- 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 20
$186
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$187
Fastest journey on Sep 20
17 h 23 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
17 h 58 m
Buses on Sep 20
3
Distance
948 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bethesda, 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 Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL will cost around $187 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $186.
It's difficult to get from Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.






Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $238 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 21h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $238, while a bus costs an average of $238.
Distance: 589 miles (948 km)
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$238 Average price Cheapest | $140 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
21h 8m Average total duration Fastest 20h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $229 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL costing on average $468.
A bus is $401 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL costing on average $639.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Train takes on average 20h 24m.
Bus takes on average 20h 38m.
Tickets start at around $238 compared to roughly $140 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-98.82. The journey takes 20h 38m versus 10h 5m 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 12:06AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 19h59 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 12:46AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 19h19 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 01:01AM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 19h04 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 22h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 23h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 04:27PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 17h33 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 04:32PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 17h28 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 04:37PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 17h23 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $188 |
Operator Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority | Departure Time 04:42PM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 17h18 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $186 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 38h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 36h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $104 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 17h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $110 |
The table below shows live departures for Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL buses for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:01 AM Bethesda, MD | 19h04 | 8:05 PM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:32 PM Bethesda, MD | 17h28 | 10:00 AM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:37 PM Bethesda, MD | 17h23 | 10:00 AM Chicago, IL | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL run on average 3 times per day, taking around 20h 38m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $229 but you can travel from only $160 by train.
The earliest bus runs at 09:55, the last at 21:30. The fastest bus covers the 589 miles (948 km) distance in 17h 55m.
Distance 589 miles (948 km) |
Average bus duration 20h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $229 |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 17h 55m |
First bus 9:55 AM |
Last bus 9:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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 Bethesda, 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 Bethesda, MD to Chicago, IL buses use the Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Bethesda, MD and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave. ATMs are available at Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave.
Ticket office support is available at Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave.
Available at Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bethesda, Waverly Street / Montgomery Ave: Basic accessibility features available.
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.
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