Chicago to St. Louis

[ElvisMom]

We have used Kobussen (http://www.kobussen.com/contactUs.html) - for robotics trips and really appreciate their pricing and customer service. If you do use them, ask for "Wilson" as your driver - if he's available he is the best!

As was mentioned, not much between the two cities. Also in Chicago, the Art Institute and Navy Pier (if weather is nice) should also be considered.

[sanddrag]

There have been a couple of threads on here in years past of horror stories about bus companies, and certain companies to avoid at all costs. I don't recall what the companies were, or where the thread is, but it would be worth looking. Anyone know the thread I'm talking about?

[Ether]

Originally Posted by sanddrag

There have been a couple of threads on here in years past of horror stories about bus companies, and certain companies to avoid at all costs. I don't recall what the companies were, or where the thread is, but it would be worth looking. Anyone know the thread I'm talking about?

This one?
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...68#post1474468

[Jessi Kaestle]

GetSports is in partnership with FIRST as a travel agent and they specifically specialize in high school sports team travel. I have been working with them and they are great! They will work with you for the number of seats you need, and will help you find a team to share with if you cannot fill a bus yourself.

[EOC]

We have used Cavallo Bus Lines and have been very satisfied with their service.
http://www.cavallobuslines.com/

Also sometimes the Chicago to St. Louis train can experience lengthy delays.

[EmileH]

Originally Posted by Ether

This one?
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...68#post1474468

Boy was that a fun night. Avoid US Coachways like the plague. Amtrak is a reputable, long standing company and if you book seats on the train, they're yours only. I'd recommend the train as it is cheaper and a heck of a lot more fun than a bus

[rich2202]

Originally Posted by EmileH

Boy was that a fun night. Avoid US Coachways like the plague. Amtrak is a reputable, long standing company and if you book seats on the train, they're yours only. I'd recommend the train as it is cheaper and a heck of a lot more fun than a bus

FYI: US Coachways is NOT the same as Coach USA. We use Coach USA and have been happy with them. They have their own busses.

Note: Whether Amtrak is cheaper or not depends upon whether you need transportation in St. Louis:

1) O'Hare Airport in Chicago to Amtrak Station downtown
2) Amtrak Station in St. Louis to Hotel
3) Between Hotel and Arena - Morning and evening each day
4) Arena to Amtrak station after event
5) Amtrak station in Chicago to O'Hare airport

Amtrak is $54 per person round trip (don't know about group discount). You might be able to rent a Coach Bus for about $80/person for the entire trip.

[RyanShoff]

Here is Illinois based bus option: https://peoriacharter.com/

[neshera]

In Springfield, there are lots of Abraham Lincoln sites; but your team might find this to be like Americans visiting Har Herzl or Sdeh Boker. My two favorites:
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum: http://www.alplm.org

Lincoln's Tomb: http://www.lincolntomb.org

For a quick stop, weird outside "sculptures", and ice cream and snacks for sale: Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston, IL: http://https://www.google.com/maps/p...d2c9d6d95c7dbd

Also - FYI, I am Malka and Eli Glas' brother-in-law's brother. Let me know if I can be of any help!

[DonRotolo]

If you take the train (a reasonable option) you then have the disadvantage to not having transport around St Louis, thus limited to the local subway or walking. With a charter bus you also have a way around town if desired. AMTRAK is a quasi-private (meaning Government-subsidized but needs to try to make a profit) entity, and they are good but train travel is possibly the least desirable transit option in the USA.

Between those two cities, as many have noted, there isn't much but farmland.

I would at least inquire the cost from ORD to STL by air; it may be less than expected.