- Must visit
Art Institute Of Chicago
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
18 h 40 m
Average duration
19 h 48 m
Buses per day
8
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 $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 8 buses that leave Baltimore, MD for Chicago, IL on Sun, Jun 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct buses cover the 974 km distance in an average of 19 h 48 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 40 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest buses will take 20 h 50 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.


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· · 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 prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $75, and a flight costs an average of $77.
Distance: 605 miles (974 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$140 Average price Cheapest | $230 Average price | $281 Average price | $224 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 17m Average total duration 17h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 25m Average total duration 19h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration Fastest 2h 58m Onboard + 3h 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 $90 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL costing on average $230 (€188).
A bus is $140 (€114) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL costing on average $281 (€229).
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 17h 47m.
Train takes on average 19h 55m.
Tickets start at around $140 (€114) compared to roughly $224 (€183) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $84 (€68). The journey takes 17h 47m 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, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:25AM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $192 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $122 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 02:05AM | Duration 20h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 23h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 20h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:20PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $110 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:20PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $98 |
The table below shows live departures for Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL buses for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:25 AM Baltimore, MD | 21h40 | 1:05 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:35 AM Baltimore, MD | 20h30 | 1:05 AM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 PM Baltimore, MD | 19h00 | 12:10 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:20 PM Baltimore, MD | 18h40 | 3:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:20 PM Baltimore, MD | 18h40 | 4:00 PM Chicago, IL | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL run on average 6 times per day, taking around 17h 47m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) 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 18h 40m.
Distance 605 miles (974 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 18h 40m |
First bus 12:35 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Chicago — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago trip today.
One of the world’s leading art museums, famous for Impressionist masterpieces, American art, and major special exhibitions.
Major natural history museum known for Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and large family-friendly science exhibits.
Large hands-on science museum in Hyde Park with a U-505 submarine, aviation exhibits, and immersive interactive displays.
Chicago’s signature public space, home to Cloud Gate and major events, with strong appeal for first-time visitors and photographers.
Scenic pedestrian route along the Chicago River, popular for architecture views, strolling, and social-media-friendly city scenes.
Famous stretch of North Michigan Avenue known for landmark architecture, flagship stores, and busy big-city energy.
Chicago’s iconic thick-crust pizza baked in a deep pan with layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce.
An all-beef hot dog on a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, onions, relish, tomato, pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt.
A classic Chicago sandwich of thin-sliced seasoned beef served on a roll, often dipped in jus and topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.
A well-known Magnificent Mile restaurant serving Mediterranean-influenced small plates, charcuterie, and strong wine selections.
Chicago’s internationally acclaimed fine-dining restaurant known for inventive tasting menus and a polished, theatrical experience.
A legendary Chicago pizzeria best known for buttery-crust deep-dish pizza in a casual, family-friendly setting.
Moderate by U.S. big-city standards. Hotels can be pricey downtown, but food and transit offer good value.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
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.

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