- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$172
Fastest journey
18 h 40 m
Average duration
20 h 8 m
Buses per day
6
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 $172 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Of the 6 buses that leave Baltimore, MD for Chicago, IL on Wed, Jul 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 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 Wed, Jul 22 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+
FlixBus+
· · 
FlixBus+

· ·
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 prices starting from $74. 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 $74, and a flight costs an average of $76.
Distance: 605 miles (974 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$139 Average price Cheapest | $228 Average price | $278 Average price | $222 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 $89 (€73) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL costing on average $228 (€188).
A bus is $139 (€114) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL costing on average $278 (€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 $139 (€114) compared to roughly $222 (€183) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $83 (€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 Everyday | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 19h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $112 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45PM | Duration 24h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:20PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:25PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 21h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $104 |
The table below shows live departures for Baltimore, MD to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· · · | 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 | |
FlixBus+![]() | 11:25 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 21h40 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
![]() | 12:35 AM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 20h30 | 8:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
+ FlixBus | 12:10 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 19h00 | 6:10 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
· · | 12:10 PM Baltimore, Haines St (Baltimore Downtown Bus Station) | 20h50 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 $74 (€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 $74 (€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, 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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need