- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Aug 05
Cheapest price
$230
Average price
$245
Fastest journey
17 h 25 m
Average duration
21 h 43 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
952 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Arlington, VA 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 Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL will cost around $245 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $230.
Fast buses
Of the 2 buses that leave Arlington, VA for Chicago, IL on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 952 km distance in an average of 21 h 43 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 25 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 1 d 2 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
2:00 PM26h00Arlington, VA4:00 PMChicago, IL$2301One-way0 transfers- 9:35 PM17h25Arlington, VA3:00 PMChicago, IL$2591One-way0 transfers
- 9:35 PM17h25Arlington, VA3:00 PMChicago, IL$2591One-way0 transfers
- 2:00 PM26h00Arlington, VA4:00 PMChicago, IL$2301One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $91. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 23m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $91, and a flight costs an average of $50.
Distance: 591 miles (952 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$213 Average price | $368 Average price | $201 Average price Cheapest | $140 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 21m Average total duration 24h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 42m Average total duration 18h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is a train with an average price of $201.
This is compared to other travel options from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL:
A train is $12 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL costing on average $213.
A train is $167 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL costing on average $368.
The fastest way to travel from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 23m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 12m.
Bus takes on average 24h 51m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Arlington, VA and Chicago, IL including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 31h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $218 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:05AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 32h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $245 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $259 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $154 |
Live departures
Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 PM Arlington, VA | 26h00 | 3:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:35 PM Arlington, VA | 17h25 | 4:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 24h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $91 but you can travel from only $50 by flight.
The earliest bus runs at 03:20, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 591 miles (952 km) distance in 17h 25m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $50
Distance 591 miles (952 km) |
Average bus duration 24h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $91 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 17h 25m |
First bus 3:20 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $50
Complete guide to Chicago, IL
Things to do in Chicago, IL
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
- Must visit
Museum of Science and Industry
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
- Must visit
Magnificent Mile
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-Dish Pizza
Deep-dish pizza is Chicago’s iconic pie with a tall buttery crust, layers of cheese and toppings, and chunky tomato sauce baked on top.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
The Chicago-style hot dog is an all-beef frank on a poppy seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt.
Italian Beef Sandwich
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Johnnie's Beef
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Superdawg Drive-In
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
Alinea
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
US dollar ($)
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
FAQs: Bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Arlington, VA 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $91 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is $213 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is 17h 25m to travel the 591 miles (952 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL leaves at 3:20 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:55 PM.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Arlington, VA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 17h 25m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is November.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Arlington, VA and Chicago, IL including taking a bus, train, and flight.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
No, the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL has no accessibility options.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
No, luggage for the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
Since neither Arlington, VA nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
Most Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL buses use the to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Arlington, VA and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Arlington
Arrival bus stations in Chicago
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Bus7 · 8m · $4 · every ~6 min
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Bus28, 151 · 7m · $4 · every ~13 min
Most popular bus connections from Arlington, VA
More options for your journey from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Arlington, VA
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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