- 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 05
$127
Average ticket price on Sep 05
$189
Fastest journey on Sep 05
18 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
20 h 8 m
Buses on Sep 05
7
Distance
974 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL will cost around $189 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
On Sat, Sep 05, we found 7 buses from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 05 the direct buses cover the 974 km distance in an average of 20 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 40 m .
On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest buses will take 21 h 40 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.

FlixBus+
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FlixBus+

FlixBus+

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FlixBus+
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $139 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 54m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.3 - 0.9kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $139, while a flight costs an average of $655.
Distance: 605 miles (974 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$139 Average price Cheapest | $373 Average price | $655 Average price | $228 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 59m Average total duration 19h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 42m Average total duration 20h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration Fastest 5h 54m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 10h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.0 - 2.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.9 - 5.8kg 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 Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $234 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL costing on average $373.
A bus is $516 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL costing on average $655.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 29m.
Train takes on average 20h 12m.
Tickets start at around $139 compared to roughly $228 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $90. The journey takes 19h 29m versus 10h 36m 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.
Direct services are operated by Greyhound.
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 Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $87 |
The table below shows live departures for Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL buses for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus+ · | 11:25 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 33h35 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:25 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 21h40 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 5 | |||||
![]() | 12:35 AM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 20h30 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
· · | 12:10 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 20h50 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
+ FlixBus | 12:10 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 19h00 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · · | 2:30 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 24h15 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 4:20 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 18h40 | 10:00 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 19h 29m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $80 if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:35, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 605 miles (974 km) distance in 16h 5m.
Distance 605 miles (974 km) |
Average bus duration 19h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 16h 5m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 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 Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL buses use the Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Baltimore, MD and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) is 2 km from Baltimore city centre. Public transport options include:
Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available throughout the station. ATMs are available at Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station).
Ticket office support is available at Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station).
Available at Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station): Fully accessible for wheelchairs.
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