- 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, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€114
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€117
Fastest journey on Sep 19
21 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 d
Buses on Sep 19
3
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 €117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €114.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus+
9:45 AM21h25Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA6:10 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station€1141One-way2 transfers- FlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM27h20Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA1:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station€1141One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+ · · 9:45 AM23h15Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL€1241One-way3 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus+9:45 AM21h25Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA6:10 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station€1141One-way2 transfers
- FlixBus+ · · 9:45 AM23h15Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL€1241One-way3 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus11:05 AM27h20Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA1:25 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station€1141One-way1 transfer
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 bus, with an average ticket price of €100 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 31m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €100, while a flight costs an average of €356.
Distance: 591 miles (952 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€100 Average price Cheapest | €356 Average price | €234 Average price | €116 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 12m Average total duration 22h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 31m Average total duration Fastest 4h 31m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 21h 18m Average total duration 20h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of €100.
This is compared to other travel options from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL:
A bus is €134 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL costing on average €234.
A bus is €256 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL costing on average €356.
The fastest way to travel from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 4h 31m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 20h 48m.
Bus takes on average 22h 42m.
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. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €100 compared to roughly €116 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €16. The journey takes 22h 42m versus 10h 30m 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.
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 €178 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €124 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 21h25 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €114 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 27h20 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €114 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €74 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 26h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price €78 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price €211 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €126 |
Live departures
Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, September 18. 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 | |
| 2:00 PM Arlington, VA | 26h00 | 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 5 times per day, taking around 22h 42m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €79 but you can travel from only €71 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 18h 35m.
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 €71
Distance 591 miles (952 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price €79 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 18h 35m |
First bus 3:20 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
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 €71
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as €71. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
18h 35m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€89
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Greyhound Duration
18h 35m
Cheapest Greyhound Price
€79
Greyhound frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
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 €79 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is €100 ; 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 18h 35m 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.
When departing from Arlington, VA , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA . When arriving in Chicago, IL , you can end your journey in bus stations like Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station, Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn), VA, which is located around 1 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station, located 2 away from the city centre.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Arlington, VA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 18h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL is June.
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, the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL.
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 Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) 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
Which Arlington, VA station do buses to Chicago, IL leave from?
Buses from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL leave from Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn). The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Arlington, VA city centre at Wilson Blvd & N Kent St, Arlington, VA 22209, USA.
Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn)Wilson Blvd & N Kent St, Arlington, VA 22209, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) from Arlington city centre
Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) is 3 km from Arlington city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) bus station facilities and services
Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Nearby cafes and restaurants available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn). ATMs are available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn).
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Arlington, Wilson Blvd / N Kent St (Rosslyn): Accessible for wheelchairs.
Which Chicago, IL station do buses from Arlington, VA arrive at?
Buses from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL most often arrive at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station. Some services arrive at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Chicago, IL arrival station.
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station630 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station is 2 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus7 · 8m · €3 · every ~6 min
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Snack shop and vending machines available
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in waiting area. ATMs are located near entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station: Wheelchair accessible entrances and seating.
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)Chicago Union Station, 225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) is 3 km from Chicago city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus28, 151 · 7m · €3 · every ~13 min
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) bus station facilities and services
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Multiple dining options are available inside the station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi is available in waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak): Station is accessible with elevators and ramps.
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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