- Must visit
Art Institute of Chicago
World-class art museum with masterpieces from Monet to Hopper and the famous Modern Wing.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL
Showing times and prices for Jul 15
Cheapest price
$152
Average price
$177
Fastest journey
16 h
Average duration
17 h 53 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
929 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL will cost around $177 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $152.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.
· 10:50 AM21h35Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority8:25 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1521One-way1 transfer- · 10:50 AM21h10Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority8:00 AMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL$1521One-way1 transfer
- · 10:40 PM21h30Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority8:10 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1671One-way1 transfer
FlixBus+6:45 PM16h45Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority11:30 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1751One-way1 transfer- FlixBus+2:45 AM19h20Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority10:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1901One-way1 transfer
- · 9:45 PM16h00Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority1:45 PMChicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL$1921One-way1 transfer
- · 9:45 PM16h25Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority2:10 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1921One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+6:45 PM16h45Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority11:30 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1751One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus+2:45 AM19h20Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority10:05 PMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1901One-way1 transfer
- · · 7:25 AM20h55Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority4:20 AMChicago, Greyhound Bus Station$1931One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $109. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $109, and a train costs an average of $249.
Distance: 577 miles (929 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$201 Average price Cheapest | $481 Average price | $434 Average price | $144 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 26m Average total duration 16h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 37h 27m Average total duration 36h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is a bus with an average price of $201 (€166).
This is compared to other travel options from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL:
A bus is $233 (€192) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL costing on average $434 (€358).
A bus is $280 (€231) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL costing on average $481 (€397).
The fastest way to travel from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 13m.
Other travel options to Chicago, IL take longer:
Bus takes on average 16h 56m.
Train takes on average 36h 57m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Birmingham, AL and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 04:20AM | Duration 20h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:50AM | Arrival Time 08:00AM | Duration 21h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $152 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:45PM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 16h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $153 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 16h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $148 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 21h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $141 |
Live departures
Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| · · | 7:25 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 20h55 | 4:20 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 2 transfers | |
| · | 10:50 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h35 | 8:25 AM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| · | 10:50 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h10 | 8:00 AM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
| · | 9:45 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 16h25 | 2:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| · | 9:45 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 16h00 | 1:45 PM Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak), IL | 1 transfer | |
| · | 10:40 PM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 21h30 | 8:10 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, July 15 | |||||
| FlixBus+ | 2:45 AM Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority | 19h20 | 10:05 PM Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Greyhound as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio vs Greyhound?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Greyhound, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Greyhound with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL
USAUSA
Buses from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL run on average 8 times per day, taking around 16h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $109 (€90) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:25, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 577 miles (929 km) distance in 16h 45m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 577 miles (929 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $109 (€90) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 16h 45m |
First bus 2:25 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 70 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $109 (€90). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
16h 45m
Cheapest Price
$116 (€96)
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
19h 25m
Cheapest Price
$109 (€90)
Greyhound frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
Complete guide to Chicago, IL
Things to do in Chicago, IL
Discover the best of Chicago, IL — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chicago, IL trip today.
- Must visit
Field Museum
Major natural history museum with Sue the T. rex, ancient cultures, and strong family appeal.
- Must visit
Museum of Science and Industry
Hands-on science museum in a grand former fair building, popular for exhibits and a U-505 submarine.
- Must visit
Millennium Park
Lively lakefront park with Cloud Gate, Crown Fountain, gardens, and major public art in central Chicago.
- Must visit
Magnificent Mile
Famous shopping boulevard lined with architecture, hotels, riverfront views, and major city energy.
- Must visit
Chicago Riverwalk
Scenic pedestrian-friendly riverwalk with boat docks, public art, bridges, and standout skyline perspectives.
Deep-Dish Pizza
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.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
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 Sandwich
Italian beef is thin-sliced roast beef piled onto a roll, often dipped in savory juices and topped with sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera.
Johnnie's Beef
Classic spot for juicy Italian beef sandwiches, especially dipped and topped with spicy giardiniera, with a casual local feel.
Superdawg Drive-In
Legendary stand for Chicago-style hot dogs and char-grilled sausages, served fast in a no-frills local landmark.
Alinea
World-famous fine dining destination offering a highly creative tasting menu and refined service in an elegant setting.
US dollar ($)
Moderate for a major US city: hotels can be pricey, but transit is affordable and dining ranges from cheap eats to upscale options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small change at cafes.
FAQs: Bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham, AL 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL can start from as little as $109 (€90) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is $201 (€166) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is 16h 45m to travel the 577 miles (929 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL leaves at 2:25 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL leaves at 11:35 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL which require at least one change with Greyhound, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL, you can count on Greyhound, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Chicago, IL. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Birmingham, AL and Chicago, IL and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Chicago, IL from Birmingham, AL is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 16h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Birmingham, AL and Chicago, IL including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL for bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Chicago, IL are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Chicago, IL include:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company Greyhound, FlixBus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL with the following bus company: Greyhound, FlixBus.
Since neither Birmingham, AL nor Chicago, IL are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Chicago, IL, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas like public transit and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity solicitations and distraction thefts. It is advisable to stay alert in neighborhoods outside downtown after dark and use authorized transportation services to avoid unlicensed taxi scams. Keeping valuables secure and being aware of surroundings helps mitigate these risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL
Most Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL buses use the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station station pair, with some services arriving at Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak). Use this guide to compare Birmingham, AL and Chicago, IL bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Birmingham
Arrival bus stations in Chicago
Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority
City-centre transport
Getting to Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority from Birmingham city centre
Bus22, 23 · 7m · $1 · every ~2 min
Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Greyhound Bus Station from Chicago city centre
Bus7 · 8m · $4 · every ~6 min
Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak)
City-centre transport
Getting to Chicago, Union Station (Amtrak) from Chicago city centre
Bus28, 151 · 7m · $4 · every ~13 min
Most popular bus connections from Birmingham, AL
More options for your journey from Birmingham, AL to Chicago, IL
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Chicago, IL and Birmingham, AL
Most popular bus connections to Chicago, IL
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