The cheapest and fastest buses from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$108
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
1 d 40 m
Average duration
1 d 3 h 48 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
952 km
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 $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $108.
Of the 2 buses that leave Arlington, VA for Chicago, IL on Sun, Mar 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 22 the direct buses cover the 952 km distance in an average of 1 d 3 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 d 40 m .
On Sun, Mar 22 the slowest buses will take 1 d 6 h 55 m 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.




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 $94. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $94, and a flight costs an average of $122.
Distance: 591 miles (952 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$156 Average price | $231 Average price | $153 Average price Cheapest |
25h 36m Average total duration 25h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 28m Average total duration Fastest 2h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 42m Average total duration 18h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:30 AM Arlington, VA | 24h40 | 12:10 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:10 PM Arlington, VA | 30h55 | 2:05 AM 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.
Mar 22
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Mar 28
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
Buses from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL run on average 4 times per day, taking around 25h 6m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $96 (€78) but you can travel from only $94 (€76) by train.
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.
Distance 591 miles (952 km) |
Average bus duration 25h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price $96 (€78) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 17h 25m |
First bus 03:20 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest month Apr |
Cheapest day Wed |
High season Oct - Dec |
Low season Jul - Sep |
Best day to book ahead 1 day |
Bus providers: Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority from Arlington, VA to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL with Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority for as low as $94 (€76). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
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.

- 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.
- 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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections from Arlington, VA
More options for your journey from Arlington, VA to Chicago, IL
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