud Gate (The Bean) to the Crown Fountain
- ✓ Taste a deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati's or Pequod's, then catch live blues on Chicago's North Side
- ✓ Admire the Art Institute of Chicago's collection, from Seurat's La Grande Jatte to Hopper's Nighthawks
- ✓ Cheer on the Cubs at historic Wrigley Field or stroll the Lakefront Trail along Lake Michigan
When to visit Chicago?
HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
May to October — warm weather, lakefront festivals and outdoor dining, while winters are very cold and windy
What to do in Chicago?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Chicago?
Allow 3 to 4 days to cover the essentials: the Loop's architecture (boat tour on the Chicago River), Millennium Park, the Art Institute, Navy Pier and the lakefront trail. With 2 days, stick to downtown and one museum; with 5 or more, add a neighborhood like Wicker Park or Hyde Park, a Cubs game at Wrigley Field and a deep-dish pizza crawl. Buy a Ventra pass for the L and book the architecture cruise in advance.
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