- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price on Sep 09
$104
Average ticket price on Sep 09
$122
Fastest journey on Sep 09
18 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 09
1 d 2 h 1 m
Buses on Sep 09
5
Distance
1146 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
It's difficult to get from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
·
· · ·
· ·
·
·
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
·
· ·
· · · Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $162 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 33m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 1.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $162, while a flight costs an average of $640.
Distance: 712 miles (1146 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$162 Average price Cheapest | $356 Average price | $640 Average price | $254 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 6m Average total duration 23h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 16h 33m Average total duration 16h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 33m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 12h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.1 - 2.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.4 - 6.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $194 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL costing on average $356.
A bus is $478 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL costing on average $640.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 16h 3m.
Bus takes on average 23h 36m.
Tickets start at around $162 compared to roughly $254 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $91. The journey takes 23h 36m versus 12h 13m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 26h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 28h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 31h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 29h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 36h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 35h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 25h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:10PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 24h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 36h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 34h10 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 35h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 33h55 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $105 |
The table below shows live departures for Albany, NY to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, September 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 7:20 AM Albany, Bus Terminal | 31h25 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 PM Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles), NY | 29h45 | 6:55 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· | 4:05 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 18h55 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 7:00 PM Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles), NY | 36h10 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus · FlixBus+ + FlixBus | 7:30 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 35h40 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 3 transfers | |
· + FlixBus | 4:20 AM Albany, Bus Terminal | 26h50 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
· · | 4:20 AM Albany, Bus Terminal | 28h40 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL run on average 9 times per day, taking around 23h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $87 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:20, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 712 miles (1146 km) distance in 17h 40m.
Distance 712 miles (1146 km) |
Average bus duration 23h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 17h 40m |
First bus 4:20 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Albany, NY to Chicago, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Albany, NY to Chicago, IL buses use the Albany, Hamilton Street (Greyhound Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Albany, NY and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Albany, Hamilton Street (Greyhound Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Albany, Hamilton Street (Greyhound Station). ATMs are available at Albany, Hamilton Street (Greyhound Station).
Ticket office support is available at Albany, Hamilton Street (Greyhound Station).
Available at Albany, Hamilton Street (Greyhound Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Albany, Hamilton Street (Greyhound Station): Wheelchair accessible entry.
Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles) is 6 km from Albany city centre. Public transport options include:
Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles). ATMs are available at Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles).
Ticket office support is available at Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles).
Available at Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles): No specific accessibility features provided.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need